how to clean up dog poop in yard after winter

chocolate labrador dog laying on grass outdoors

Purple Collar Pet Photography Getty Images

From smell to shape, are you wondering what healthy dog poop should look like? As responsible dog owners, it's important to know what's normal when it comes to your pup's stool – and what makes the perfect poo.

To help you understand your pup more, Sean McCormack, head vet at Tails.com, has revealed what signs to look out for when scooping up your dog's business.

"Our dog's poop is one of the most significant and frequent indicators of their health," Sean says. "It can provide clues into any internal problems you and your vet may have missed or need to investigate further – that's why it's extremely important to keep an eye on what comes out during those walks to the park!"

Need some tips? Take a look at his advice below...

What causes stinky or runny dog poo?

According to Sean, it's not uncommon for your pup to have foul-smelling or runny poo. One of the most common problems vets see every year, some of the reasons for smelly stool include:

1. Sudden change in diet, which can lead to diarrhoea. If you are switching up what your dog eats, it's best to do this gradually.

2. Your dog may have digestive upset if they eat something new or inappropriate.

3. Stress, anxiety and excitement can also cause diarrhoea in dogs.

4. Dog diarrhoea may also be cause by parasites. "Intestinal worms can cause irritation to your dog's gastrointestinal tract resulting in stomach upset," Sean adds. "However, parasites that cause diarrhoea are more common in younger puppies."

5. Viral and bacterial infections may also cause dog diarrhoea, although this occurs more frequently in younger puppies.

6. Conditions like inflammatory bowel disease are common in both dogs and people. Many gastrointestinal disorders can result in diarrhoea.

Purple Collar Pet Photography Getty Images

What makes a good dog poop?

Healthy dog poop should be chocolate-brown in colour, as well as compact, moist and hold its shape when picked up. If the poo is watery, this could be a sign of intestinal upset. Some of the key factors that make a good dog poop include:

1. Consistency: "The ideal poo is log shaped and firm, but not too solid," says Sean. "If your dog's poo is too hard, this can cause constipation. If your dog is constipated this could be due to a lack of water or fibre in their diet, or a case of worms. More commonly, when diarrhoea or loose, runny poo occurs, this can result from many different causes."

2. Frequency: On average, a dog will poo around twice a day (this may be more if you have a puppy). If you notice that you dog is pooping more frequently, this could signal there is something not right with their diet. On the other hand, if your dog doesn't poo every day or only once a day, they could be constipated.

3. Volume: According to Sean, sudden larger or smaller poops can indicate internal problems — and could mean you need to seek the help of a vet. Huge volumes of poo can mean your dog isn't digesting their food properly, while low volumes could indicate gastrointestinal problems or even a blockage.

4. Odour: "Dog poo should have a mild odour; any dramatic changes can indicate problems," Sean adds. "Flatulence or a particularly stinky poo could signal a change in your dog's gut flora, or they're struggling to cope with a new diet or ingredient. Treats and human foods are common culprits! Dog poo is always going to smell, but with a good diet, your dog's poos should be bearable."

5. Colour: While shades of greenish-brown, red-brown or dark brown are all normal, the colour of your dog's poop will very much depend on your dog's diet. If you notice the colour changing, head to your vet for advice.

What should you do about your dog's irregular poops?

If you are unsure about how to deal with your dog's irregular poops, always head to your local vet for advice.

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