What Your Pet's Poop Is Trying To Tell You
Did you know you could learn a lot about your pet’s health by paying attention to their poop? It's a little gross, but being familiar with your furry friend's fecal matter can help them stay healthy and alert you to potentially serious health issues.
At Silicon Valley Pet Clinic & Urgent Care in San Jose, we believe that routine exams and keeping vaccinations up to date are significant factors in keeping your pet peppy. However, there are times when things happen that are beyond your control. This is where taking a peek at the poop can alert you if a visit to the veterinarian is in order. If you're on the fence and thinking, “I need to call a veterinarian near me,” read on for some more information about what your pet's poop is telling you.
What Does Healthy Poop Look Like?
All pets are different. This includes bowel movements. Generally, though, a healthy movement will be well-formed, semi-firm, not wet, greasy, or contain mucus, blood, or parasites. In dogs, the color should be light to dark brown. Cat poop, on the other hand, should be grayish-brown.
When To Be Concerned About Your Pets' Poop
The color and consistency of your pet's poop can tip you off about specific issues.
• Green - indicates a general digestive issue. Dogs often eat grass when they have bellyaches, which could be the cause. Sometimes a virus will cause green-tinged poop as well.
• Yellow - This color can be caused by liver or pancreatic disease.
• Black or dark red - this can be a signal that there's internal bleeding.
• Runny, smelly, or soft - any combination of these symptoms can be a sign of infection, poor nutrition, or a reaction to medication.
• No poop at all - if your pet seems to be struggling to go and does not, this could be a sign that they ingested something that is causing an obstruction. Small toys, string, rocks, and corn cobs can get lodged in the intestines. This requires immediate medical attention and possibly surgery to remove the object.
Contact Our Animal Hospital
If you're looking for a veterinary hospital in San Jose, Silicon Valley Pet Clinic & Urgent Care is happy to help. Our friendly staff is ready to answer any questions you may have. Give us a call at 408-248-3844 or visit our website.