What Is My Pet’s Poop Telling Me?

As a dog owner, I look at my dog's stool daily to know exactly what's going on with her body. Your dog's poop provides you with clues that will help you to determine how they are digesting their food. Is the dog healthy? Did the dog eat something they shouldn't have? Will the diamond from the wedding ring ever be recovered? (Spoiler Alert: It was never found)

Every animal is an individual and they have specific dietary requirements. Understanding what your dog’s poop is telling you will help you adjust the diet to suit their needs. We can work with you and your dog to achieve an ideal diet that produces a healthy stool.

If your pet's stool is abnormal, it is crucial to monitor them closely and bring them to the vet if required.

Small, firm stool (light brown or whitish in colour)

This is a normal, ideal poop for your dog. The odour of this stool is not offensive and it is very easy to pick up. If you step on this stool in the yard, it will dissolve into the ground. If your dog poops on a hill, you might have to put the chase on this stool.

This stool is indicative of the small amount of waste produced by a dog or cat that is using much of the nutrients they take in. All that is left is a small amount of waste.

The colour can vary depending on what your dog is eating, but the size and firmness is key when classifying a healthy poop. 

Tazz, 50lb. Bull Terrier with his stool. 

Tazz's stool. Penny for size reference.  

Tazz's stool after crushing it between 2 plates. 

A poop from a 35lb dog. Well formed and leaves no residue.  

Large, soft stool (chocolate brown in colour)

We often refer to this stool as “kibble poop”. This stool has a very offensive scent and leaves a residue when it is picked up. You’ll know when you step on one of these, as it will follow you everywhere.

The large size of this stool indicates a pet that is not fully digesting their food. The waste is full of nutrients that the body wasn’t able to absorb. This is also why your dog enjoys the kitty litter buffet. They are enjoying all of the undigested material that your cat has left for them. 

Kibble fed dog poop. 

 Kibble fed dog poop. Some formed, some loose. 

White, chalky stool

This stool is normal for a few dogs, but for most, it indicates that the dog is getting to much bone in their diet. This stool breaks apart as the pet is defecating. Every animal is an individual so it is important to determine what the cause is for each pet.

If your pet is experiencing this type of stool on a raw food diet, try reducing the amount of raw bone you are feeding. Most dogs do best on 10% digestible bone in their diet.

Dark brown, loose stool (tar-like)

This is a common stool and it definitely is not normal. Feeding too much organ meat causes this stool. This is very stinky and the tar-like appearance is hard to mistake. The best way to avoid this is to prevent it by feeding a balanced, species appropriate diet.

Organ meat should not make up any more than 10% of your pet’s diet. Ensure that liver treats are limited as they can be too rich in large amounts. If you are looking for a training treat, Domestic Carnivore can recommend something that won’t cause undesirable stool. If you are making your own raw or buying a brand not offered at Domestic Carnivore, make sure you know what the organ percentage is.

Make sure you keep track of what you are feeding your dog. It will make it easier to determine if an abnormal stool was caused by a dietary imbalance or if the pet is truly unwell. 

Blood in stool

It is important to note the colour of the blood. If your pet has blood in their stool, it is not coming from the raw meat. Bright red typically indicates that the blood is coming from the lower intestines, while darker blood means the blood is coming from further up in the GI tract. While bloody stool can be a minor issue, it can also be a symptom of a serious problem. It is best to have your dog checked out by your veterinarian, especially if bleeding continues for more than 24 hours or if it is combined with vomiting or diarrhea. 

If the blood is caused by IBS or a common upset, slippery elm bark powder can help to soothe and coat the GI tract. This is not a long-term fix and dietary changes along with digestive support supplements may be required.

Mucous in stool

Mucous is the body’s way of protecting itself from irritation. It can be caused by a diet change or upset in the GI tract due to stress, bacteria, inflammation, etc. Dogs that are detoxing from a poor diet can have large amounts of mucous pass.

Digestive enzymes and slippery elm bark powder can help to soothe the GI tract during a difficult dietary transition.

Layla was fed cooked and seasoned brisket by someone who should have known better. :) 

  

 Diarrhea vs. Loose Stool

It is important to distinguish between diarrhea and loose stool when assessing the health of your pet. Dogs and cats that are experiencing diarrhea often don't have the ability to control their bowel movements. This stool has no form and can sometimes be explosive. Your pet is likely to be dehydrated and lethargic and you should be prepared to seek veterinary advice. 

Loose stool, on the other hand, is soft and sometimes unformed, but it is usually not a medical concern. Loose stool is often controllable and while it may still warrant an urgent 3 am poop, your dog is likely to make it outside. These stools have a number of causes including stress and eating something that didn't agree with them. Diet related causes include too much fat, above ground vegetables, fruit, or poor water quality. Medications and toxins in the environment can also loosen stool. It is important to determine the cause in order to responsibly monitor the situation. 

Constipation

If your pet is straining and struggling, you may need to adjust their meals to better suit their dietary requirements. Some food items that can cause pooping difficulty include too much bone and below ground vegetables. Stress and lack of exercise can also contribute to firm stool. Dehydration is also a common cause of constipation. Dogs need moisture in order to pass waste effectively through the GI tract. 

Owners should ensure the dog is properly hydrated if a pet is having difficulty passing stool. You can also try adding a small amount of leafy, green vegetables into their diet to increase dietary fiber. Omega 3 fish oil can help to lubricate the GI tract in order to improve comfort for your dog. If the problem doesn't resolve within 24 hours, seek veterinary attention to determine the cause of the constipation.

It is important to monitor your pet’s overall health to ensure that you don’t miss a serious condition. While most owners will experience several of these examples throughout the life of their pet, veterinary care is recommended if an unhealthy poop is coupled with other symptoms or if the problem persists for longer than 24 hours. Other symptoms may include vomiting, lethargy, abnormal gum colour (pale or blue/purplish), dehydration, not drinking/eating, restlessness, increased respiratory or heart rate, etc. It’s always better to err on the side of caution than to miss a serious condition and not get to the vet on time.


Please remember to pick up your dog’s poop. Earth Rated PoopBags are available with a handy dispenser and refill rolls. Ask us about unscented and compostable options as well.

Domestic Carnivore 

244 Governors Road

Dundas, Ontario

L9H 3K2

Email: info@domesticcarnivore.ca

Phone: 289-238-8000

Website: http://www.domesticcarnivore.ca

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/domesticcarnivore

National Dental Health Month…The Raw Truth

The American Veterinary Medical Association states that over 80% of dogs and 70% of cats over 3 years of age have some form of periodontal disease. Periodontal disease has become the number one health issue for our pets. As a result, marketing teams are using this information and pet owners are being bombarded with dental chews, tablets, sprays, etc.

Responsible pet owners are continually looking for a way to keep their pet’s teeth and gums healthy, but they are also concerned with their pet’s cleanliness and odour. Owners will try anything to tackle stinky dog breath.

Why wait for a problem to exist? Prevent dental disease in your pet today. Preventative pet care is less expensive and much more pleasant for both the dog and the owner. In order to prevent a disease, we need to understand what causes it. Two of the main causes of periodontal disease are genetics and diet. While genetics can be chosen to a degree, we are generally dealing with pets that are already in a home.

Tazz showing off his pearly whites

For pets with plaque build up, the food is sticking to their teeth. The following are options that owners have to prevent and treat periodontal disease in their pets.  

Traditional Tooth Brushing

Daily teeth brushing may help to reduce the amount of plaque build up, but occasional brushing is completely ineffective. In order to yield positive results, the pet owner must brush all of the pet’s teeth to the gum line. Remember that human toothpaste can be toxic to pets and many types of toothpaste for pets are full of synthetic ingredients and chemicals. If your pet suffers from food sensitivities and/or allergies, these products might not be the best option for them.

It also takes some training to familiarize your pet with teeth brushing. A standard toothbrush can be abrasive on the pet’s gums, causing pain and discomfort. Rubber finger brushes are a softer option. Pet toothpaste is said to contain enzymes that break down the plaque, but their effectiveness is questionable. Some owners have great success with daily tooth brushing, while others see little to no benefit.

Dental Scaling at Home

This is an option that we are not permitted to recommend. The Ontario Veterinary Act specifies that any dental care, beyond the use of a toothbrush, is considered veterinary medicine. Unfortunately, that means that scaling your pet’s teeth or hiring an anesthesia free dental hygienist is illegal in Ontario.

Professional Dental Scaling

Having your pet’s teeth scaled by a veterinarian is an extremely effective way to maintain excellent oral hygiene. This method of treatment is not without risk as it involves putting your pet under anesthetic. While the risk of complications is relatively low, I only put my dog under anesthetic for mandatory treatments. Putting an otherwise healthy dog under anesthetic for routine dental cleanings is not a risk I am willing to take. Professional dental cleaning is required if your pet is having difficulty eating because of periodontal disease or if your pet requires tooth extractions. 

Rawhide and Dental Chews

These products are relatively new to the industry and their marketing has worked on millions of trusting pet owners. Domestic Carnivore would never carry these products, nor would we recommend them. I personally believe they are dangerous and ineffective. Rawhide is a by-product of the leather industry. Yes, that means your leather boots, couch, and jackets are made from a higher quality hide than what marketers are trying to feed your dog.

Chemical agents can be used during the production of rawhide. Additionally, most rawhide products are sourced outside of North America and take weeks to fully process. This leaves time for the hide to rot and many companies then bleach the finished product to make it more appealing to pet owners.

Dental chews are also formulated with a focus on human appeal. They come in a cute shape, but are ineffective in cleaning your dog’s teeth. The texture is wax-like and the idea behind them is that the pet sinks their teeth into the chew and scrapes away the plaque. In the past, I gave these chews to my dogs and they simply crunched them. The chew lasted less than a minute and there was never an opportunity for the chew to reach the top of their teeth where the plaque builds.

These chews are typically full of synthetic extracts. Synthetic vitamins and minerals aren’t recognized by the dog’s digestive system as real food, which makes it more difficult to digest. The added stress on your pet’s digestive system and organs as they try to break down these ingredients can be detrimental to their health.

Dental Sprays and Water Additives

I have had success with one dental spray, but I am very particular with the ingredients. The product I used was called Leba III and I used it for an older dog that was new to a raw diet and wasn’t using his entire mouth to chew bones. I used it twice/day for a month and I had great results. Leba III uses two types of herbs (mints and roses) that work to stimulate the enzymes present in your dog’s saliva.

Although I have not tried other sprays or water additives, I have yet to find one with ingredients that I would be comfortable with. I’m not confident that the synthetic ingredients and chemicals are safe for my pets. In fact, many of these products have warnings such as “keep out of reach of children” and “not intended for human use”. I question what would make these products “safe” for pets, but harmful for humans.

Natural Chews (Dehydrated Treats + Antlers)

Natural chews are a good option for many dogs, but their effectiveness as a dental chew will depend on the dog. Antler chews are a dense option and while a basic antler can be a long lasting chew, it can lead to broken teeth for an aggressive chewer. Split antlers are a much safer option as the dog can scrape out the marrow without trying to break the antler.

Tazz enjoys his splits elk antlers

Dehydrated chews are safe for all dogs and will help to reduce plaque in small dogs or delicate chewers. Duck feet, chicken feet, and oxtail tips are the most popular dehydrated chews, but due to their size, they are a quick snack for medium and large sized dogs.

Treats like pizzles and pig snouts are healthy options, but they will not scrape your pet’s teeth. They still offer great variety in their diet and your pet will love them.

Natural Tooth Brushing

Those of us who feed a balanced raw diet have likely noticed the dental benefits. A pre-made or ground raw diet doesn’t stick to the teeth the way processed kibble does and raw meaty bones help to eliminate the little bit of plaque that does build. How does Mother Nature take care of your dog’s oral health? First, the dog tears the meat off of the bone using their canine teeth and incisors. As they bite down and gnaw, their teeth scrape against the bone and remove any plaque build up. Dogs then use their molars and pre-molars to crunch the bones, providing a cleaning for their entire dentition. 

Choosing the Right Bones

Large Dogs

Larger dogs require larger bones. I would consider any dog over 50lbs to be a large dog. Beef neck bones, turkey necks, duck frames, and whole rabbit are excellent, fully consumable options for large dogs. Due to their density, recreational bones, like beef marrow bones should only be given to light chewers. Aggressive chewers can break their teeth on weight bearing bones of large herbivores. 

Medium Dogs

Medium sized dogs can enjoy any of the bones mentioned above as well as duck necks, lamb shanks, and goat necks.

Cats/Small Dogs

Small dogs and cats are the perfect size to enjoy just about any raw meaty bone you can find. Chicken backs, chicken necks, duck feet, chicken feet, elk ribs, and duck wings are all great options for a small carnivore. However, a larger meal like a beef neck bone or whole rabbit will give them a better dental workout.

It’s important for dogs and cats to have variety in their diet, so don’t limit them to only one type of raw meaty bone. Depending on the dog’s eating habits, a larger dog may be able to safely eat smaller bones. Many large and giant breed dogs do well with chicken backs and necks. The determining factor will be if they chew the food or if they try to inhale it.

Important Notes for Feeding Bones:

• Dogs can choke on anything (including kibble), so please monitor your pet while they enjoy bones and chews.
• Bones should never be cooked as this makes them brittle and indigestible.
• It is best to freeze any raw meat for a minimum of 3 days. Meat can contain parasites that are killed by freezing the meat for 48-72 hours. Bones are best served thawed, but they should go through a period of freezing prior to defrosting.

Conclusion

Properly caring for your pet’s teeth and gums will help to reduce the risk of diseases associated with poor oral hygiene. Along with periodontal disease, there are also studies showing a correlation between gum disease and heart disease.

As loving pet owners, we want our pets to have the best quality of life and that means keeping them happy and healthy. Visit your vet if you notice anything abnormal such as a growth, discoloured gums, loose or chipped teeth, or if your pet appears to have dental pain.

In our experience as pet owners, the most effective choice in preventing dental disease is a raw diet. Raw meaty bones are a safe and effective way to maintain healthy teeth and gums.

Domestic Carnivore will take the time to understand your pet’s needs so we can recommend an appropriate option for them. Keeping your pets happy and healthy is our passion.

Never compromise the health of your pet by falling for cleaver marketing plans. Research everything and expose yourself to differing opinions. Once you are armed with as much knowledge as possible, develop your own opinion, and be your pet’s advocate.

Remember to smile and enjoy the time you have with your pet