Scoop There It Is: Why Your Dog’s Poop Might Be Telling You More Than You Think

Let’s be honest: nobody wants to talk about dog poop—but according to new research from IAMS, maybe we should be. A recent survey found that while most Canadian pet parents say gut health is important, far fewer are connecting the dots between digestion, nutrition, and what ends up on neighbourhood sidewalks. From digestive issues and diet choices to why poop may actually be one of the first signs of your pet’s overall health, we sat down with a spokesperson to unpack the surprisingly fascinating—and very real—conversation around pet gut health, responsible dog ownership, and what healthy digestion actually looks like for our furry companions. —Noa Nichol

The survey shows that nearly all Canadian pet parents say gut health matters, yet less than half consider digestion when choosing pet food. Why do you think there’s such a disconnect between awareness and action?

Switching pet food can feel overwhelming for pet parents, especially with so many options available. Many pet parents aren’t aware of what an optimal poop looks like for their pets, and as a result, don’t make the connection to gut health. We want pet parents to know that looking for foods with natural fibre, highly digestible proteins, and prebiotics, like IAMS™ dry recipes, is a great proactive step they can take. 

We tend to think of pet poop as a nuisance issue, but how often can changes in stool actually signal something more significant about a pet’s overall health?

A change in your pet’s poop can often be the first sign of a shift in proper digestion. With 88% of Canadian pet parents saying that they would be concerned about a change in their pet’s digestion, it’s important to understand what can influence digestive health. Optimal poop quality can be one indicator of healthy digestion, alongside overall comfort, consistency, and routine.  

More than 30% of pets experience digestive issues. What are some of the most common signs pet owners overlook when it comes to gut health?

Many pet parents overlook subtle shifts, like passing gas more frequently, or minor changes in stool consistency. Choosing nutrition with ingredients that support healthy digestion and stool is so important for a pet’s digestive and overall health. Proactively feeding them a diet rich in prebiotic fibre can support healthy digestion, and in as little as 10 days, pet parents can see optimal stool consistency.  

The Waltham fecal quality chart is surprisingly scientific. What should pet owners actually be looking for, and why does stool quality matter so much in veterinary nutrition?

An optimal poop is a sign of a healthy pet. The Waltham fecal quality chart is an excellent guide on what to look for in stool quality, and when a conversation with a vet might be important. Overall, pet parents should be mindful of the consistency, compactness, and the colouring of their pet’s poop and continue to monitor for any irregularities. 

Beyond the obvious neighbourhood frustrations, how can poor digestive health in pets impact quality of life for both animals and owners long-term?

Your pet’s comfort and disposition can be tied to their gut health, just like us! When they’re not feeling their best, it can affect how they behave. For pet parents, an optimal poop is not just a sign of a happy and healthy pet, but it’s also easier to navigate the pick up! 

Let’s be honest: Vancouver loves dogs—but based on this survey, are we officially becoming a city of people pretending not to see the poop on the sidewalk?

A majority (75%) of Vancouver residents encounter dog poop in their neighbourhoods, whether it’s during a stroll in the park, on their way to work, or while walking their own dog! It may not be that people aren’t seeing the poop, but that in some cases, it may be due to its consistency making it difficult to properly pick up and clean. An optimal poop is a scoopable poop!  

One in three dog owners admit they don’t always pick up after their pets. Is this a pet nutrition issue … or are some humans simply failing the assignment?

We always advocate for responsible pet ownership, which includes ensuring pet parents are picking up after their pets. While human error can potentially play a role, the urgency and frequency of a dog’s pooping habits can also be tied to their diet. If a pet parent is caught off guard (for instance, an unexpected poop), it might be time to look at nutrition. 

Why has talking about pet poop become so taboo when, scientifically speaking, it’s one of the clearest indicators of a pet’s health?

As with human digestion, this topic can often feel taboo in the mainstream, but IAMS™ is normalizing the discussion around poop and how it’s tied to your pet’s health. IAMS™ also wants to help reduce some of the concerns associated with the nutrition switch, discussing how in as little as 10 days, pet parents can see an optimal stool consistency.  

If your dog’s poop could send you a text message about their digestive health, what would most pets in Canada probably be trying to say right now?

Vancouverites are obsessed with wellness, probiotics, gut health, kombucha—you name it. So why do we suddenly get squeamish when the gut-health conversation involves our pets?

It’s ironic, right? We’ll discuss our own probiotic routines at brunch, but cringe at the reality of our pets’ digestion. IAMS™ wants to normalize this for the sake of our pets. We need to apply that same wellness mindset to our dogs and cats, because a healthy outside starts on the inside. When you prioritize their nutrition, you get a happy pet, and as a bonus, picking up after them becomes a lot less of a chore.