Mucus In Dog Poop: Causes & Solutions in Dogs

What’s a sight every pet parent might not want to see, but probably has? Or probably will? You guessed it — mucus in dog poop. If you spot mucus in your dog’s poop, it might be alarming, but it’s not always a sign of something serious. 

Then again, while mucus naturally lines your dog’s intestines to aid digestion, an increase in the amount or a noticeable change in appearance could indicate an underlying issue. 

In this guide, we’ll explore what mucus in dog poop means, common causes, and when you should seek vet attention.

What is mucus in dog poop?

Mucus in dog poop is a slimy, jelly-like substance that coats your dog’s stool. This mucus is normally produced by the intestines to keep them lubricated and aid in stool passage. 

But when the mucus becomes more visible or is present in large amounts, it could signal irritation or inflammation in your dog’s digestive system. It’s important to keep an eye on your dog's stool regularly for changes, and consult your vet if you notice any concerning signs.

Small amounts of mucus within the stool generally isn’t a problem by itself. If it looks like much larger amounts than usual, or if it’s paired with the following signs, a call to the vet is a good idea and a stool sample should be gathered:

• Abdominal pain
• Persistent diarrhea
• Fever
• Lethargy
• Only mucus is being expelled
• Refusal to eat or drink
• The mucus has a color
• Unusually colored stool
• Vomiting

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When your dog’s poop contains mucus, it may also look differently. There are different types of changes that may occur to keep an eye out for:

Black and tarry

A black color and tarry texture are generally caused by blood from the stomach or upper intestine. If you see this kind of stool, collect it and call your vet as soon as possible.

Blood in stool (red)

Seeing fresh blood in your dog’s poop? Does it look like jelly, too? This may indicate bleeding in the lower intestines. Collect a sample and seek vet attention as soon as possible. 

Diarrhea

Diarrhea is often caused by a viral or bacterial infection, but there are other triggers, too. Dogs with diarrhea are at high risk for dehydration and should be monitored closely. If blood clots are also seen the situation should be treated as urgent.

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Grey and greasy 

Grey and greasy stool is usually caused by too much fat in the food. Adjust your pup’s diet, reduce some of their fat intake, and monitor for changes. 

Worms

Worms in the stool are parasites, a common issue many dogs go through. If this is the case for your dog, contact your vet as soon as possible for prompt diagnosis and treatment.

So why does this happen to our furry friends? There are a number of things that can cause increased mucus in the stool, ranging from the benign to the lethal:

• Blood in the intestine
• Changes in diet
• Colitis
• Eating inappropriate food items
• Food allergies
• Foreign object
• Overgrowth of bacteria
• Parasites
• Polyps or tumors
• Stress
• Toxins
• Viral or bacterial infection

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When you get to the vet, they’ll likely perform several diagnostic tests to identify the cause. A thorough medical history, physical examination, and stool analysis will be key in diagnosing the issue.

• Fecal examination: A stool sample may be taken to check for parasites or bacterial infections.
• Blood tests: These can help assess your dog’s overall health and detect any underlying infections or diseases.
• Imaging: In some cases, X-rays or ultrasounds may be recommended to get a clearer picture of the intestines and identify any blockages or abnormalities.
• Allergy testing: If food allergies are suspected, your vet may suggest allergy tests or an elimination diet to determine which food could be causing the issue.

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Treatment will depend on the underlying cause of why your dog’s poop has mucus. Here are some common treatments:

• Deworming: If parasites are the culprit, your vet will prescribe medication to clear the infection.
• Dietary changes: If the issue is due to food intolerance or dietary indiscretion, switching your dog to a bland diet or hypoallergenic food may help.
• Antibiotics: For bacterial infections, a course of antibiotics may be necessary to clear the infection.
• Probiotics: In some cases, adding probiotics to your dog’s diet can help restore healthy gut flora and reduce digestive inflammation.
• Surgery: If the excess mucus is being caused by something more sinister like a tumor, surgical intervention may be required to remove it. 

Home remedies for treating mucus in dog poop

Simple, at-home remedies such as adding probiotics and/or fiber to your dog’s diet can go a long way with helping this issue. Feeding your pup bland, easy-to-digest food, like chicken and rice, is also a good way to go. 

What’s the outlook? Well, recovery largely depends on the severity of the underlying condition and how quickly treatment is initiated.

For mild cases like a food intolerance, symptoms often resolve within a few days with proper care. For more serious conditions, such as infections or colitis, your dog may require ongoing treatment and monitoring.

It’s essential to follow your vet’s advice and make any necessary dietary changes. Monitoring your dog’s stool for any further signs of mucus can help you track their recovery and ensure they’re on the right path to good health.