January 29, 2025 (AUSTIN, Texas) – It’s not the most glamorous part of being a dog owner, but your dog’s poop holds powerful secrets about their health. That’s why veterinarians at Thrive Pet Healthcare, including Dr. Alyssa Vincent, medical director at
Westside Animal Clinic in Worcester and
Holden Veterinary Clinic in Holden, Massachusetts, recommend bringing a stool sample to your dog’s annual check-up.
“Your dog’s stool is like a health report card,” says Dr. Vincent. “It can reveal intestinal parasites, bacterial and viral infections, and other issues that may not be obvious to the naked eye. Testing it regularly helps your veterinarian catch potential problems before they become serious.”
Parasites: The Hidden Danger Lurking in Your Dog’s Gut
Dogs can pick up intestinal parasites from wildlife, their environment, or other dogs. Some of these parasites are microscopic and don’t appear in your dog’s stool, making regular testing essential.
“Even healthy-looking dogs can carry parasites that could make them sick or, in some cases, put your family at risk,” Dr. Vincent explains. “These parasites can be zoonotic, meaning they can infect humans as well. Regular testing is critical for everyone’s safety.”
How to Be a Poop-Collection Pro
Collecting your dog’s stool sample doesn’t have to be a messy ordeal. You only need a teaspoon-sized sample, but it holds a wealth of information about your dog’s health.
Dr. Vincent offers these tips to make it easy:
Fresh is Best: For the most accurate results, collect the stool within 4-6 hours and store it in the refrigerator if you can’t bring it in immediately. The sample should be no older than 12 hours, or 24 hours at the absolute latest.
Use the Right Tools: A plastic zipper bag works best. Turn the bag inside out, use it like a glove to pick up the stool, then seal it tightly. Many veterinary clinics also offer fecal collection cups for your convenience.
Label It: Include your dog’s name to avoid mix-ups at the clinic.
What If You Can’t Bring a Fresh Sample?
Sometimes, collecting a fresh sample just isn’t possible. If that’s the case, let your veterinarian know.
“Your veterinarian may be able to perform a rectal exam during the visit and obtain a sample that way,” says Dr. Vincent. “We’ll work with you to ensure we get the information we need to keep your dog healthy.”
If your dog is having diarrhea, bring in a sample if possible. If not, a photo of the stool may provide your veterinarian with some helpful information during the visit.
Normal vs. Not Normal: What to Look for in Your Dog’s Stool
Understanding what’s normal for your dog’s stool can help you spot potential health issues early.
Normal:
Stool should be firm but not hard, with a log-like shape and brown color.
It should be easy to pick up without leaving residue behind.
Not Normal:
Hard, dry stools may indicate constipation or dehydration.
Loose, unformed stools or diarrhea are signs something may be wrong.
A small amount of blood in a single bowel movement might not be an emergency but should still be reported to your veterinarian.
Mucus may occasionally coat a bowel movement, but large amounts or frequent occurrences should be evaluated.
When Poop Becomes an Emergency
Not all poop problems can wait. Dr. Vincent advises paying close attention to changes in your dog’s stool.
Red flags that warrant immediate veterinary attention include dark, tar-like stools, large amounts of fresh blood, severe diarrhea, or your dog straining to defecate with no results.
“Your dog’s poop is one of the easiest ways to monitor their health at home,” says Dr. Vincent. “If something seems off, don’t hesitate to contact your veterinarian. It’s better to address a potential issue sooner rather than later.”
A Simple Act of Love
Scheduling regular check-ups with your veterinarian is essential for your dog to live a long and healthy life. To make pet healthcare accessible and affordable, Thrive Pet Healthcare offers the
Thrive Plus membership program at more than 185 primary care hospitals nationwide.
With monthly plans starting at $14.95, Thrive Plus offers benefits like:
Unlimited free exams for regular check-ups to monitor your pet’s health and development (clinic fees may apply).
10% off services, including vaccinations, diagnostic testing, dental cleanings, spay/neuter procedures, and more.
$5 nail trims to keep your pet’s paws in tip-top shape.
By joining Thrive Plus, you can save an average of $300 per year per pet on exams and services.*
“Think of bringing a stool sample as a love note for your dog’s health,” says Dr. Vincent. “It’s a small step that helps us keep them healthy and happy.”
Visit
thrivepetcare.com to find a location near you that includes primary, specialty, emergency, and urgent veterinary care services and participating Thrive Plus membership hospitals.
* Twelve-month commitment required. Membership savings are an annual average for members and vary by usage and location. Savings do not take into account monthly membership fees.
Terms apply.
