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What is Mucus in the Stool?
Some mucus is normal and necessary in order to facilitate the movement of the waste through the bowels. When the amount of this mucus increases in volume or changes color or smell this could signal a problem developing for your dog. The underlying issues that can cause this sign range from benign to untreatable, depending on the cause. Because some of the causes of mucus in stool can be time sensitive it's best to contact your veterinarian as soon a possible, especially if the dog has other signs such as diarrhea or fever.
Most stool includes some mucus to facilitate its movement through the bowels. Increases or changes in the mucus composition of your dog’s stool may be indicative of underlying conditions.
Mucus in the Stool Average Cost
From 73 quotes ranging from $200 - $2,500
Average Cost
$250
Symptoms of Mucus in the Stool in Dogs
Small amounts of mucus within the stool generally isn’t a problem by itself. If it is much larger amounts than you normally see or if paired with the following signs, a call to the veterinarian is warranted and a stool sample should be gathered.
- Abdominal pain
- Accompanied by diarrhea
- Fever
- Lethargy
- Only mucus is being expelled
- Refusal to eat or drink
- The mucus has a color
- There is a change in color in the stools
- Vomiting
Types
There are changes to the feces that may occur concurrently.
Black and tarry
- This color and texture are generally caused by blood from the stomach or upper intestine
- If you see this kind of stool, collect it and call your veterinarian as soon as possible
Blood in stool (red)
- This is fresh blood in the stool which may indicate bleeding in the lower intestines
- Collect a sample and seek veterinary attention
Diarrhea
- Diarrhea is often caused by a viral or bacterial infection, but there are other triggers
- 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
Grey and greasy looking
- Usually caused by too much fat in the food
Worms
- Worms in the stool are parasites
- Contact your veterinarian as soon as possible for prompt diagnosis and treatment
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Causes of Mucus in the Stool in Dogs
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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Diagnosis of Mucus in the Stool in Dogs
In order to make a diagnosis your veterinarian will want a full history of the animal, as well as a general physical exam. Questions regarding your dog’s diet and appetite will be asked, as well as inquiries about whether any vomiting or diarrhea has been recently observed. A biochemistry profile, complete blood count, and urinalysis may be recommended to determine the underlying cause. A colonoscopy and a fecal float may also be recommended. The fecal float test can help your veterinarian to determine if adult parasites are present in the canine’s system and the colonoscopy allows a visual inspection of the large intestine to detect tears or other inconsistencies. If a definitive diagnosis has not been determined by this point, additional tests will depend on signs and on the results of previous tests. If foreign objects or tumors are suspected x-ray and ultrasound imaging may be used to try and detect them.
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Treatment of Mucus in the Stool in Dogs
Treatment of mucus in the stool will depend on the underlying cause. As the causes of increased mucus in the stool can cover a large range of underlying causes, the treatments are also many. In cases of indiscriminate eating or stress, it may clear up with no further treatment. A short term change to bland, easily digestible foods may be a beneficial change, and in some mild cases your veterinarian may recommend antidiarrheal mediations. If your pet has a viral, bacterial, parasitic or fungal infection, the proper medication to clear up the disease will be prescribed, and if food allergies or sensitivities are diagnosed then a hypoallergenic diet may be recommended. Probiotics may also be recommended to help the patient recover, especially after antibiotic or antifungal treatments. If a tumor or another growth is involved, it may require surgical excision which may be followed by chemotherapy.
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Recovery of Mucus in the Stool in Dogs
Depending on the underlying cause, recovery and management methods can be extremely variable. You will need to make sure that you make any changes to your dog’s diet or environment as recommended by your veterinarian, and if your pet was prescribed any medication it is imperative that you give them the entire course to prevent reoccurrence of the problem. The dietary and lifestyle changes for some patients may be short-term or life-long dependent on the cause. Although some issues are mild enough not to warrant a return trip to the veterinarian, many other disorders will require an additional visit to check how the patient is responding to treatment.
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Mucus in the Stool Average Cost
From 73 quotes ranging from $200 - $2,500
Average Cost
$250
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Written by hannah hollinger
Veterinary reviewed by: Michele K.
Published: 06/09/2016, edited: 04/15/2021
More articles by hannah hollinger
Mucus in the Stool Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Need pet health advice? Ask a vet
Ask a Vet
Shih Tzu
Four Years
Unknown severity
0 found helpful
Unknown severity
Has Symptoms
Orangey diarrhea with mucus and vomiting
April 10, 2021
Owner
Dr. Linda S. MVB MRCVS
0 Recommendations
Mucus in the stool indicates lower gut inflammation (colitis). As she is also vomiting she is at risk of dehydration and it is best she is assessed so we can ensure she is well hydrated and doesn't have a fever or abdominal pain. The vet may well need to issue treatment such as antibiotics, an anti nausea injection and fluids.
April 10, 2021
Was this experience helpful?
mix
Six Weeks
Unknown severity
5 found helpful
Unknown severity
Has Symptoms
Mucus Stool
Pooping mucus. But also just changed dog food brands
Jan. 31, 2021
Owner
Dr. Linda S. MVB MRCVS
5 Recommendations
An abrupt diet change can lead to diarrhoea and mucus in the stool. Other potential causes include an infection, stress, parasites etc. Be sure the pup is otherwise well and up to date with their parasite prevention. If signs continue or they seem unwell, a vet visit is best.
Jan. 31, 2021
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Goldendoodle
One Month
Unknown severity
0 found helpful
Unknown severity
Has Symptoms
Slimy Stool, Roundwoems In Stool
Slimy stool with some round worms in them. They are all almost 4 weeks old. I gave them all deworming medication at 4 weeks old.
Jan. 3, 2021
Owner
Dr. Sara O. DVM
0 Recommendations
Hello, if your puppies are still having worms they may need to be dewormed again. Puppies can easily reinfect themselves after being dewormed. If this is not getting better you may need to see your vet for a stronger dewormer.
Jan. 3, 2021
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Golden Retriever
Four Months
Mild severity
0 found helpful
Mild severity
Has Symptoms
Diarrhea
So we changed her food about a week ago and I noticed yesterday she started having very runny diarrhea just super mucous she finished the last bag yesterday so we decided to switch her back to her old one cause she was doing fine on that one never any problems her vet wanted us to change it since it was grain free and that’s the one the breeder was giving her she was great with the litter, anyway the doctor recommended hills brand puppy so that’s the one we tried but then noticed she started having problems we switched it little by little.
Oct. 24, 2020
Owner
Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. She may be having diarrhea due to the food change, or she may have parasites, as those are very common in puppies. Grain-free dog foods are not recommended, as they can lead to heart disease in dogs. It would be best to try a good quality puppy food, Hill's and Royal Canin are two brands that maintain high quality standards. If the diarrhea is not improving, having your veterinarian look at a stool sample for parasites would be a good idea.
Oct. 24, 2020
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Chiweenie
Two Years
Unknown severity
6 found helpful
Unknown severity
Has Symptoms
Diarrhea And Now Lethargy
diarrhea happened earlier then she had an accident in her crate, which she DOESN'T do. It wasn't diarrhea tho but wasn't really hard, just big and had a little bit of mucus in it. She's very tiny for her breed, about 4-5 lbs. Now she is just acting tired and not like herself. All this happened from last night to tonight.
Sept. 29, 2020
Owner
Dr. Michele K. DVM
6 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. This problem maybe caused by many things, but if she is not vomiting, eating normally, and generally doing okay other than the stool, you can try feeding her a bland diet of boiled white chicken and boiled white rice for a day or two and see if that helps with her stools. If she continues to have the mucus in her stools or is lethargic, then it would be best to have her seen by a veterinarian as there may be more going on. I hope that all goes well for her and she feels better soon.
Oct. 1, 2020
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Hadlee Rose
Chiweenie
10 Months
Mild severity
0 found helpful
Mild severity
Has Symptoms
Diarrhea
Mucus
Loose Stools
Hadlee Rose since this past weekend has had loose stools with quite a bit of a clear mucus... I haven' changed her food but had recently started giving her some new treats. Other than the diarrhea she's been acting normal, eating, drinking and urinating just fine
Sam
Corgi, mini aussie
5 Months
Mild severity
0 found helpful
Mild severity
Has Symptoms
Diarrhea Mucus
My puppy Sam 5months corgi/mini aussie mix. His poop was brown, formed & soft one day. He would ask to go outside and has not had an accident inside the home for 3 months. One day he was incontinent of urine & his poop was green diarrhea mucus looking; he would void & poop at least once every hour. (4 days now) Appetite & thirst went unchanged, we did not change his food diet. Energy, playfulness has remained the same. Not lethargic. Anyone have any ideas?
Molly
miniature poodle
4 Years
Mild severity
0 found helpful
Mild severity
Has Symptoms
Loose Stool
Mucus In Stool
Frequent Stool
My 4 yr old miniature poodle has had loose stools on and off for years with no identified reason. The past month she has had a lot of mucus and loose stool. She has no other symptoms otherwise, healthy and active. She has always had digestive issues on and off, vomits a few times a month for no reason (but she gulps her food and a greedy eater)She also scratches and licks a lot. I suspect allergies, but have tried isolating different ingredients and can't identify anything in particular. Then for weeks she will have normal stool confusing it even further. She does not have access to eating foreign things as she is in the house or under observation on walks. A few months ago I slowly introduced a different kibble to remove her off high lentil/pea kibble. First I tried Nutrisource and slowly switched to Fromm Gold for adult dogs which she has been on for a couple of weeks. I give her 1/3c kibble in the morning, and for years I have mixed 1/3 can Wellness Core Healthy Cuts with her kibble at evening meal. (I have to be careful about giving her canned that has too much fat) Even though he diet is stable - same thing every day (plus 3 small puppy biscuits) she still has mucus in her stool and frequent bowel movements. No vomiting, not lethargy, no stretching etc I have given her Proviable probiotic in the past for loose stool so am starting her on it again. Pumpkin does not help. (I might add I have an 8 year old mini on the same food, and she is having no problem
Arie
Siberian Husky
7 Years
Moderate severity
0 found helpful
Moderate severity
Has Symptoms
Mucus
Hi, my dog got into some chocolate and a rotisserie chicken about 2-2/5 Weeks ago. She had diarrhea for a few days then seemed to be better. But now she is having mucus Covering her stools and slight amount of diarrhea. Should we be concerned. I’m worried don’t know what to do.
Princess
Lhasa Poo
10 Years
Serious severity
0 found helpful
Serious severity
Has Symptoms
Diarrhea
Lethargy
Excessive Thirst
Mucous In Stool
Vomiting Bile
Bloating
Our 10 year old Lhasa Apso/Poodle mix Princess has been having a lot of trouble with bloating, mucous in her stool, lethargy, vomiting bile and a severe increase in thirst. She has got to the point to where she will get excited about something for about 2 minutes and then is down for the rest of the day with very little energy to pick herself up. I have had multiple tests run and everything they have checked has come out ok (liver, kidneys, blood sugar,exc.) I dont know what else to do but i cant stand to watch her suffer like this.
Mucus in the Stool Average Cost
From 73 quotes ranging from $200 - $2,500
Average Cost
$250
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