The essentials
- Small amounts of mucus can be normal — This can happen from time-to-time, even in healthy dogs, because mucus helps lubricate the digestive tract.
- Large amounts of mucus can indicate a problem — Some underlying causes can lead to more mucus appearing in your dog’s poop and should be checked by a vet.
- Seek out your vet if your pup starts showing other symptoms — Diarrhea, bloody stool, vomiting, or other GI issues paired with mucus in their poop can point to a serious issue needing vet care.
Mucus in dog poop can be alarming the first time you experience it. It can happen even in the healthiest of dogs, or it could mean your pup has something more serious going on. Understanding why it’s happening is necessary to fix the issue.
What does mucus in dog poop look like?
In most cases, a small amount of mucus isn’t very noticeable in your dog’s stool — and it can actually be normal for them to have. However, if your pup is dealing with a more serious issue, you may notice a significant amount of mucus appear.
Mucus in dog poop looks like a slimy, jelly-like substance that either coats the stool or is mixed within it. It can be transparent, slightly cloudy, or have a yellowish tinge.
Why is there mucus in my dog’s poop?
If your dog’s poop looks slimy, don’t panic. The gastrointestinal tract naturally produces mucus to aid in digestion and protect the intestines, so it’s normal for dog feces to contain some traces of it. However, if you notice an excessive amount of mucus, it could be a sign of something more serious going on in your dog’s digestive system.
Mucus in dog stool can be a sign of:
- Gastrointestinal irritation. Dogs, just like humans, can get inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and other digestive issues. It can show different levels of severity.
- Gastrointestinal infections. Bacteria infections like salmonella can cause inflammation and excess mucus in the intestines. Dogs who eat a raw diet are more at risk of this.
- Stress or anxiety. Stressful conditions can mess with a dog’s digestive system and lead to colitis and other changes in bowel movements.
- Parasites. Infections caused by intestinal parasites, such as roundworms or tapeworms, can cause mucus in your dog’s stool. Giardia is another common cause of mucus, along with loose stools and sometimes blood.
- Eating something they shouldn’t. Eating table scraps or other no-no items (manure, grass, other trash) can lead to colitis and other GI issues.
- Cancer. Some types of cancer can cause loose stool and mucus (sometimes with blood) in the stool. A combo of blood tests and other diagnostics is needed to diagnose this.
If the mucus is present in small amounts and the dog otherwise seems healthy, it may resolve on its own. However, if the mucus persists or is accompanied by other symptoms, head to your vet to determine the underlying cause.
Treatment options for mucus in dog poop
Treatment varies depending on the underlying cause of the mucus. Antibiotics may be needed to treat infections, anti-parasite meds can clear up intestinal parasites, changing your dog’s food can help if they’re having IBD flare-ups, and table scraps and trash should be avoided for curious pups.
Home remedies for mucus in dog poop
If you regularly find small amounts of mucus in your dog’s poop, and they otherwise seem happy and healthy, it may be possible to treat them at home without a visit to the vet.
If your pup is having a one-off case of mucus in their poop, you can try giving them a bland diet for a few days to let their GI tract heal on its own. Foods that are easy to digest, such as cooked chicken or boiled rice, are preferred. Probiotics are another great option for helping dogs regulate their digestive system by providing good bacteria and promoting gut flora.
When to see a vet
If the mucus in your dog’s stool doesn’t clear up in a couple of days, it’s time to see your vet. And make sure you get your pup seen immediately if they have mucus in their poop along with any of these other symptoms —
Frequently asked questions
Should I be concerned if my dog has mucus in their poop?
While a small amount of mucus can be normal, a lot of mucus — especially when accompanied by other symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, or lethargy — is definitely cause for concern. Contact your vet if your dog has substantial mucus in their poop.
What do different dog poop colors mean?
Brown dog poop signifies healthy digestion and a balanced diet. Green color often comes from consuming too much grass. Yellow poop may point to bile imbalance. Red or black poop often indicates bleeding in the digestive tract. White poop may be due to eating bones or other high-calcium items. Stool color changes, especially when accompanied by other symptoms, should be evaluated by a veterinarian.
Why is my dog’s poop watery?
Watery dog poop, also known as diarrhea, can be caused by dietary changes, infections, parasites, stress, food sensitivities, or underlying health conditions. It’s the body’s response to something disrupting the normal digestive process. If the runny poop persists, consult a veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment.
What do white bits in dog poop mean?
White bits in dog poop might be due to undigested food, such as bone fragments or grains. However, if the white bits are moving or resemble grains of rice, it could indicate the presence of tapeworm segments. Talk to a veterinarian for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
