The Scoop on Poop
Dog poop is hardly a subject for the squeamish but since we are what we eat, and so are our dogs, it is a subject that can help us understand what is going on with our dogs.
The ideal, is feces that is dark brown and, depending on the size of the dog, resembles "Tootsie Rolls". It should be firm and tubular. This is the normal consistency and desired color.
So, what if it is like little brown nuggets? That would mean your dog is a bit constipated. Make sure plenty of water is available and, if the condition persists, add a little bacon grease to his meal. By "little", I mean about ½ a teaspoon. Too much will cause loose stools.
Ok, what if the
stool is
loose? If it is the normal brown color and pudding like, it usually means the dog overate or ate something that didn't quite agree with him. If it is
loose and yellow, it could mean infection or a parasite.
If it is
loose and black,, it may mean blood is in the stool.
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The main concern with very loose stools is dehydration. You need to stop it right away. It is especially dangerous in young puppies and older dogs. I give my dogs Immodium and stop all food for 18 to 24 hours. You may have to give the Immodium a couple of times over a 24 hour period. The idea is to let the gut rest. Make sure plenty of fresh water is available. To test for dehydration, pull a little skin up on the back of the neck. If the dog is properly hydrated, the skin will immediately fall back into place. If the dog is getting dehydrated the skin will fall back slowly. If this happens, contact your vet.
If, after 18 hours the loose stools have stopped, try feeding a small amount of white rice flavored with some boiled chicken. (You can use canned chicken.) Give only about 1/3 of what the dog would normally eat. If the dog tolerates that meal without having a loose stool, increase the amount of the same rice and chicken mix the next meal. Then gradually add the dog's normal kibble back a little at a time.
Basically:
1st day - no food, only water and Immodium as needed
2nd day - small amount of chicken and rice
3rd day - medium amount of chicken and rice
4th day - ½ chick and rice and ½ normal kibble
5th day - all normal kibble.
Cautions: If the dog is vomiting, call your vet. If the dog is lethargic, call your vet. These can be signs of serious illness.
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You are what you eat indeed.
There is much discussion about the pros and cons of various dog foods. But there are several guidelines. First, make sure that you feed a food that has 100% complete nutrition. Generally the more expensive, or premium brands have less filler. The less filler you have, the more of the food is used by the body and the less stool you have on your yard. When you only have one dog, no big deal. If you have multiple dogs, this can be very important.
I have also found that what you feed affects how your dog smells and also how the feces smell. No feces smells good but some smells really, really bad. What is in the food you feed determines that.
Many people feed lots of supplements. Generally, I don't. I feed a premium food that is formulated for skin and coat condition and I don't have to add anything to it.
There is a lot of discussion about feeding a raw diet to dogs. This consists of various raw foods, usually including chicken. The theory is that dogs would eat raw in the wild. However there is potential exposure to salmonella, a very dangerous bacteria, in raw chicken.
Some people cook special diets for their dogs. It is very hard to get the right balance of meat, vegetables and other nutrients correct. The dog food companies have gone to great expense and research to create a balanced diet. Use them.
I recommend dry kibble with a little water on top. Canned dog foods have too much sugar in them and are not as good for the dog's teeth.
Check the ingredients on the dog food bag. Older dogs don't need, and shouldn't have as much protein as younger, more active, dogs. A lot of protein is not good for the kidneys of older dogs
Not every dog food works for every dog. Just like people, some dogs are allergic to things in some foods, like beef or corn or wheat. And even if they aren't allergic, some dogs just do better on certain foods than others.
Here at LenLear Springers, we feed a combination of Nutro Natural Choice Lamb and Rice mixed with Nutro Lite. We have older, not-so-active dogs that tend to put on a little extra weight. It works for us.
Zippy Cooper - LenLear Springers
LenLear Springers doesn't endorse a brand of dog food. We only tell you what we use. If you have questions about your dog's health or symptoms, consult your vet.
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