Note: While we care deeply for your dog's health and wellbeing, we are not veterinary professionals. If you are ever concerned about the health of your pet, please contact your local veterinarian.
At The Backyard Care Company, we believe your yard should be a safe, healthy space for every family member—including your four-legged ones. As providers of professional pet waste removal services and pet-safe yard treatments, we've learned that paying attention to your dog's waste can provide valuable insights into their health. While it might not be dinner table conversation, understanding these signs helps ensure your pet's wellbeing.
Why Professional Waste Management Matters
Regular waste removal isn't just about keeping your yard clean—it's an important part of monitoring your pet's health. Our professional waste removal teams are trained to notice and alert you to concerning changes in your pet's waste that might indicate health issues. This regular monitoring, combined with our pet-safe approach to all our services—from flea and tick control to mosquito management and lawn fertilization—helps create a healthier environment for your entire family.
What Should You Look For?
Color Changes to Note
Your dog's waste should typically be chocolate brown. While slight variations are normal, especially based on diet, certain colors can be warning signs:
- A deep black, tarry appearance might indicate bleeding in the upper digestive tract
- Bright red streaks could suggest lower intestinal inflammation or injury
- Orange or yellow waste might point to liver or gallbladder concerns
- Green could simply mean your pup has been grazing on grass (many dogs do this naturally), but persistent green waste warrants attention
- Gray or greasy appearances might signal pancreatic issues
Consistency Indicators
The ideal dog waste should be firm but not hard, maintaining its shape when picked up. This makes it easier for our waste removal teams to clean effectively, but more importantly, it's a sign of good health:
- Too watery? This could indicate anything from stress to infection
- Hard and dry? Your dog might need more water or fiber in their diet
- Seeing mucus? This might suggest inflammation that needs checking
Contents That Raise Concerns
Sometimes, the contents can reveal important information:
- Small, rice-like segments might indicate tapeworms
- Spaghetti-like strands could be roundworms
- Undigested food might suggest digestive issues
- Foreign objects could indicate your dog has eaten something they shouldn't have
Creating a Pet-Safe Environment
At The Backyard Care Company, we understand the importance of maintaining a yard that's both beautiful and safe for pets. That's why we:
- Use pet-safe products in all our services, from fertilization to pest control
- Offer regular flea and tick treatments to protect your pets from parasites
- Provide professional waste removal services to maintain yard hygiene
- Apply mosquito control treatments that keep both humans and pets protected
When to Be Concerned
While occasional changes in waste appearance can be normal, especially with dietary changes, certain situations warrant professional attention:
- Any dramatic change that persists for more than 24-48 hours
- Signs of blood in any form
- Visible parasites
- Unusual colors that persist
- Significant changes in frequency or consistency
- Signs that your dog is straining or in pain
Taking Action
If you notice concerning changes in your dog's waste:
- Document what you're seeing - photos can be helpful for your vet
- Note any recent changes in diet or routine
- Monitor how long the changes persist
- Contact your veterinarian if symptoms continue or if you see any red-flag indicators
- Consider increasing the frequency of our waste removal service for better monitoring
Prevention Through Professional Care
The Backyard Care Company helps maintain your pet's health through:
- Regular, professional waste removal services
- Pet-safe yard treatments and fertilizers
- Comprehensive flea and tick control
- Effective, pet-friendly mosquito management
- Consistent monitoring and reporting of any concerning changes
The Bottom Line
While it might not be the most pleasant topic, being attentive to your dog's waste is an important part of responsible pet ownership. Our trained professionals at The Backyard Care Company are here to help maintain a clean, safe yard while keeping an eye out for any concerning changes in your pet's health indicators.
Remember, you know your dog best. If something seems off, trust your instincts and consult with your veterinarian. Meanwhile, you can trust us to maintain a safe, clean outdoor environment where your pets can thrive.