Diseases in Dogs Linked to Stool: Causes and Symptoms

While taking a leisurely stroll with your beloved dog, it's essential to be vigilant for any signs of abnormalities. Dogs thrive on walks, using this time for exercise and elimination, which is also a perfect opportunity to observe their health.

Should your dog's health take a turn for the worse, you might notice a reluctance to walk or a lack of enthusiasm. Additionally, the appearance of their waste during walks can provide valuable insights into their health. Pay close attention to any unusual behaviors or physical signs during your walks.

Monitoring Your Dog's Limbs:

Gait: Look out for a wobbly walk, dragging feet, or unusual leg movements that might indicate health issues.

Observing Expressions and Movements:

Mood: A lack of energy or enthusiasm could signal health concerns.

Analyzing Waste:

Urination: Note the color, clarity, and volume of urine. Abnormalities such as redness, cloudiness, or a change in color can indicate health problems.

Red Urine: This could be a sign of blood in the urine, possibly due to bladder inflammation, kidney or urinary tract stones, or other conditions like heartworm disease or onion poisoning.

Cloudy Urine: This might suggest an infection in the urinary tract, such as cystitis.

Shiny Urine: This could indicate crystalline deposits in the urine, which may lead to bladder stones if left untreated.

Diluted or Concentrated Urine: Changes in urine concentration can be due to dehydration or overhydration, or may signal underlying conditions like diabetes or kidney disease.

Urine Blockage: Difficulty urinating, or producing only small amounts of urine, could be a sign of a blockage, such as a bladder stone or prostate issues.

Storing Urine for Examination:

Collect urine in a clean, covered container, like a plastic bottle, and keep it refrigerated if you can't take it to the vet immediately.

Examining Stool:

Consistency: Soft or runny stools, blood in the stool, or constipation can be indicators of health issues.

Soft Stools: This may suggest a digestive system disorder or an underlying condition like giardiasis.

Blood in Stool: This could be due to bleeding in the digestive system, which may be caused by various conditions.

Constipation: This might be caused by a lack of dietary fiber, anal gland issues, or other health problems.

Normal Stool Characteristics:

Color: Teacolored, firm, and free of blood or mucus.

Frequency: Should generally match the frequency of feeding.

Odor: A normal stool has an odor, but changes in smell can be a sign of illness.

Abnormal Stool Handling:

If your dog has diarrhea or watery stools, collect the waste in a container or wrap it in aluminum foil to bring to the vet.

Monitoring Gait:

Staggering: This could be a sign of neurological issues, such as a slipped disc or brain disease.

Dragging Feet: This might indicate a foot injury or joint problem.

Lack of Interest in Walking: This could be a sign of pain or discomfort.

Observing Ladder Climbing:

Pay attention to how your dog navigates stairs. Difficulty or reluctance could indicate leg pain or joint issues.

Leg Abnormalities:

Leg Curvature: This could be a sign of developmental issues like hip dysplasia or rickets, which can lead to leg deformities.

By maintaining a keen eye on these details during your walks, you can ensure your furry friend stays healthy and happy.