Checking Your Dog's Stool: What to Look for when Your Dog Poops

Chances are you don't want to sit there and check your dog's poop. You want to do a grab and dispose, preferably without looking at it up close. Although unpleasant, checking your dog's stool carefully can actually be advantageous for evaluating your pet's health. Knowing what to look for can help you determine whether your dog's stool is normal or if there is cause for a trip to the vet.

Blood

There are many reasons why your dog could have blood in his stool, among those being parasites, an infection, cancer or a cut by his anus. If there is a substantial amount of blood in his stool, call the vet for an appointment. If there is a very small amount, there is no reason for panic. Keep an eye out for it the next time he goes to the bathroom. If there is more blood the second time, note the amount of it and call the vet to see about scheduling an appointment. Take the sample with you to the vet.

Parasites

Some dogs that have parasites may show no symptoms while others may experience symptoms such as vomiting, weight loss and diarrhea. If your dog has a parasite, it is possible to see the adult parasite in the feces, however, it's important to note that you may not always be able to see them. If you suspect your dog has a parasite, it's important to take him and the stool sample to the vet who can look at the sample under a microscope to evaluate for things the human eye won't be able to see.

Foreign Objects

It's no secret that dog's eat things that they're not supposed to. You've probably heard stories of dogs eating rings, coins, string and several other strange objects. If you see a foreign object in your dog's poop, it doesn't mean that everything is out; there could very well be objects still left inside. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, call the vet and keep the sample to take with you.

As a dog owner, you should know what your dog's poop typically looks like so you can notice if anything changes, such as the consistency. Make sure to check your dog's stool each time he goes to the bathroom to look for anything that may be a sign of an issue. The sooner you notice anything different, the faster your dog gets help if there is a problem.