Why I Like Good Poop (A Veterinarian’s Perspective)
Today my colleague and friend, Dr. Wellington, corresponded about her senior cat having a “really good poop”. I LIKE A GOOD POOP!
As a veterinarian, I’ve learned that some of the most important clues about an animal’s health show up in the least glamorous places. Yes—poop. While it might not be dinner-table conversation, good poop makes me genuinely happy, and here’s why.
Healthy poop is like a daily report card for the body. When digestion is working well, nutrients are being absorbed properly, hydration is balanced, and the gut is doing its job. A well-formed stool often tells me that an animal’s diet is appropriate, their intestines are calm, and their internal systems are in sync.
Good poop also helps us catch problems early. Changes in frequency, shape, or consistency can be early warning signs of parasites, food intolerances, stress, or illness. When pet parents notice these changes and tell us, we can act quickly—sometimes before a pet feels truly unwell. That’s powerful preventive care.
I also like good poop because it means comfort. Animals can’t tell us when their stomach hurts or when they feel off, but comfortable digestion usually shows up as normal bathroom habits. When a pet is pooping well, they’re often feeling well—and that’s the goal.
So yes, I like good poop. It’s practical, informative, and a sign that the body is thriving. In veterinary medicine, that’s something worth celebrating…poop bags and all!