Are you a proud dog owner? Then you know that along with all the love, joy, and companionship they bring, our furry friends also come with a unique set of responsibilities. One of the less glamorous aspects of pet ownership? Dealing with dog poop. Yes, it's an inevitable part of the package, but fear not! At BarkSmart, we're here to provide you with the ultimate guide to handling your dog's business like a pro.

Table of Contents

• Introduction: Why It Matters
• The Scoop on Scooping: Best Practices
• How does BarkSmart define a “really good poo”?
• Colour
• Consistency
• Contents
• Environmental Impact: Choosing Eco-Friendly Options
• Transitioning to a New Diet with BarkSmart
• How a Fresh Food Diet Enhances Gut Health and Poop Quality
• FAQ's
• Conclusion

Why It Matters?

If you're a dog owner, you're probably well acquainted with the less glamorous aspects of pet ownership—chief among them, picking up after your furry friend. But beyond being an inconvenience, proper waste disposal is essential for public health and environmental reasons.

Did you know that dog waste can contain harmful bacteria and parasites that pose risks to humans and wildlife alike?

While we may not like to talk about it, everybody poos! This, of course, includes our trustworthy canine companions. In fact, many owners are quite familiar with their fluffy friends’ stools, thanks to the fact that they are the ones picking them up and disposing of them on every walk. While ‘poo patrol’ may seem like a thankless task, it can actually provide some invaluable insight into our dogs’ overall health.

How does BarkSmart define a “really good poo”?

Colour

In the world of doggie doo, there's a fair bit of normal colour variation, often depending on what your furry friend has chowed down on recently. Some folks freak out when they spot green poops, but chill out - it could just mean your pup's been munching on grass the day before. Generally, all shades of brown are A-OK, but keep an eye out for these not-so-normal hues:

White: If your dog's dropping a pale one, it's a sign that something's up with their digestive system, maybe in the liver or gallbladder department. Best to get that checked out pronto.

Red: Even a few specks of red ain't right. It could be a hint of blood, which could mean anything from pesky parasites to anal gland issues. A vet visit is definitely in order.

Black: When the poo turns black and gooey, it's a sign of bleeding from higher up in the digestive tract, like the stomach. The blood's been processed, turning it from red to black.

Bright yellow: Sometimes, this sunny shade can signal a liver glitch. Although, I once came across a Labrador pup with yellow poo, and turns out, he just had a bit too much fun with Crayola crayons!

Keep an eye on your pup's poo palette, and if anything seems off, it's always best to get it checked by the vet.

Consistency

Hard stools can be difficult and uncomfortable for your dog to pass and may also indicate dehydration. Raw diets have a high moisture content, helping greatly with their hydration levels.

Some first timers can struggle with the change due to bone being introduced to their diet– it can be helpful to add a small amount of coconut oil (try ½ a teaspoon per meal) to assist with passing while their systems are adjusting.

The consistency of your dog’s stools should be firm and easy to pick up. Stools that are large and sloppy can be common in dogs that are fed diets high in carbohydrates and processed diets.

Diarrhoea is a clear indicator your dog has eaten, or been exposed to, something that may have disagreed with them; it could also be a change to a high fat diet or treat. Watery diarrhoea can be a sign of stress or infection and can also lead to dehydration. If your dog is an adult, you should fast them for 6 – 12 hours and allow their gut to rest and heal (it is not recommended to fast a growing puppy – seek vet advice).

Monitor them closely and if diarrhoea continues for more than 12 hours, consult your vet. Stools that consist of both firm and soft parts can be an indicator of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or when your dog may be struggling to absorb all necessary nutrients from their food. Chat with your vet to determine the cause and consider a consultation with a qualified animal nutritionist once you have a diagnosis.

Probiotics and an evolutionary diet are very beneficial for dogs with IBS

Hard stool  can be due to:

• Dehydration or reduced fluid intake
• A lack of fibre in the diet
• A medical condition such as a pelvic injury or neurological disorder

Sloppy stool  may occur because of:

• A bacterial imbalance in the gut
• A dietary sensitivity or allergy
• A dog eating something they shouldn’t have (such as rich human food or bones)
•  A medical condition such as liver disease or a viral infection

Contents

You may see some interesting contents in your dog’s poop from time to time – grass, leaves, rocks, parts of their toys, but you shouldn’t be seeing worms.

Worms present in your dog’s diet can be picked up in exposed environments (eg. the dog park). They can be an indication of infection so ensure to pop into your vet and find the right worming medication for your pup. 

It’s also common to find grass in your pup’s stools which can also be indicated by a green stool. If you find that mucous is coating the stool (like a sausage skin), this may mean a bacterial infection is present and your dog’s digestive system is trying to get rid of something.

Monitor for a few days and if it continues it’s time to visit your vet. Stools with a greasy sheen to them can be a sign of too much fat in the diet or the pancreas not digesting fat properly, meaning a vet check or a slight change in diet. Red streaks coating the stool are an indicator of bleeding and again, requires veterinary attention.

The Scoop on Scooping: Best Practices

Be Prepared

Always carry poop bags whenever you're out with your dog. This ensures you're ready to clean up any messes, whether you're on a walk around the neighbourhood or a trip to the park.

Scoop Promptly

Don't wait until the end of your walk to clean up after your dog. Scoop the poop as soon as it happens to prevent any accidental mishaps or spreading of bacteria.

Dispose Properly

After picking up your dog's waste, be sure to dispose of it properly. Look for designated waste bins or receptacles in your area. If you're at home, dispose of it in your regular trash bin, but never flush it down the toilet.

Clean Up at Home

Even if your dog does their business in your yard, it's essential to regularly clean up after them. Use a pooper scooper or shovel to collect waste, and dispose of it in the trash. This helps keep your yard clean and prevents the buildup of harmful bacteria.

Double Bagging

For extra security, consider double-bagging your dog's waste. This not only helps contain odours but also reduces the risk of leaks or tears in the bag.

Environmental Impact: Choosing Eco-Friendly Options

The Environment Is Nature's Gift

At BarkSmart, we're committed to promoting responsible pet ownership and minimising our environmental footprint. That's why we offer eco-friendly poop bags made from biodegradable materials. These bags break down naturally over time, reducing plastic waste in landfills and oceans.

Pros

• Biodegradability: Eco-friendly poop bags are typically made from biodegradable materials, such as cornstarch or plant-based plastics. This means they break down naturally over time, reducing the amount of plastic waste in landfills and oceans.
• Reduced Pollution: Traditional plastic bags can take hundreds of years to decompose, leading to pollution in our environment. By opting for biodegradable poop bags, you're helping to mitigate this problem and protect wildlife and ecosystems.
• Sustainable Sourcing: Many eco-friendly poop bags are made from renewable resources, such as corn or sugarcane. This reduces reliance on fossil fuels and supports more sustainable agricultural practices.

Cons

• Biodegradability: Eco-friendly poop bags are typically made from biodegradable materials, such as cornstarch or plant-based plastics. This means they break down naturally over time, reducing the amount of plastic waste in landfills and oceans.
• Reduced Pollution: Traditional plastic bags can take hundreds of years to decompose, leading to pollution in our environment. By opting for biodegradable poop bags, you're helping to mitigate this problem and protect wildlife and ecosystems.
• Sustainable Sourcing: Many eco-friendly poop bags are made from renewable resources, such as corn or sugarcane. This reduces reliance on fossil fuels and supports more sustainable agricultural practices.

How a Fresh Food Diet Enhances Gut Health and Poop Quality

Switching to a fresh food diet like BarkSmart can do wonders for your dog's gut health and poop quality.BarkSmart's vet-formulated healthy dog food is crafted with carefully selected ingredients to nourish your dog from the inside out.

Packed with fresh, wholefood nutrients, BarkSmart meals are gently cooked and more easily absorbed into your dog's system compared to high-carbohydrate or highly-processed diets. This promotes overall health and results in smaller, firmer poops.

Your dog's microbiome, comprising microorganisms in their digestive tract, plays a crucial role in their immune system, hormone regulation, and gut-brain axis. A healthy gut doesn't just mean better poops—it also means improved overall health and wellbeing.

Want a handy guide to reference? We've created a consolidated chart that breaks down poop colour, consistency, and smell—so you'll always know what to do after a questionable number 2!

Conclusion

Cleaning up after your dog may not be glamorous, but it's essential. By scooping the poop and disposing of it properly, you're not only being considerate to your neighbors but also protecting public health and the environment. With BarkSmart's guidance, you'll be a responsible pet owner and a poop-scooping pro in no time!

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