Hey {{first_name}} Dog Parents 💌,

If you have ever stared at your dog’s poop and whispered, “Is this normal?” you are not alone. In fact, your dog’s stool is one of the clearest windows into their internal health, from digestion to immune function.

Your pup cannot tell you when something feels off inside, but their poop can.
And once you learn how to read it, you will never look away the same way again.

Today we are breaking down the colors, shapes, and textures that matter, so you can catch issues early and support your dog’s gut health with confidence.

Your dog’s gut is the command center for:
• digestion
• immunity
• nutrient absorption
• inflammation control
• mood and behavior

When the gut struggles, the poop tells the story first.

A healthy digestive system produces stool that is:
• chocolate brown
• log shaped
• easy to pick up
• consistent from day to day

If things look different, your dog is sending you a message.
Let’s decode it.

Chocolate brown. Solid, not dry. Easy to pick up.
This means your dog is absorbing nutrients well and their gut is functioning smoothly.
Enjoy the victory.

Often linked to:
• sudden diet changes
• too many treats
• mild stress
• food sensitivities
• minor gut imbalance

Tip: Add a small spoon of pumpkin or switch to a simpler protein until the gut resets.

Runny, watery stool that shows inflammation or irritation.
Causes include:
• bacteria or viruses
• parasites
• spoiled food
• allergies
• stress
• sudden dietary swaps

Call your vet if diarrhea lasts longer than twenty four hours or contains blood.

A sign of dehydration or too much bone content.
Offer more water, add moisture to meals, or incorporate fiber rich foods like pumpkin or leafy greens.

• Black: Possible internal bleeding. Seek emergency care.
• Red streaks: Irritation, allergies, or rectal bleeding.
• Yellow or orange: Liver or gallbladder issues.
• Green: Eating grass or possible toxin ingestion.
• Gray or pale: Pancreatic or bile duct issues.

📌 Color changes are not random. Always take them seriously.

A dog with an upset gut may:
• pace
• refuse food
• lick their paws
• appear restless
• be more reactive
• lose interest in play

A healthy gut supports a calmer, happier dog.
That is why poop checks are not gross. They are love.

Here are simple ways to keep digestion smooth:

1. Stick to Consistent Meals: Dogs thrive on routine. Sudden food switches are the number one cause of upset stomachs.

2. Add Fresh Food: Blueberries, pumpkin, kefir, sardines. Real foods feed good bacteria.

3. Try Probiotics: Healthy bacteria support digestion and immunity. Slowly introduce a dog safe probiotic to avoid gas or bloating.

4. Hydration is Everything: Moisture helps move food through the gut. Add bone broth or warm water to meals for extra hydration.

5. Choose High Quality Proteins: Clean proteins are easier to digest and create healthier stool.

Do not wait if you see:
• blood
• black or tarry stool
• repeated vomiting
• rapid weight loss
• stool changes lasting more than forty eight hours
• white rice like segments (tapeworms)

Your dog’s gut is sensitive and quick action matters.

If this issue helped you understand your pup better, share it with a friend who checks poop too.

Or forward our signup link so they can join the USA Dog Owners family.

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Your dog’s poop is more than a chore. It is a daily health check, a quiet message, a glimpse into how well their little body is working. When you notice, when you care, when you make small changes to support their gut, you are giving them comfort they cannot ask for in words.

You are doing such a good job.
Your dog feels it. Every day.

Wags & gratitude,
Mark
USA Dog Owners Association
Because every dog deserves to feel their best. And so do you. 🐾

💌 P.S.

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