Is My Dog’s Stool Normal or abnormal?
A quick inspection of your dog’s poop should be able to tell you’re their health condition. Whereas it’s normal to see some mucus in the stool, it’s alarming if there is excessive mucus accompanied by blood.
If you haven’t been conducting a stool inspection for your pet, then it’s time you put more effort into this consideration. The habit will not help you detect arising issues in time, but also save your life in case of dire medical conditions. Your dog’s poop communicates a lot of things about them including what they ate and the presence of parasites in their digestive system.
Is There Anything like Normal Mucus?
Yes, every dog stool exhibits some mucus on a frequent basis. However, knowing how to differentiate between normal and abnormal is what’s important. Normal mucus tends to be like a clear jelly mixed with poop, like an outer covering or even white in some incidences. Therefore, anything far from this should be a cause for alarm.
However, mucus becomes a concern when it comes out in excessive with the presence of blood and with other symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, and fatigue.
I see blood in my dog’s poop
If you happen to notice some traces of blood in your dog’s stool, chances are there were some changes in their diet, they have dietary issues or even experiencing stressful situations. Other significant causes of blood in stool range from hemorrhagic, intestinal parasites to gastroenteritis. All these require a proper diagnosis from your vet. Also, fresh-looking bright red blood is an indication of colon/rectum problems. Consequently, a tarry stool exhibits upper intestinal issues. If there are other symptoms following the presence of blood in your pet’s stool, call the vet immediately.
Diagnosis and treatment
Your veterinarian will have to conduct a thorough check-up to reveal any underlying issues. Also, the procedure includes checking their poop. Other advanced diagnostics might take place depending on the symptoms.
After that, your vet will administer treatment to your dog depending on their condition. Therefore, it’s advisable to carry with you a sample of your pet’s fresh stool. In some rare cases, you might have to undergo an emergency surgical procedure. Most of the time, this happens if there is a foreign obstruction in their digestive tract.
Home care
After your pet is released from the hospital, you will have to take care of them to ensure a quick recovery. Your vet will share all the necessary after-treatment tips with you.