As pet parents, we're all familiar with the routine of grabbing a poop bag before heading out for walkies with our four-legged friends. But have you ever taken a moment to actually look at what you're picking up? While it might not be the most glamorous aspect of caring for your dog, your furry companion's waste can provide valuable insights into their overall health and wellbeing. 

Why monitoring matters 

Just like us humans, our dogs' digestive systems reflect their internal health. Changes in stool appearance, consistency, or frequency can be helpful indicators of how your pup's gut microbiome is functioning. Being observant about these changes means you can support your dog's digestive health proactively and ensure their gut bacteria remain balanced for optimal health. 

What healthy dog poo looks like 

Let's start with what's considered "normal" – healthy dog stool is typically brown in colour, has a firm but not hard consistency (think Play-Doh texture), and maintains its shape when picked up. It shouldn't contain visible undigested food, blood, or mucus, and shouldn't have an overwhelmingly foul odour (though let's be honest, it's never going to smell pleasant!). 

Decoding your dog's deposits 

Colour matters 

The colour of your dog's stool can tell you quite a lot about what's happening inside: 

Consistency clues 

The firmness of your dog's stool can reveal much about their digestive health:

• Firmer, dry stools often point to hydration levels or slower transit time
• Softer or liquid stools suggest faster movement through the digestive system, which can happen for numerous reasons including excitement or dietary change
• Mucus-covered stools might indicate a sensitive digestive tract 

Composition considerations 

What's in the poo matters too: 

Common stool changes and what they mean 

Occasional soft stools 

Occasional loose stools happen to even the healthiest dogs, often from eating something new or exciting. Short episodes typically resolve on their own with proper hydration and gentle foods. If you notice this continues beyond a day or two, maintaining proper gut flora with probiotics can help restore balance. 

Common influences include: 

Firmer stools 

If your dog seems to be working a bit harder than usual during their bathroom break, they might be experiencing firmer stools. This can relate to: 

The occasional toot 

While the occasional doggy toot is normal (and sometimes amusing!), frequent gas can indicate digestive opportunities like: 

Supporting your dog's digestive health 

Promoting good digestive health is easy and can become part of your regular routine with your furry friend. Here are some ways to keep things running smoothly: 

Nutrition is key 

A balanced, high-quality diet appropriate for your dog's age, size, and activity level is wonderful for digestive support. Many dogs benefit from: 

Probiotic and prebiotic support 

Research shows that maintaining a healthy gut microbiome is essential for proper digestion and stool formation. Probiotics (beneficial bacteria) and prebiotics (food for these bacteria) work together to support digestive health. 

Our Zesty Paws Probiotic Chews contain a science-backed blend that supports your dog's digestive system naturally: 

Made with ingredients like pumpkin, linseed and rosemary, these chews provide wholesome digestive support with ingredients you can feel good about. This unique combination works synergistically to support your dog's digestive system, helping to maintain proper stool consistency and quality.

For dogs with sensitive tummies or occasional dodgy tummy issues, these ingredients can make a noticeable difference in their digestive comfort and poo consistency. 

Hydration helps 

Fresh water should always be available to your dog. Good hydration ensures smooth passage of food through the digestive tract and helps maintain proper stool consistency. Some dogs may not drink enough water naturally, so consider adding a splash of water to dry food or providing a doggy drinking fountain to encourage hydration. 

Regular exercise 

Physical activity promotes healthy bowel movements and helps maintain proper digestive transit time. Daily walks and play sessions aren't just fun – they're fantastic for digestive health and overall wellbeing! Even a quick 15-minute walk twice daily can make a significant difference to your dog's digestive function and gut motility. 

Natural support options 

Many pet parents find that gentle, natural supplements can help maintain optimal digestive health: 

The bottom line 

While it might not be dinner table conversation, being observant about your dog's potty habits is a simple yet valuable part of pet parenthood. Understanding what's normal for your dog helps you support their digestive wellbeing and maintain a balanced gut microbiome for overall health. 

When to chat with your vet 

Your vet is always happy to discuss your dog's digestive health. Consider having a conversation if you notice: 

So next time you're out with your poop bag, take a quick peek – it's one more way to stay connected with your dog's overall wellbeing and gut health!