ArkVets

Color, consistency, contents and coating: these are the four things our vet looks at in your pet's p**p. Learn which signs, like black tarry stool, blood, mucus or diarrhea lasting 24 to 48 hours, mean you should come in quickly, especially with babies.

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Before you bring a cat home, think about your lifestyle and the risks. Some cats are happiest as indoor cats, while others would be miserable kept inside. Talk to the owners of the kitty you're considering. Follow ArkVets for more pet health tips.

Labs will eat anything, so what their p**p looks like matters. Black and tarry stool or red blood and mucus can point to problems in the gut, and a pet that stops eating and turns lethargic needs to be seen. Follow ArkVets for more practical pet health tips.

A cough that won't go away, extended lethargy, or limping that can't be explained can be signs of Valley Fever. A blood test and a titer can help point your vet in the right direction. Follow ArkVets for more pet health tips.

Picking up p**p isn't hard. All you need is a rubber glove, a plastic bag and a marker to write your pet's name. Only a small piece is needed, and if you can't go right away, refrigerate it. Follow ArkVets for more pet health tips.

***lTest

Color and consistency are two of the 4 C's you can check at home. Black tarry or bloody mucus poo can point to parasites or a GI issue, and some parasites can spread to humans. Get your pet to the vet quickly for a f***l test. Follow ArkVets for more pet health tips.

If your dog's diarrhea has gone on for a day or two, watch their eating and drinking. If they stop drinking or seem lethargic, that's an emergency. A f***l test is the cheapest, easiest test you can do. Follow ArkVets for more pet health tips.

Protective breeds need training for both the dog and the owner. A vet shares a clinic story about a Cane Corso and why researching breeds matters. Follow ArkVets for more pet health tips and clinic stories.

A Blue Heeler is a working dog bred to herd and be independent, and a protective breed needs the right lifestyle and training. Here is what to consider before bringing one home. Follow ArkVets for more pet health tips.

Think about the purpose you want your dog to serve for your family. Consider kids, visitors, protection, lifestyle and exercise before choosing a breed. Follow ArkVets for more tips for pet owners.