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Black Dog Poop — Why Is My Dog Passing Black Stools?
Written By Alex Olsson
Published: 08/07/2017Updated: 12/02/2024
Veterinary reviewed by Dr. Linda Simon, MVB MRCVS
Why is my dog's poop black?
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.
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Why is my dog’s poop black?
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
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.
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What to do if your dog is passing black stools
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.
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Preventing black dog poop
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.
Costs of treatment
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.
Worried about the cost of treating your pet's symptoms?
Pet Insurance covers the cost of many common pet health conditions. Prepare for the unexpected by getting a quote from top pet insurance providers.
Black Dog Poop — Why Is My Dog Passing Black Stools? Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
English Shepherd
Seven Months
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Black Stool
Hi! My dog has recently started having blackish stool. Should I be concerned? I included a picture.
Sept. 26, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. .
If this is still occurring, he may have a problem with GI bleeding. It would be best to have your pet seen by a veterinarian, as they can examine them, see what might be going on, and get treatment for them.
Oct. 17, 2020
Was this question and answer helpful?
German Shepherd
Three Months
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Black Poop
My dogs poop has been black since changing his diet from kibble to kibble and wet food or kibble and cooked meats like beef, turkey, or chicken
Sept. 25, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. I apologize for the delay, this venue is not set up for urgent emails.
I hope that your pet is feeling better. If they are still having problems, It would be best to have your pet seen by a veterinarian, as they can examine them, see what might be going on, and get any testing or treatment taken care of that might be needed.
Oct. 21, 2020
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stafforshire terrier cross
Fourteen Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Tarry Stool
My dog appears healthy, however despite recently been supervised and fed three meals per day has failed to put on any weight. What does an occasional black tarry stool indicate?
Sept. 25, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. I apologize for the delay, this venue is not set up for urgent emails.
Tarry black stools often mean a bleeding problem in the upper GI tract. That may explain the weight loss, and It would be best to have your pet seen by a veterinarian, as they can examine them, see what might be going on, and get any testing or treatment taken care of that might be needed.
Oct. 21, 2020
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Jack Russell Terrier
Three Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Black/Blue Hard Stool
Hello, it has been about a week and my dog has black/blueish hard stool. Sometimes, it is normal color and texture and other times it is very dark and hard.
Sept. 24, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question.
If your pet is still having problems, it would be best to have them seen by a veterinarian, as they will be able to examine them, see what might be going on, and get any treatment needed.
Oct. 24, 2020
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tea cup Chihuahua
Four Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Black Poop
my tea cup started acting strange...I don't if he ate something he shouldn't have...for the last two days he's been weak he's been restless he still eats and drinks but he popped black
Sept. 24, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. I apologize for the delay, this venue is not set up for urgent emails.
I hope that your pet is feeling better. If they are still having problems, It would be best to have your pet seen by a veterinarian, as they can examine them, see what might be going on, and get any testing or treatment taken care of that might be needed.
Oct. 25, 2020
Was this question and answer helpful?
Labrador Retriever
Luke
7 Months
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Dark Poop
Hi
I have a 7 months old Labrador Retriever, today he started to poop really dark (black) and kind watery. He is eating and drinking well, he’s really active. He was on a dewormer and diarrhea medication the past week. What I should do?
Fox terrier x chihuahua
Sophie
12 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Black Tarry Stools
Sophie is 12 yrs old she was diagnosed with Cushing disease last year..she now has black tarry stools she does not appear to be in pain or discomfort and eating and drinking well but seems to be a bit solace
Pug
Gus
11 Months
1 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Dark Poop O
My dog has had poops that are black on outside but normal inside. I don’t think he has ate anything he’s not suppose to. He’s eating, drinking and playing normal, isn’t lethargic
