'I'm a pet nutritionist - here's what your dog's poop says about their health'
Picking up after your dog isn't a pleasant job but it is worth inspecting what they have left behind for health reasons
Owning a dog comes with so many joys. Watching them grow from a puppy into a full blown canine, bringing them on family holidays, hearing their first bark, and maybe even dressing them up for birthday, Christmases, or Easters.
However, there are some aspects of ownership that aren't so glamorous. For most dog owners, although they might not like it, and it may even turn their stomach, scooping poop is simply part of the daily routine.
And while many owners may not give a second thought to this rather unenjoyable task, experts say there is a lot you can find out about your dog's health just by taking a quick look at their stool.
Veterinary specialists at Pure Pet Food are encouraging owners to take notice of any changes or abnormalities in their dog's stool before discarding it, as it could provide vital clues about their digestive health.
"While you don't need to dig around in your dog's poop, knowing what's normal for your dog makes it easier to spot when something's off," Emma Passman, qualified pet nutritionist at Pure Pet Food, explained.
"A change in their stool may be the first sign that their food isn't agreeing with them, or even that they are experiencing a health issue.
"Since many dogs happily eat whatever is put in front of them, these symptoms can be the only clue that their diet is not agreeing with them and that a change is needed."
With this in mind, and owners perhaps starting to pay more attention to their furry friend's sensitive stomach, Emma has shared four key signs when cleaning up after your dog that it might be time to shake up their diet.
Shape and consistency
"A healthy stool should be firm, sausage-shaped, and easy to pick up in one piece," Emma said. "If it's too soft, crumbly, or constantly changing from one day to the next, it could be a sign your pooch's gut isn't happy.
"This kind of inconsistency is often linked to sensitive stomachs and may be triggered by rich, fatty or overly processed foods. Switching to a simpler, natural diet will help bring things back into balance."
Colour
"A dog's stool should typically be a deep brown," Emma pointed out.
"But if it regularly appears pale brown, yellow, orange, or black, it could indicate an underlying issue."
She warned: "Pale stools may suggest fat digestion problems, while black ones could point to internal bleeding. Yellow or greasy-looking waste might mean your dog's stomach isn't absorbing nutrients properly.
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"If you spot any of these changes, it's worth reviewing their diet and consulting a vet."
Strong smells
"All dog poo has a scent, but a dramatic change in odour, especially if it's sharp or sour, can mean something in your dog's diet isn't sitting well with them," Emma went on to point out.
"Strong odours may be caused by poor-quality ingredients or excess fat in their meals. Choosing a food made with fresh, natural ingredients will reduce digestive strain and lead to less offensive clean-ups."
Slime or mucus
Occasionally, you may notice mucus or a shiny coating on your dog's stool.
"This can be a sign of digestive tract inflammation, often caused by food intolerances or infections," Emma said.
"While not always a serious concern, repeated occurrences should be noted.
"A hypoallergenic diet may help calm the irritation and improve your dog's gut health."
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