Getting down and dirty with your dog’s deposits

Dog poo happens. Generally, around twice a day, but sometimes more. And, as any dog owner will tell you, when your canine chum does a perfect, pick-up-able poo, it’s an absolutely brilliant moment, when you feel like giving your dog a round of applause!

Sloppy splashes, on the other hand, are the bane of every dog owner’s life. And, while there may be all sorts of reasons your dog’s deposits are on the runny side – and you should always check with your vet if this is a constant problem – it could be something as simple as the food you’re feeding them just doesn’t suit their sensitive tummy.

Is your dog’s poo on point?

Vets4pets advises: “When your dog’s digestive system is working normally, they’ll produce little ‘logs’ of poop. Pebble-like poo might mean your dog hasn’t been drinking enough, while long ‘sausages’ are sometimes produced when the poop is a bit soft. When you pick up after your dog, their poos should maintain their shape and should be easy to collect. Once in the bag, they should be squidgy enough for your finger to make an indentation in them. If it’s difficult to separate your dog’s poop from the grass in the park, it’s probably too loose.”

Every dog is different, and therefore, your canine companion’s normal, healthy poo may differ to that of another dog. However, as a general rule:

• Colour: Dog poo should be chocolate brown.
• Consistency: Healthy dog poo should be compact, moist and hold its shape when picked up. If the poo is runny or watery, this could be a sign of intestinal upset. Similarly, if the poo feels too hard or dry, they may be suffering from dehydration or constipation.
• Size: Dog stools should be log-shaped and maintain their form. In general, dogs should produce poos around the same size as the food portions they are eating. If droppings are round, it’s an indication that your pet is dehydrated.
• Frequency: The number of times your dog poos each day should be consistent – whether that’s once or five times per day. If they go from being a regular once-a-day-er to needing to go four or five times, they could be having some digestion problems and need to see the vet.

Check out our Healthy Dog Poop chart >>

Problem poos?

Any noticeable changes to your dog’s poo – whether that’s consistency, colour (black, red, orange, yellow or greasy grey are warning signs) or smell (really stinky could signify a problem) – provides an insight into your dog’s overall health.

Vets4pets says: “By becoming familiar with your dog or puppy’s poop, you’ll be able to spot potential problems early. You know your dog better than anyone, so get into the habit of monitoring their daily offerings. Once you know what’s normal for your dog, you’ll be well-placed to spot the difference. If you’re concerned about what you’ve noticed, ask your vet to examine your dog.”

How switching diets could help your dog

For many dogs with digestive issues, switching to a sensitive dog food – which means it’s relatively unlikely to cause an intolerant reaction – can be really helpful. Sensitive stomach dog food is hypoallergenic, made without many of the ingredients known to cause gurgling guts, whiffy wind and distressing diarrhoea.

Burgess in-house vet Dr Suzanne Moyes explains: “If you think that your dog may have a sensitive digestion, first ask your vet for advice in case it’s something more serious that’s affecting them. For many dogs with delicate digestions, switching to a hypoallergenic dog food variety (which means it’s relatively unlikely to cause an intolerant reaction) can be really helpful.”

As part of the high quality, nutritious Burgess dog food range, you’ll discover delicious recipes especially for dogs with sensitive stomachs. Dr Moyes continues: “Dogs with sensitive stomachs require food that’s free from the usual ingredients which may cause upset such as beef, eggs, dairy, wheat and soya. Our Sensitive dog food range features easily digestible proteins, prebiotics and antioxidants to provide your dog with all the nutrients they need, without the upset tummy and runny poos.”

TOP FEEDING TIPS

• Make sure your dog always has plenty of fresh, clean water available and, if you’re feeding a dry food, you’ll find they’ll need a little more.
• When introducing a new food to your dog, you should do it gradually to avoid upsetting their digestion. Mix in the new food with the old over a period of seven to 10 days until the new food completely replaces the old diet.

The Burgess Sensitive range provides super-premium nutrition for dogs with sensitive tummies at an affordable price. It features:

• Easily digestible proteins such as turkey, lamb and salmon
• Essential vitamins and minerals, prebiotics and antioxidants to provide all the nutrients a dog needs, without causing an upset tummy and runny poos
• No artificial flavours, colours or added preservatives

EASILY DIGESTIBLE FOOD FOR DOGS OF ALL AGES

• Burgess Sensitive Puppy Food contains turkey for protein and rice as an easily digestible source of carbohydrate, along with calcium to support growing bones.
• Burgess Sensitive Adult Food is nutritionally balanced to support dogs in the prime of life and is available in three tasty varieties – turkey, salmon and lamb.
• Burgess Sensitive Senior Food contains turkey, rice, essential vitamins, minerals and other beneficial ingredients such as glucosamine to support older bones and joints and sustain brain health.

With a whole host of 5-star reviews, Burgess Sensitive customers have told us:

 “Affordable quality for pups with sensitive tummies.” “Dogs with sensitive stomachs love it. Really suits them and helps their digestive system.” “My dog cannot digest wheat or cereal products; this food gives her no problems.” “Empty bowl – a paws up from the hound.”

You can also SAVE 10% on every order of Burgess Sensitive with Subscribe & Save >>

Good to know

• COMPLETE NUTRITION Each of the recipes in the Burgess Sensitive Dog Food range are complete, providing all the nutrients dogs require in the right proportions.
• PORTION CONTROL With dry food, it’s easy to measure out the right sized portion to help your dog maintain a healthy weight.
• HEALTHY AND SAFE The thorough cooking process ensures that any harmful bacteria, such as salmonella, and viruses are destroyed, and the dry food stays fresh inside the pack.
• TEETH FRIENDLY Dry dog food has the added benefit of exercising your dog’s chewing muscles and provides a mild cleaning effect on the teeth.
• MADE IN BRITAIN Crafted at Burgess Pet Care’s own factory in the heart of Yorkshire, Burgess Sensitive Dog Food contains high-quality ingredients that meet stringent specifications, locally sourced wherever possible to support British farmers.

FIND OUT MORE about what nutrition your dog needs to be healthy and happy throughout their life with our comprehensive DOG & PUPPY FEEDING GUIDE >>

NEED MORE ADVICE? If you’re at all unsure about the best way to feed your dog or have any concerns about specific nutritional requirements at different times of their life, ask your local veterinary practice for advice. You can also call our expert team on 44 (0)0800 413 969 who’ll be happy to help. They’re available 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday. Alternatively, you can use our online form to get in touch.

Is your dog a Burgess dog? Join the Burgess Pet Club for exclusive offers and rewards.

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