Black Dog Poop — Why Is My Dog Passing Black Stools?

Have you noticed your dog’s poop looking darker than usual — maybe even black? It might be scary, but don’t panic! Just like humans, our furry friends sometimes give us subtle signs when something isn’t quite right. Black dog poop, or melena, can be one of those signs, often pointing to something happening inside their digestive system.

It might not always be serious, but sometimes it could signal that something's wrong, and that our pups need a bit more attention.

Let’s explore what black dog poop means, why it happens, and how you can help your pup get back to feeling their best.

What is black dog poop?

Did you know that the color and texture of your dog’s poop can reveal a lot about their health? Healthy dog poop should be a light brown or dark brown color - anything in this range means your dog is doing fine.

Black dog poop, though, is typically dark, sticky, and can even be tar-like. This can happen when digested blood makes its way through your dog’s gastrointestinal (GI) tract.

While it might sound scary, black stools aren’t always an emergency. Sometimes, it’s something as simple as a dietary change — but it’s important to pay attention, just in case.

Here’s how to spot black dog poop:

• Color: Dark black or reddish-black
• Texture: Sometimes sticky or tar-like
• Smell: Strong and unusual

Think of black poop as your dog’s way of signaling they might need some extra care.

Changing up your pet’s diet doesn’t have to be a challenge. Why not test out some of the best food for dogs with sensitive stomachs? Find their new, tummy-friendly favorite. 

Our dogs can’t tell us what’s wrong (sadly), so their poop can sometimes become an important clue for us pet parents. Black stools can happen for many reasons, ranging from harmless to serious. 

Here’s what might be going on with your furry friend:

Dietary changes

Have you been feeding your dog dark foods like liver or raw meat? These can cause temporary dark stools. It’s not a problem, though, unless it persists.

Medications

Meds like Pepto-Bismol or iron supplements can darken your dog’s poop, making it look black but harmless.

Internal bleeding

Bleeding in the stomach or intestines — caused by ulcers, swallowed objects, or tumors — can lead to black, tarry stools.

Ingested toxins

Certain toxins, like rat poison, can cause internal bleeding, which shows up as black diarrhea in dogs.

Parasitic infections

Severe worm infestations might damage your dog’s GI tract, leading to bleeding.

Chronic illnesses

Conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or pancreatitis can also result in black stools over time.

But what if my dog is acting normal?

If your dog’s poop is black but they’re eating, playing, and acting like their usual self, it might not be urgent. But recurring or persistent black stools, even when your dog is acting normal, should still prompt a visit to the vet to rule out any hidden issues.

What if it’s black, but not tarry?

Sometimes, your dog’s poop might be black but lack the sticky, tar-like texture. This could be due to food pigments rather than blood. 

While this may be less concerning, it’s still worth monitoring to make sure it doesn’t persist.

Keeping our dogs happy and healthy starts with their wellness. With a Wag! Wellness Plan, you don’t have to choose between your pet and your wallet. Get access to a 24/7 vet chat, annual check-ups and boosters, and more! 

If you’ve spotted black poop in your dog’s yard cleanup, here’s how you can help them feel better.

1. Check your dog’s behavior

Is your dog still their playful, tail-wagging self? Or are they showing other signs like:

• Vomiting
• Lethargy
• Refusing food or water
• Abdominal discomfort

Even if they seem okay, don’t ignore black poop — it’s always better to be safe. Call your vet if you’re unsure what to do.

2. Collect a stool sample

It might not be glamorous, but a fresh stool sample is a big help for your vet. Place it in a clean container (a ziplock bag works!) and bring it to your appointment.

3. Visit your vet

Your vet might run tests like:

• Bloodwork: To check for anemia or infections.
• Imaging: X-rays or ultrasounds can spot blockages or tumors.
• Endoscopy: This helps your vet get a close-up look at the GI tract.
  
  

4. Follow the treatment plan

Depending on the cause, your vet might recommend:

• Diet changes: Switching to a bland or GI-friendly diet.
• Medications: Antibiotics, antacids, or anti-parasitics.
• Surgery: For more serious issues like tumors or ulcers.
  
  

Treating black dog poop often depends on understanding the root cause, so stick closely to your vet’s advice.

Vet visits can be costly — make sure your pup is insured! With Wag! Compare, you can browse the best plans from top insurers across the country. Find the right plan for your furry friend today. 

Wondering how to treat black dog poop in dogs? While you can’t control everything that happens to your furry friend, there’s plenty you can do to keep your pup’s poop healthy and brown.

Tips for prevention:

• Keep an eye on their diet: Avoid feeding dark-colored foods that could confuse the situation.
• Regular vet checkups: Catch potential problems early before they become serious.
• Parasite protection: Keep up with deworming and flea prevention.
• Keep harmful items away: Make sure toxins, small objects, and medications are out of reach.

By staying proactive, you can help your dog avoid the stress of black stools altogether.

Treating black dog poop can vary depending on the cause, but here’s an idea of what to expect:

• Vet visit: $50–$200
• Tests (bloodwork, imaging, or endoscopy): $100–$1,500
• Medications: $20–$100
• Surgery: $1,500–$5,000

FAQs about black dog poop

Is black dog poop always serious?

Not always. It might be something simple like a diet change, but black stools can also point to internal issues. If it doesn’t resolve quickly, see your vet.

What if my dog’s poop is black but not tarry?

Non-tarry black stools are usually less concerning and could be from food pigments. Monitor your dog and check with your vet if it continues.

What if my dog’s poop is black but they’re acting normal?

Even if your dog seems fine, black stools should still be checked. Persistent changes in stool color could signal an underlying issue.

Can stress cause black stools?

Stress alone isn’t a cause, but it can worsen conditions like ulcers that lead to black stools.

How can I treat black stools at home?

Stick to what your vet recommends! If it’s diet-related, a bland meal like boiled chicken and rice can help.

How soon should I see a vet?

If black poop lasts more than a day or comes with other symptoms, visit your vet right away.