[Veterinarian's explanation] Don't overlook it! Signs in your dog or cat's poop
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Top » Column » [Veterinarian's explanation] Don't overlook it! Signs in your dog or cat's poop
Defecation is an essential part of daily life and is an important indicator of your health.
Check your dog or cat's health by checking the condition of their poop every day, and if you notice any abnormalities, take them to the vet immediately!
In addition, Bow Wow Place offers a wide range of food snacks and care products that contain the nutrients needed to stay healthy.
Please use the correct information to help maintain the health of your beloved dog or cat!
1. What is good poop for your beloved dog or cat?
◆ Color
If your dog is healthy, his poop will be brown in color.
If the color of your stool changes because you ate vegetables and other foods that were not digested and were excreted, there is no need to worry too much.
If your stool color changes regardless of diet, you should be concerned.
If the urine is red and mixed with fresh blood, bleeding from the large intestine or anus is suspected.
If the color is black, it suggests that the blood has oxidized after bleeding and turned black, which suggests bleeding from the stomach or small intestine.
If the stool is white and the stool itself is discolored, there may be an underlying problem with the pancreas or other organs, so caution is advised.
Also, if you notice white, string-like objects in your pet's poop, this could be a parasite, so you should also be careful.
◆ Shape
The ideal poop is well-formed, firm and not too soft.
Stool that is too hard may be a sign of constipation or lack of water.
If constipation is left untreated, it may develop into a condition called "megacolon," so if it persists, you should take your pet to a veterinary hospital.
Soft stools or diarrhea may be a sign of infection with bacteria, viruses, protozoa, parasites, etc., or a food allergy.
If symptoms persist, visit a veterinarian.
Particular care is required with puppies and kittens, as dehydration caused by diarrhea can worsen their overall condition.
◆ Quantity
Many people think that if their baby is producing little poop, it may be due to constipation, but in fact, having too much poop is not good either.
If the amount is too large, your food may not be digested and absorbed properly.
If you feel like your pet is producing more poop than it is eating, you may want to consider changing its food.
However, if you suddenly change your pet's food, it may cause shock to its stomach and lead to symptoms such as diarrhea, so if you do change its food, do so gradually over a period of about a week.
2. What can be found through hospital tests
◆ Microscopic examination
By examining the collected feces under a microscope, we can examine the balance of intestinal flora and the presence or absence of parasites.
Parasites may not be detected in a single test, so multiple tests may be conducted.
◆ Genetic testing (real-time PCR testing)
If a viral or bacterial infection is suspected, real-time PCR testing may be performed using outsourced testing.
We check for pathogenic infection and decide or change the medication to be used.
If a highly contagious pathogen is detected, it may be necessary to temporarily isolate your pet from other dogs or cats.
Some viruses, such as canine parvovirus, can be measured with a simple kit, so we may perform tests using kits in-house.
◆ Ultrasound and endoscopic examinations
If it is determined that a more detailed examination of the abdomen is necessary, not only stool tests but also ultrasound and endoscopic examinations will be performed.
An ultrasound scan will be used to check the shape of the intestines and to see if there are any swollen lymph nodes in the abdomen.
Endoscopy is an examination performed under general anesthesia in which a biopsy is taken of a portion of intestinal tissue for pathological examination.
In addition, the camera attached to the endoscope is used to check the color of the mucous membranes of the stomach and intestines.
Blood tests
Blood tests may also be performed along with an ultrasound scan.
Since digestive symptoms can be related to various organs, tests are often performed over a wide range of items.
Particularly important factors include the presence or absence of anemia, the amount of protein in the blood, and liver values.
3. How to maintain good bowel movements
◆ Eat foods that suit your constitution
The most important thing is to eat a good, balanced diet.
Pay attention to the color and amount of poop and the condition of your dog or cat's fur to find the right food for them!
Depending on your pet's constitution, it may have an allergic reaction to certain proteins and develop enteritis, so if digestive symptoms persist for a long time, you may need to consult with your veterinarian and start using a therapeutic diet.
◆ Take proper precautions
Even if you take care to prevent your dog from eating the wrong food, there is still a chance that he may become infected with parasites if he ingests another dog's feces while on a walk.
Some once-monthly heartworm, flea, and tick preventative medications can also prevent gastrointestinal parasites, so it would be reassuring to use these types of medications as preventative measures.
Reduce stress
Too much stress can also cause gastrointestinal symptoms.
By actively communicating with your dog or cat through moderate exercise, etc., you can help them relieve stress while you're away from home.
Summary If you are looking for additive-free dog food or cat food, come to Bow Wow Place!
This time we explained in detail about your beloved dog or cat's poop.
It is very important to observe the condition of your dog or cat's poop every day and detect any abnormalities early.
If you notice any abnormalities, consult with your veterinarian as soon as possible. When you visit the veterinary clinic, we recommend that you bring along a sample of the abnormal stool!
At Bow Wow Place, we offer a wide range of additive-free, safe and secure dog and cat food.
If you are looking for a safe place to dine with your partner, please check out Bow Wow Place.
