Animals in PostWar Britain

[moggie 939]

I am asking this question (which may seem strange) as someone studying the history of the 1950s rather than an animal lover.
Can anyone tell me why in the 1950s that white, powdery dog faeces was often seen on the streets and is rarely seen now. Was it something to do with the diet as I can remember our pets were fed on scraps and home prepared food rather than proprietory brands of petfood.

Thanks

[Robinia]

I believe it's because people gave their dogs bones far more than they do nowadays (the white the calcium waste)

[LoftyLottie]

There are two schools of thought on this.

It was mainly thought that white dog poo was because on the bone (calcium) intake of dogs years ago. However, most dog poo will go white if left uncleared for weeks and allowed to dry out. Something to do with the bile duct (which I do not understand).

Dog poo in the main is cleared from pavements nowadays. Years ago it remained until it disintegrated naturally.

Nice subject!!

[moggie 939]

Thanks to both of you for answering. It was a serious question and I got both answers which seem feasible.

Thanks again

[fredpuli47]

On the farm here you'll see the white stuff. The dogs eat normal commercial dogfood but the faeces left in the field or distant parts of the garden turn white, very slowly. My guess is that years ago the streets weren't being cleared as quickly as now.

[LoftyLottie]

There were also far more dogs allowed to roam free back in the 50's. Dogs were often shut out for the day and came back in the evenings. It wasn't uncommon to meet quite a lot of dogs out and about on their own in London where I grew up.

[garner]

I also think alot had to do with diet..no tinned dog food or dry food in those days, pets used to eat scraps of what was left plus alot of bones as other abers have said.Same with cats they were fed on scraps and of course what they could catch.

[Kleiber]

My dogs are fed on dried, working dog food & their poo is brown (nice subject, this!!), but when I give them bones, it's white. I guess it's something to do with the calcium in the bones. LoftyLottie - my dogs' poo just stays brown, the only white on it being mould, if I miss one when clearing up after them here on the farm!