Five Dimensions of Feces Observation
Observing dog feces requires comprehensive judgment from five dimensions: 'color, shape, amount, frequency, odor'. Healthy adult dog feces are yellow-brown (can be light yellow or dark brown due to food influence), cylindrical in shape, diameter about 1-2cm (matching dog size), hardness similar to tightly squeezed plasticine, with only slight residue at the bottom when picked up.
"Feces are the most direct indicator reflecting dog digestive system health status. Daily observation can help owners detect health problems early." - Pet Nutritionist
Abnormal Color Warning Signals
If feces are tar-like black (similar to road asphalt), it may indicate stomach or small intestine bleeding, common in gastric ulcers and parasite infections; fresh red blood on feces surface is mostly rectal or anal bleeding, like hemorrhoids or anal fissures. If accompanied by diarrhea, be alert to parvovirus or coccidiosis; gray-white feces may indicate bile duct obstruction, where bile cannot enter the intestines, requiring medical attention within 24 hours.
Feces shape changes better reflect intestinal status: 'sheep pellet' feces (dry and hard, granular) are mostly due to insufficient water intake (50-100ml water per kg body weight daily) or lack of dietary fiber. Can add 10% boiled pumpkin (peeled) or oatmeal to dog food, continuous 3-5 days can improve.
Response Methods for Different Forms
Pasty feces (not formed but can pile up) may indicate mild indigestion, can fast for 12 hours then feed probiotics (take according to weight, e.g., 1g for 5kg dog each time); watery diarrhea (completely liquid) requires immediate fasting and water restriction, timely oral rehydration salts (prevent dehydration), and send feces sample to hospital for testing to rule out viral infection or bacterial overgrowth.
Feces frequency and odor also have reference value: adult dogs 1-2 times daily, puppies 3-4 times daily is normal. If suddenly increases to more than 4 times daily or no bowel movement for 2 days, be alert to disease; healthy feces have slight odor, if odor is abnormally foul (similar to decay), may indicate protein indigestion or intestinal infection.
Daily Observation Recommendations
Experienced pet owners can observe dog defecation at fixed times daily, recommend 30 minutes after morning feeding, when abnormal signals can be captured more accurately. Sour odor may indicate excessive carbohydrate intake, requiring dietary structure adjustment.
Regularly record dog's defecation situation, including time, frequency, color, shape, etc., to better detect abnormal changes. If abnormalities are found, consult veterinarian promptly, don't self-medicate to avoid delaying treatment.