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Yellow Dog Poop — Why Is My Dog Passing Yellow Stools?
Written By Kevin Hughes
Published: 07/19/2017Updated: 11/07/2024
Veterinary reviewed by Michele K.
Yellow stools and dogs
A pet parent’s role can often be a thankless one — think about how much time we must spend, over the course of a dog’s lifetime, picking up poop, for example. It’s unlikely that anyone’s actually calculated the time we devote to that task but it’s probably hours and hours.
The bottom line is that we get to see a lot of our dogs’ poop. So much so that we can very quickly notice if the poop looks unusual, whether that be diarrhea or a different color. A dog’s stool can vary in color. This can be quite normal but in some instances can be a warning sign that something isn’t right.
If your dog is passing black stools or tarry stools (which may have blood in them), there could be a health problem.
But what of yellow dog poop? If a dog's poop is yellow, what does that mean? Is it something to worry about?
The bottom line is that we get to see a lot of our dogs’ poop. So much so that we can very quickly notice if the poop looks unusual, whether that be diarrhea or a different color. A dog’s stool can vary in color. This can be quite normal but in some instances can be a warning sign that something isn’t right.
If your dog is passing black stools or tarry stools (which may have blood in them), there could be a health problem.
But what of yellow dog poop? If a dog's poop is yellow, what does that mean? Is it something to worry about?
My dog’s poop is yellow — why?
If you’re witnessing yellow dog poop, there could be a number of causes. A one-off incident is probably nothing to be concerned about but regular or repeated changes in the color of your dog’s stools could be an indication of anything from a mild stomach upset to a serious gastrointestinal condition.
Causes of yellow dog poop may include:
Causes of yellow dog poop may include:
- Gastroenteritis
- Consumption of non-food items
- Liver problems – such as liver toxins or liver inflammation
- Gallbladder problems — such as gallbladder obstruction
- Pancreas problems — such as pancreatitis
- Intestinal infections – such as parasites
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Food allergies
Consumption of non-food items
Consumption of non-food items can cause your dog to have yellow diarrhea. Dogs can have a habit of eating whatever comes their way without thinking — this can include pieces of trees, grasses, rocks, or even household items, like socks. Foreign body consumption can include virtually anything which isn’t food and isn’t supposed to be eaten. These items may not be digested by your pet’s system.
Gastroenteritis
Gastroenteritis is inflammation of the intestinal system, generally this includes the stomach and intestines. The causes of gastroenteritis can include infections from bacteria, viruses, parasites or reactions to new foods or medications.
Liver problems
Liver problems cause jaundice (icterus) which will discolor the eyes, skin, urine and feces of your pet. Damages to the liver can occur from many diseases, toxins, drugs, cancer and inflammation of the liver caused by bacterial and fungal infections.
Pancreatitis
This is inflammation of the pancreas which occurs as a result of digestive enzymes leaking into the pancreatic tissue. Abdominal pain, depression, loss of appetite along with vomiting and diarrhea can occur in some dogs. Chronic pancreatitis can sometimes lead to diabetes in your pet.
Gallbladder problems
This condition occurs when there is a stoppage of bile flowing from the gallbladder to the intestines. This can occur due to trauma to the gallbladder, or from an obstruction like a gallstone, congealed bile or tumor of the gallbladder and can turn the eyes, skin, urine and feces a yellow color.
Intestinal infections
These can include bacterial, viral, fungal and parasitic infections. If left untreated, any of these can progress to more serious conditions in your pet, so your dog will need veterinary attention.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
If you detect mucus-yellow dog poop, it could be evidence of Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). IBS can cause a yellow mucus to be present in your dog’s stool. This condition needs to be treated as early as possible to prevent progression into a more serious health condition for your pet.
What to do if your dog’s poop is yellow
If your dog’s poop is yellow, with diarrhea or a mucus substance, first things first – don’t panic. It could all be completely normal; bouts of periodic diarrhea and stool changes can cycle in and out of your dog’s life, lasting only one or two bowel movements.
However, if the yellow stools continue to be passed beyond a day or two, or if your dogs' condition is deteriorating, you should call your veterinary professional for medical evaluation. The condition that may be at the root of the yellow stool may be relatively minor or it can be a major health condition which will need to be treated urgently. Your vet is in the best position to diagnose this, and make a treatment plan.
Your veterinarian will examine your pet and perform any needed testing to determine the cause of the yellow stool. In many cases, this diagnosis proves to be a ‘ruling out’ situation as the vet eliminates the many possibilities for the yellow stool in your pet.
Your veterinarian will treat the underlying cause with medications, surgical procedures, dietary supplements or dietary regimen changes as needed based upon his findings and diagnosis.
However, if the yellow stools continue to be passed beyond a day or two, or if your dogs' condition is deteriorating, you should call your veterinary professional for medical evaluation. The condition that may be at the root of the yellow stool may be relatively minor or it can be a major health condition which will need to be treated urgently. Your vet is in the best position to diagnose this, and make a treatment plan.
Your veterinarian will examine your pet and perform any needed testing to determine the cause of the yellow stool. In many cases, this diagnosis proves to be a ‘ruling out’ situation as the vet eliminates the many possibilities for the yellow stool in your pet.
Your veterinarian will treat the underlying cause with medications, surgical procedures, dietary supplements or dietary regimen changes as needed based upon his findings and diagnosis.
Preventing yellow dog poop
Is there anything a pet parent can do to prevent yellow dog poop from affecting their pup? While that’s always going to be difficult to achieve, there are steps you can take to help reduce the risk as much as possible.
So, how can you try to prevent your dog from having yellow diarrhea? Close monitoring of your pet’s lifestyle is the best measure of prevention. For conditions like pancreatitis, liver and gallbladder problems, dietary regimens will need to be evaluated to ensure that your pet is getting a balanced diet without excess fats and carbohydrates which may not be easily digested.
A fatty diet can lead to issues such as pancreatitis. If your dog has this condition, you should consider a permanent switch to a type of dog food that’s been specially formulated to help aid digestion. You can read our recommendations for the best food for dogs with pancreatitis here.
A fatty diet can lead to issues such as pancreatitis. If your dog has this condition, you should consider a permanent switch to a type of dog food that’s been specially formulated to help aid digestion. You can read our recommendations for the best food for dogs with pancreatitis here.
Careful monitoring of your pet’s home environment and those areas where he or she exercises and plays is also a good idea, eliminating as many of the potential non-food items which might interest him enough to ingest them.
Keeping up with regular checkups, vaccinations, and parasite control will help to reduce the opportunity for parasitic infection to take root in your pet’s intestinal tract.
Examinations done at home on a regular basis can also help to identify painful areas on your pet which could relate to internal problems which need attention. This can be incorporated into the normal time you spend with your pet in play and attention giving.
If your dog’s poop is yellow because of a medical condition, the resulting treatment can be expensive. Pet insurance can help to cover some of the costs that may arise. If you don’t already have a policy, start searching for cover today. Compare the best pet insurance plans in seconds using Wag! Compare.
You can also compare wellness plan packages, which can cover the costs of routine veterinary care for your dog, including vaccinations and examinations.
If your dog’s poop is yellow because of a medical condition, the resulting treatment can be expensive. Pet insurance can help to cover some of the costs that may arise. If you don’t already have a policy, start searching for cover today. Compare the best pet insurance plans in seconds using Wag! Compare.
You can also compare wellness plan packages, which can cover the costs of routine veterinary care for your dog, including vaccinations and examinations.
What's the cost of treating a dog with yellow stools?
There are costs involved in keeping your pet safe and healthy. Here are some of the costs involved with treatment of some of the causes of yellow stools in your pet:
- Irritable bowel syndrome treatment costs can range from $500 to $3,000
- For the treatment of chronic liver inflammation, the costs can range from $1,000 to $10,000
- If your pet is suffering from pancreatitis, those treatment costs could range from $800 to $6,00
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.
Passing Yellow Stools Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Pug
Two Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Yellow Stools
My dog is passing yellow stools y?
Treatment?
Sept. 26, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. .
Parasites and intestinal infection might cause this to happen, and if it is sill occurring, 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?
Unknown
Six Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Diarrhea
My dog has had diarrhea for a couple days now. We just moved into a new apartment, so I thought it was maybe the stress but its continuing and now it's bring yellow. Almost totally liquid but has some little chunks afterwards. She seems totally normal, not lethargic or anything and I've been feeding her rice and boiled chicken, plus I gave her some plain greek yogurt.
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. 23, 2020
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Pit Bull
One Year
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Diarrhea
My dog has had diarrhea for about 3 days now he seems to be acting normal seems a little less energetic but today his diarrhea was a bright yellow
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. 23, 2020
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Shitzu
2 1/2 months
1 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Tarry Stool
My puppy is passing yellow stool and a lil weak. He is always sleeping
Aug. 6, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
1 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. Puppies are very commonly affected by parasites that can be quite serious. It would be best to have your puppy examined by a veterinarian, and have them look at a stool sample, and see what might be affecting your puppy and what medications might help. I hope that all goes well for your puppy.
Aug. 6, 2020
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Dachshund
Nine Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Yellow Formed Stool
Stool yellow, formed, difficult to pass. Strains and yelps while going.
Aug. 3, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. There can be many causes for this problem, but one thing that you can try in the short-term is to feed a bland diet boiled white chicken and boiled white rice for a few days. If that gets things settled down and your dog is having normal bowel movement after that, great. If they continue to have problems at that point, it would be best to have them seen by a veterinarian. I hope that all goes well for your dog.
Aug. 3, 2020
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Red heeler
Shadow pup
1 Day
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Panting
Yellow Diarrhea
My Red Heeler had a litter yesterday and today one of the newborn pups has yellow diarrhea while all of the rest seem to have normal dark 'pellet' pooh.
Momma is also still panting even though she delivered that last puppy about 6pm yesterday and it is now 16 hrs later.
I am wondering if the yellow diahrrea from the one newborn is a serious problem that I need to get looked into and if there is a concern with momma still panting (she has also whimpered a couple of times while looking over the puppies and wonders around looking like something is lost or wrong and she has NEVER been a dog to whimper). I am concerned because I don't know if she senses something about the one pup or if maybe she is feeling off. Other this this, she is doing a great job caring for the pups (except there is quite a bit of the pups pooh around even though most people say the momma cleans all that).
Chihuahua
Guapo
6 Years
1 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Diarrhea
Soft Stool
Frequent Bowel Movements
Watery Stool
Yellow Stool
Guapo is a healthy 6 year old chihuahua. Not on any medications and eats a grain free chicken and rice formula dog kibble. He just began having loose stools which range from brown ‘soft serve’ to watery to yellow and mucus-y looking much like mustard or newborn baby poop. He threw up some half digested kibble in the morning on the first day, and then a foamy liquid at night on the first day but had not thrown up since. The frequency of his BMs vary from every hour to every 3-4 hours. He doesn’t typically eat or drink a lot, but he is not refusing food or water either. I’ve been making a ‘soup’ of boiled chicken, white rice, and water for him and feeding him small amounts throughout the day and he eats it right up. He’s a pretty lazy dog in general but hasn’t acted lethargic, in pain, or depressed. His eyes, skin, and gums appear to be normal. We have an appointment for this afternoon and have a stool sample. I am just SO worried there is some kind of liver, gallbladder, pancreas issue based on what I’ve been reading. This was very sudden without a change in diet, no table scraps, and he does not eat random things he finds in the home or outside. He hasn’t been around any other dog recently aside from his sister who is also healthy and he hasn’t suffered any injuries or stressors. We have not been out far from where we live in a couple of weeks and I try to keep my dogs away from any unclean areas or other dogs poops that weren’t picked up by their owners. I’m just dumbfounded and jumping to the worst possible scenarios because Guapo is typically a happy healthy lazy spoiled dog.
