All About Dog Poop: Dog Diarrhoea, Colour, and More

What Every Dog Owner in New Zealand Should Know

As dog owners, we love our furry companions—but let’s be honest: no one enjoys dealing with dog poop. Still, it’s one of the most important indicators of your dog’s health. By paying attention to what's in the backyard, you can spot early signs of illness and take action before things get worse.

In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about dog poop: what’s normal, what’s not, what colours mean, and what to do if your pup has diarrhoea. 🐶💩

✅ What Does Healthy Dog Poop Look Like?

Healthy dog poop is:

• Firm and shaped like a log

• Chocolate brown in colour

• Easy to pick up without leaving residue

• Passed 1–2 times per day

Changes in shape, colour, frequency, or smell may signal a health issue. If something looks off for more than a day or two, it’s best to consult your vet.

💦 What Causes Dog Diarrhoea?

Occasional diarrhoea in dogs is common, especially after eating something new. But if it’s persistent, it could be caused by:

• Dietary changes or spoiled food

• Parasites (like Giardia or worms)

• Infections (viral or bacterial)

• Stress or anxiety

• Food allergies or intolerances

• Underlying medical conditions

What to do:
Make sure your dog stays hydrated. If diarrhoea lasts more than 48 hours, or is accompanied by vomiting, blood, or lethargy, contact your vet immediately.

🌈 What Dog Poop Colours Mean

Your dog’s stool colour can reveal a lot about their internal health:

ColourPossible MeaningBrownNormal, healthyGreenEating grass, or gallbladder/liver issueBlack/TarryPossible internal bleedingRed StreaksBlood in stool—see a vetYellow/OrangeLiver or bile duct issueGrey/GreasyDigestive or pancreas issuesWhite SpecksCould be worms (bring a sample to your vet)

If you spot any of these colours more than once, it’s best to consult a professional.

🧼 Why Regular Poop Cleanup Matters

Aside from the smell and mess, leaving dog poop in your yard can pose serious health risks:

• Parasites like roundworms and hookworms can live in soil for weeks

• Bacteria (like E. coli and salmonella) can spread to people and pets

• It can attract flies and rodents

• It creates odours and ruins your lawn

💡 Pro Tip: Cleaning up regularly and using a pet-safe yard deodorizer helps keep your lawn healthy, your pets safe, and your home smelling fresh.

💪 Let Scoop Squad Handle the Dirty Work

At Scoop Squad, we offer professional pet waste removal and yard deodorizing services throughout Auckland and nearby suburbs. Whether your dog’s having a rough patch or you just want a cleaner, healthier outdoor space, we’ve got you covered.

✅ Weekly, fortnightly, or one-off cleanups
✅ Eco-friendly deodorizing sprays
✅ Safe for dogs, kids, and gardens
✅ Text alerts and photo updates after every visit

📞 Ready to Book?

Don’t stress about the mess—leave it to the pros.