Watching your pet’s urine and stool for changes is an easy way to monitor health. Below is a color chart with possible meanings. Remember, a small streak of a color one time is generally not cause for concern. Repeated sightings or changes in consistency need to be investigated.
Color should be evaluated as well as consistency. Has your pet been known to eat things they shouldn’t? Is there string, plastic, or grass in the stool? If you are taking your pet in for an exam, remember to take a fresh sample and even pictures if needed.
****BLACK OR BLOODY STOOL IS AN EMERGENCY***
Common reasons for other changes include:
- Parasites
- New treats
- Table food / people food
- New dog food or abrupt food changes
- Low quality dog food or types with different dyes
- Swallowing toys, cloth, or toxins
- Stress
- Other medical issues or diseases like kidney failure, IBD, or food allergies
Parvovirus (Dogs) & Panleukopenia (Cats)
Parvovirus is a deadly and highly contagious disease in dogs. It is similar to and has the same symptoms of panleukopenia in cats.
Symptoms include:
- Vomiting
- Anorexia (not eating)
- Diarrhea – is often bloody and watery, but could also be soft or dark
- Hunched posture
- Tense or sad facial expressions (dogs)
- Depression and lethargy
- Painful abdomen
If you have a puppy or kitten, especially one that HAS NOT received parvovirus vaccinations (sometimes called the “combo” vaccine, DAPP, or DHPP) or (FVRCP in cats), DO NOT WAIT to have your pet tested. Sometimes waiting 24 hours to take action can mean life or death.
A single vaccine will not prevent these diseases!
