This is probably one of the least appealing parts of owning a pet. But poop comes with the territory and it’s important to be aware of what is going on with your pet’s body. Your furry friend can’t tell you that they aren’t feeling well, so it is up to you to take note of all the physical signs that something is wrong. And a good indicator of illness is poop.
Types of Bowl Movements
- Normal – should be moist, have a mild Odor and be firm.
- Kibble-fed – these poops will be larger and smellier
- Raw – less odor, smaller, and firmer.
- Raw High in Calcium or Bone – Chalky and white poop, could also be a sign of obstipation (a.k.a severe constipation). Your veterinarian should be contacted if you notice this.
Diarrhea
- Soft with no visible blood or mucous – This could very simply be that they ate something they shouldn’t have. On the other hand
it could mean a parasite such as gardia is present. - Greasy and grey – This is a sign of too much fat in your pet’s diet, which can lead to inflammation of the pancreas. This could be life threatening.
- Black – This can indicate blood in their digestive track.
- Watery – Can be induced by stress, parasites, or a virus.
- Containing Mucous – If there is mucous, a parvovirus or parasite is more then likely the culprit.
- Watery with visible eggs or worms – A very obvious indication that your pet has parasites
A veterinarian should be contact in all cases to either discuss dietary changes or to seek diagnosis and treatment.
Foods to Absolutely Stay Away From
- Foods such as garlic, onions, chives and shallots
- Grapes, raisins and currants
- Raw bread dough
- Alcohol
- Anything sweetened with xylitol
Please think about what kind of table foods you are giving you pet. If any of these foods were ingested please call your veterinarian.
