Recently one of my dogs developed a bad stomach and it made me realize how often times, it has been the animal’s toilet habits that have alerted us to something wrong in the animal. Even vets routinely check stools for signs of whatever is making your pet sick. Routinely this happens when your vet checks your pet for fever. The deposit on the thermometer is more often than not enough to guide your vet. Other times, fresh samples are required. As a pet owner, if you are the one who cleans up after your pet, you are able to tell the difference between healthy and unhealthy poop. Am I wrong? Hence the decision to further educate on signs to see (unwillingly perhaps) in your dog’s doo-doo.  

1.    Blood in Stools
Generally not a good sign. Commonly caused by:
(a)    Constipation
(b)    Anal Sac Infection
(c)    Intestinal problems
(d)    Parvo virus
(e)    Cancer (especially in older dogs)

Constipation is the most common cause and generally not a reason to be alarmed as a simple change in diet will cure this. Adding more fibre to their diet (for example, more greens and vegetables and less fat) is the easiest way to avoid constipation. However, if your pet’s constipation is not getting better, a visit to the vet is important, as the animal straining is not good for it. In addition, since the stools are hard, the friction can cause wounding in the anus that can lead to infections.

Anal Sac Infection is the second most common cause. Most mammals have anal glands and in dogs these are referred to as “scent glands” as this is what they use to mark territory and identify other dogs. Infections can cause severe discomfort and pain to the animal and another sign to look for is particularly foul smelling stools. Again, if you are the one cleaning up after your animal, you would be able to notice the difference in odour. Intestinal problems, such as indigestion and parasite infestations, will also cause bloody stools.

Parvo virus generally affects puppies and dogs less than a year old. What is sad to note is that sometimes, even if your pet has been vaccinated with the parvo vaccine, it can still be susceptible to the virus. I know this because it happened to one of my pups who was a little more than 5 months old. Parvo virus is a terrible disease and the chances of survival are slim. As the illness progresses, the volume of blood in its stools also increases until he/she seems to be passing blood only. If one of your dogs has parvo, it is necessary to separate it from the rest of the dogs as this is highly contagious and can be spread through direct and indirect contact with its faeces.

It is important to note that the Parvo virus is an extremely hardy virus that has been found to survive in faeces and other organic material such as soil for OVER A YEAR. It also can survive extreme cold and hot temperatures. The only household disinfectant that can effectively kill it is Bleach. Neighbours, family members and friends with dogs who have visited your home, must be informed to ensure their dogs are vaccinated or tested for immunity.


2.    Parasites in Stools
Parasitic infections afflict dogs and cats alike. Parasites include roundworms, tapeworms and hookworms. Roundworms usually attach themselves to the intestinal lining and multiply, while tapeworms release segments (which contain tapeworm eggs) that are passed with the faeces. Often you can see white specks that move around the anus of your dog or cat. This is a sign that your pet is in need of worm treatment.

The presence of parasites is unhealthy for your animal as it feeds off the nutrients in the animal’s system thereby reducing the efficacy of your animal’s immune system. At least twice a year, take your pet to the vet to have its stools checked for signs of parasites. In addition, regular worm treatment can keep parasite infections in check.

It is important to note at this point, that all animal owners must routinely take worm treatment – ideally every 6 months – as humans too can be infected by these parasites. Especially if your pets sleep on sofas or beds and occupy the same living spaces as you do. Regularly washing your hands with soap or using a hand sanitizer is also another habit every pet owner should cultivate.


3.    Green Stools
Causes:
(a)    Intestinal disorders
(b)    Parasitical infections
(c)    Ingestion of grasses
(d)    Food allergy

With dogs and cats, if they are having stomach trouble, they generally nibble on grass. In cases of cats, apart from grass, feeding them Kuppameniya (botanical name - Acalypha indica), eases stomach ailments. Ingestion of grasses may cause green stools. Your pet could also be allergic to certain ingredients present in its food. However, green stools should be checked by your vet. It could mean something worse.  

With dogs it is much easier to observe their stools but since cats are more civilized and do not leave theirs exposed, it is harder to observe colour variations. However, if your cat uses a litter box, then you would have a better chance of observing subtle (or not so subtle) changes.  Firm stools should be the norm. Do not neglect if this changes as it could be the first symptom of something that can lead to future complications.

(Written by Piumie Peiries)