Dog Poop 101

We love our dogs to the end of the world and back. They’re the best companions we could ever ask for, and they’re a joy to have. From cuddling to walking, our dogs provide joy nothing else can — but, there are some parts of responsible dog ownership that aren’t ideal.

One such area is picking up dog poop. A hassle and a gross reality, every pup poops. Because of this, it’s actually one of the best ways to understand and learn more about your dog’s health. 

Dog poop is one of the best ways to gauge our dog’s health. It’s one of the only things that come out of your pup — and with it, clues about how your dog is feeling.

Using the same factors veterinarians use, owners are able to gauge their pet’s health at home and bring their vet a more educated diagnosis. However, vets are the only ones who can do a full examination of why there is something off with your pup. When you bring your dog in, they may ask for a sample of the stool. To bring in a sample simply:

1. Wear protective, disposable gloves.
2. Take pictures of poop as it is on the ground.
3. Put the poop into a plastic bag meant to carry dog poop.
4. If the poop is watery, gather as much as possible and ensure photos have been taken.
5. Tie the bag off.
6. Put the bag into an airtight shallow container (Tupperware works).
7. Refrigerate if not heading directly to the vet.

4 C’s of Dog Poop

In order to understand how dog poop indicates a pup’s current wellbeing, it’s essential to know the “4 C’s of Dog Poop.” These are the same metrics veterinarians look at when assessing a stool sample. They are as follows:

• Color
• Consistency 
• Content
• Coating

Colors

First, different colors can indicate different ailments. Black stool can mean your dog is having digestive issues. Green stool can mean your dog is eating grass excessively. 

Consistency

Next, consistency is a major indicator of diet. Less-firm stool can mean your dog is sick, while hard stool means they need water. 

Content

Third, your pup’s poop content is an obvious way to tell what their health is doing. If you find some fur or traces of food in your dog’s stool things are likely normal — anything more could indicate a health problem.

Coating

Lastly, a dog’s poop coating is the fourth “C” you should review. Any sort of sticky film means your dog isn’t digesting properly. The easiest way to tell if there is some sort of coating on a stool is to look at the grass after you pick it up. Excessive reminisce indicates a coating is present. 

If any of these “C’s” cause alarm, call your vet. For a more detailed look at how dog poop can be a key indicator of your dog’s health, review this information by Gallant to become a more responsible dog owner.