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There is a lot you can learn about your dog’s digestive and overall health from their stool. While an occasional change in your dog’s stool color is usually nothing to worry about, any long-term or lasting changes could indicate an underlying health issue. Knowing the colors of dog poop and what those colors mean can help you determine when it is necessary to visit a vet.
This article will take you through each of the stool color changes your dog might have and what it could all mean for their digestive health as well as how to address them accordingly.
Normal vs. Abnormal Stool Color: What’s Considered Healthy?
A normal stool from a healthy dog should be brown, well-formed, and uniform. Bile pigments that help with food digestion make the color brown. A change in hue, (darker brown to lighter brown), is typically nothing to worry about.
But when the color of your dog’s poop falls outside the normal chocolate brown spectrum, it may indicate digestive problems or something more serious. By keeping an eye on color changes and monitoring how often your dog poops, you’ll have the best shot at catching problems quickly.
Black or Tarry Stool: A Sign of Internal Bleeding
Black, tarry stool is a common symptom of digested blood which can indicate internal bleeding. This may happen in the upper part of the gastrointestinal tract like the stomach, and might be even in the small intestine. The medical name for this condition is ‘melena’ and it usually indicates a serious gastric ulcer, cancer, or blood clotting issue. When your dog has bleeding gum or oral trauma, it can result in black stool as well. If you see this color, be sure to contact your veterinarian right away as there are multiple reasons for it.
Red Stool: Fresh Blood in the Digestive Tract
A stool that appears red is typically due to the presence of fresh blood, and usually, it suggests bleeding from low in the gut — colon or rectum. Hematochezia is the term for this condition. The reasons for red poop can be very different: it may not only indicate mild problems (anal fissures, small gastroenteritis, or a mistake in the diet) but also hide more dangerous states like tumors and polyps. Bright, consistent red is a reason to call your vet.
Yellow or Orange Stool: A Symptom of Bile or Liver Issues
Yellow or Orange — If the stool is yellow to orange, this can suggest that your dog may not be processing bile correctly. Bile is the digestive fluid by the liver to break down fats and is responsible for making stool brown-colored. When bile does not work as it should, your poop can be yellow-orange. This may point to liver disease, gallbladder issues, or pancreatic problems.
Internally, yellow stool may indicate insufficient time in the digestive tract depriving bile a chance to efficiently break it down. This can be due to gut infection or irritable bowel disease in dogs. If your dog continuously passes yellow or orange poop, we recommend that you consult with a veterinarian.
Green Stool: Potential Signs of Diet or Gastrointestinal Distress
There are many food-related causes of green stool in dogs, especially when they eat a lot of plants such as grass or dark greens. Though grass will not hurt them in small amounts when consumed, green stool can also be a sign of some pretty serious problems like gallbladder disease or an infection causing a malfunction in bile production.
Certain medications and food dyes also cause dogs to have green-colored stools. In case the pigmentation persists or is accompanied by symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy, your pet should be taken to a vet to rule out gastrointestinal infections as well as other disorders.
White or Gray Stool: Could Indicate Pancreatic or Bile Duct Problems
White or gray stool may be a sign that you have problems with the pancreas and bile ducts. When there is no bile present — and that’s necessary for breaking down fat — the stool can appear “acholic,” or clay-colored. Chronic pancreatitis in dogs, bile duct obstruction, or liver disease can cause white or clay-colored stools. If untreated, these conditions are life-threatening as they interfere with your dog’s digestion process and the absorption of vital nutrients. If these types of color changes occur in your dog’s stool, veterinary evaluation should be immediate.
What to Do When You Notice Unusual Stool Colors
In case you see any abnormal change in your dog’s stool color then it is a must to observe their behavior and other signs as well. These can include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or signs of pain. While some changes in a dog’s stool color might be temporary (caused by dietary indiscretions), others signal disease or medical issues that necessitate immediate veterinary attention. If caught early, you can avoid further serious complications.
Conclusion: Supporting Your Dog’s Digestive Health
VetGen Pharmaceuticals realizes that the digestive health of your furry friend is a main factor in their all-around well-being. It is for this reason that it provides a selection of veterinary supplements and premium products intended to promote the digestive health of your dog and help prevent gastrointestinal problems. Its products can be a supportive complement to veterinary treatments in situations when your dog displays abnormal stool color. You can also check out their best tips to keep your pet healthy.
When all else fails, turn to VetGen Pharmaceuticals. The team is committed to making sure your dog has the healthiest digestive system possible with premium products that keep its body running smoothly.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What should I do if my dog’s stool is black and tarry?
If your dog experiences black or tarry stool, this can signal internal bleeding of the gastrointestinal tract and is an emergency. If you encounter black or dark-colored stools, there can be problems which might include ulcers and tumors.
2. Is yellow or orange stool always a sign of liver disease?
Although yellow or orange stool could indicate a problem with the liver and bile ducts, it may likewise be brought on by foods moving through your digestive system too rapidly. If your dog’s stool color doesn’t return to the normal shade soon, you should consult a veterinarian as in some cases it can lead to serious health issues.
3. Can I use over-the-counter medications?
It is not recommended to use OTC relief immediately, instead, you should see your vet first. Different causes can lead to a change in the color of dog stool, and addressing just the symptoms without understanding what is going on could even worsen it.
