What’s the scoop on your pet’s poop?

Did you know that digestive issues can account for 13%* of pet insurance claims each year? Scratching around in your cat’s cat litter or inspecting your dog’s poop can be an unpleasant task. However, getting to know your pet’s poop can tell you so much about their digestive system and overall health.

Digestive issues are very common in pets, especially in dogs. A healthy dog’s digestive timeline processes food within six to 10 hours. However, this can vary depending on the size of the dog and the food ingested. Puppies and small breeds tend to digest their food faster than larger adult dogs. Keeping on top of your pet’s poop can help to spot digestive issues early. Things to look out for include the size, colour, and volume of the poop; whether it’s very loose (diarrhoea) or very dry and pellet-like (constipation); the presence of mucus or blood; and any symptoms such as vomiting, regurgitation, or abdominal pain. Detecting these issues early can potentially save you costly treatment and discomfort for your pet.

All pets can experience digestive issues throughout their lifetime; however, the below list indicates the prevalence of different breeds that we at PetSure have identified as key to keep an extra watchful eye on.

Breeds most at risk of submitting a claim for gastrointestinal conditions*:

Dogs:

• Yorkshire Terrier
• Italian Greyhound
• Lhasa Apso
• Miniature Schnauzer

Cats:

• Birman
• Persian
• Exotic Shorthair
• Siberian
• Devon Rex

The basics of pet poo

Abnormal pet poop can be a cause for concern and is brought on by a variety of factors. Here are some key indicators things that your pet may have a health issue that needs veterinary attention.

Diarrhoea

Loose or watery stools can be a key indication that your pet is experiencing digestive distress. Diarrhoea can be caused by a variety of things, such as food intolerances, dietary changes, infections, parasites and some serious issues, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or issues with the pancreas. Diarrhoea can be a serious sign that your pet needs to visit a vet. If diarrhoea lasts more than one day, increases in frequency, is accompanied by blood or mucus, or is combined with additional symptoms, such as vomiting, it’s important to seek medical assistance from your vet.

Constipation

Constipation can be explained as hard, smaller or dry stool that looks like little pallets. You may notice your pet straining when trying to poop, or see that they’re not pooping as frequently as usual. This could indicate that your pet is constipated. Constipation can be caused by various issues, such as dehydration, low fibre intake or an obstruction, such as a hairball or foreign object. Constipation is a serious issue for your pet and should be checked out by a vet to rule out anything serious. It can lead to a condition called megacolon in cats, so if you suspect your pet is constipated, do not delay in taking them to the vet.

Mucus in stool

Some mucus in your pet’s stool is completely normal; however, should you notice large amounts of mucus, it could indicate that there is an issue, such as colitis (inflammation of the colon) or an infection. It is best to get your vet to check over if you notice mucus for an extended period of time.

Blood in stool

The appearance of blood in stools – whether bright or dark red or even black – requires urgent attention by a vet. It can indicate issues within the lower or upper parts of the digestive tract, rectal trauma, colitis, ulcers, tumours or infection. It is best to seek medical assistance to rule out anything serious.

So what does healthy poop actually look like?

This chart identifies the different types of pet poop and what signs to look out for when inspecting it. Understanding changes in the poop can help to you keep on top of your pet’s health.

Gastrointestinal treatment costs

Dogs

Cats

When to see a vet

Inspecting your pet’s poop is not the most glamourous job, but regularly checking your pet’s poop can ensure early detection for a multitude of issues. It could be something, such as diet, that is contributing to your pet’s poop issues and simply changing their food intake with the guidance of your vet can save you costly vet bills later down the track.

Your pet’s poop can tell you a lot about your pet’s overall health. Understanding and supporting your pet’s health is crucial for their wellbeing. Learning about your pet’s poop can help you recognise any changes and potentially save you more money in the long run. We’ve all experienced moments when our pets get into things they shouldn’t or have digestive issues that lead to a mess. Keeping in mind, the average cost of a digestive issue can range from an average treatment cost of $753 to a highest treatment cost of $32,310 (PetSure claims data 2024). Considering pet insurance can reduce the stress of unexpected vet bills, helping you focus on what matters most—your pet’s health.

*Based on PetSure claims data 2022-2024. Amount claimed per policy over a 12-month period.
^Pet insurance policies can have an annual limit between $5,000 – $30,000 to assist with eligible treatment costs.

References

What’s your dog’s poo telling you? | Big Dog Pet Foods https://www.bigdogpetfoods.com/guides/whats-your-dogs-poo-telling-you