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Mucus In Dog Poop: Causes & Solutions in Dogs
Written By Alex Olsson
Published: 06/09/2016Updated: 10/24/2024
Veterinary reviewed by Michele K.
What are Mucus In Dog Poop: Causes & Solutions?
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.
Symptoms of mucus in dog poop
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.
Causes of mucus in dog poop
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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Diagnosis of mucus in dog poop
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 of mucus in dog poop
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.
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Recovery of mucus in dog poop
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.
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.
Mucus In Dog Poop: Causes & Solutions Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Shih Tzu
Four Years
61 found this helpful
61 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Orangey diarrhea with mucus and vomiting
April 10, 2021
Answered by Dr. Linda S. MVB MRCVS
61 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
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mix
Six Weeks
39 found this helpful
39 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Mucus Stool
Pooping mucus. But also just changed dog food brands
Jan. 31, 2021
Answered by Dr. Linda S. MVB MRCVS
39 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
12 found this helpful
12 found this helpful
My pet has the following 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
Answered by Dr. Sara O. DVM
12 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
7 found this helpful
7 found this helpful
My pet has the following 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
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
7 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
25 found this helpful
25 found this helpful
My pet has the following 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
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
25 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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Chiweenie
Hadlee Rose
10 Months
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following 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
Corgi, mini aussie
Sam
5 Months
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following 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?
miniature poodle
Molly
4 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following 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
Siberian Husky
Arie
7 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following 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.
Lhasa Poo
Princess
10 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following 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.
