Dog Poop and the Art of Stool Gazing
Dogs can't text (yet). And they definitely can’t verbalize their feelings or describe ailments (which makes it challenging for dog parents to identify health issues promptly).
However, there is one valuable biomarker of our dogs’ overall health we may be missing each day — their poop.
Believe it or not, poop offers us an unfiltered glimpse into their internal health. Analyzing your dog's feces (or Stool Gazing) can provide early warnings of various health concerns, such as digestive issues, dehydration, or other serious illnesses. Odd as it may seem, monitoring your dog's bowel movements may lead to a timely intervention that can significantly impact their quality of life and longevity.
What Is Stool Gazing?
Stool gazing, also known as fecal examination, is an ancient practice that involves analyzing the appearance and content of stools to assess an individual's health. While it might sound unappealing at first, it has been an essential diagnostic tool in traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine.
In these practices, the color, shape, and consistency of the stool are considered essential indicators of an individual's overall health. Any deviations from the norm can signal imbalances in the body or potential health issues. In many cases, this simple observation has helped identify health problems long before they become apparent through other symptoms.
While stool gazing might not be a widely accepted or practiced method in modern Western medicine, it does underscore the significance of paying attention to bodily functions for early health detection.
Reading the Bristol Stool Chart
The Bristol Stool Chart is a medical tool used to classify human feces into seven different types, based on their appearance and consistency. While originally designed for humans, it can also be adapted for dogs, providing valuable insights into their gastrointestinal health. Let's explore the seven types:
Type 1: Separate hard lumps — these are typically indicative of constipation, which could be caused by various factors, including a lack of fiber in their diet or dehydration.
Type 2: Lumpy and sausage-like — this type is also associated with constipation, indicating a slower transit time through the colon.
Type 3: Sausage-like with cracks on the surface — this is the ideal stool type for dogs, representing a healthy and well-balanced diet.
Type 4: Smooth and snake-like — another healthy stool type, indicating a well-functioning digestive system and proper hydration.
Type 5: Soft blobs with clear-cut edges — this type could indicate that your dog's diet contains too much fiber or could be a sign of mild diarrhea.
Type 6: Mushy consistency — this could be a sign of diarrhea and may indicate an issue with food intolerance or gastrointestinal upset.
Type 7: Watery and entirely liquid — this type suggests severe diarrhea and requires immediate attention from your veterinarian.
How to Examine Your Dog's Stool Using the Bristol Stool Chart
Regular Monitoring: Start by making a habit of regularly checking your dog's poop. This will help you establish what is normal for them and quickly identify any deviations from the norm.
Consistency: Pay attention to the consistency of the stool. Healthy stools should be well-formed and easy to pick up. Abnormalities in consistency, such as extreme hardness or runniness, can provide valuable clues about your dog's health.
Color: While the Bristol Stool Chart mainly focuses on consistency, color can also be an essential factor to observe. Generally, a healthy dog's stool should be chocolate-brown in color. Unusual colors, such as black, red, or pale white, might indicate internal bleeding or liver issues.
Odor: While not explicitly part of the Bristol Stool Chart, the odor of your dog's poop can also offer valuable insights. Foul-smelling stools could indicate problems with digestion or food intolerance.
Frequency: Monitor how often your dog poops. While this can vary depending on factors such as age and diet, any significant changes in frequency could be cause for concern.
Straining: Take note of your dog's behavior while pooping. Excessive straining or visible signs of discomfort might indicate constipation or other gastrointestinal problems.
Translating Your Dog’s BMs
Now that you've examined your dog's stool using the Bristol Stool Chart, it's time to interpret the results:
Type 1 or Type 2: If your dog's stool falls into these categories, it may indicate constipation. Ensure they are adequately hydrated and consult your vet for dietary adjustments to include more fiber or a daily probiotic.
Type 3 or Type 4: Congratulations! These are the ideal stool types for dogs, indicating a healthy digestive system and balanced diet.
Type 5, Type 6, or Type 7: If your dog's stool falls into any of these categories, it may indicate diarrhea. Monitor their water intake, and if the issue persists, consult your vet to rule out any underlying health problems.
So, next time you're “scooping the poop”, take a moment to examine this insightful (slightly taboo) window into your dog's health. Regularly monitoring their bowel movements using the Bristol Stool Chart can help you identify potential health issues early to ensure timely intervention and improve their systemic health and day-to-day well-being.
If your dog’s bowel movements continue to be loose or irregular, first, reach out to your veterinarian, then consider feeding your dog a daily probiotic to support their gut microbiome, nutrient absorption, and digestive function. Our Raw Food for Weight & Digestion and our Weight & Digestion Supplement Bars both contain three scientifically studied probiotic strains (Bifidobacterium, Bacillus coagullans, and Bifidobacterium longum) to support their gastrointestinal system and microbial diversity for better Types 3 and 4 BMs.
