The Scoop on Your Dog’s Poop

A Vet-Approved Guide from Canyon View Cares

Let’s face it, no one wants to examine dog poop. But as unglamorous as it is, your dog’s stool can actually be a powerful tool for monitoring their health. At Canyon View Cares, we want to empower you with the knowledge to recognize the signs of a healthy gut and spot when something might be off.

Poop tells a story. Changes in color, shape, frequency, or texture can help you catch illness, stress, or digestive upset early. Here’s everything you need to know about your dog’s bowel movements and when it’s time to pick up the phone and give us a call.

This blog was written by Dr. Samantha Gans

Check out her video on What to Do When Your Pet Gets Diarrhea!

What Does a Healthy Dog Poop Look Like?

If your dog’s digestive system is doing what it’s supposed to, their poop should be:

  • Log-shaped, with a firm, but not dry, consistency
  • Medium to dark brown in color
  • Easy to pick up (not crumbly or sticky)
  • Free of visible mucus, blood, worms, or non-food objects

A consistent, healthy stool is a good indicator that your dog’s GI tract is in good working order.

What Stool Changes Could Mean

1. Soft, Loosely Formed Poop

This stool still has some structure but is softer than normal.

It’s often caused by:

  • Sudden food changes
  • Eating rich or fatty table food
  • Mild anxiety or stress (travel, loud noises, new environment)
  • Minor shifts in gut bacteria

Try feeding a bland diet (like boiled chicken and rice) for a couple of days. If things don’t firm up, call us to rule out underlying issues.

2. Diarrhea (Runny or Liquid Stool)

Frequent or watery diarrhea can be concerning, especially if your dog is also vomiting or acting lethargic.

Potential causes include:

  • Parasites (roundworms, hookworms, giardia)
  • Infections (bacterial or viral)
  • Food intolerance or allergy
  • Stress colitis
  • More serious conditions like inflammatory bowel disease or pancreatitis

Don’t wait more than 24 hours to seek care if your dog has diarrhea. Dehydration happens quickly, and we’ll need to determine the cause.

3. Hard, Dry, or Pellet-Like Stool (Constipation)

Occasional constipation can occur, but persistent issues may point to:

  • Low water intake
  • Insufficient fiber
  • Lack of exercise
  • Ingesting bones or hair
  • Anal gland blockage or spinal issues

Hydration and exercise help, but if your dog seems uncomfortable or stops pooping altogether, bring them in for an evaluation.

What Poop Color Says About Your Dog’s Health

Color Possible Meaning
Brown Normal and healthy
Green Grass ingestion or bile imbalance
Black or tarry Internal bleeding (seek immediate care)
Red streaks Lower GI bleeding, trauma to rectum
Yellow/orange Liver or gallbladder problems
Gray/pale Issues with fat digestion, possible liver disorder

Black or red stool is always a medical concern. Call your vet right away.

Mucus in Stool: Harmless or a Concern?

A little mucus might be normal, but large amounts, especially with loose stool, can indicate:

  • Inflammation of the colon (colitis)
  • Gut infections
  • Stress
  • Parasites or food sensitivities

We can perform a simple fecal test to help identify the cause and recommend treatment.

Worms or Objects in Poop: What to Look For

Spotting something strange in your dog’s poop?

Watch for:

  • White rice-like particles (tapeworms)
  • Long, noodle-like strands (roundworms)
  • Foreign material like fabric, plastic, string, or rubber

If you see any of these, bring your dog and a sample to the clinic right away.

How Often Should Your Dog Poop?

Most dogs poop 1 to 3 times a day, depending on:

  • Age
  • Diet
  • Activity level
  • Hydration

If your dog hasn’t gone in over 24 hours or is straining repeatedly, it’s time for a veterinary check.

When Should You Call Canyon View Cares?

It’s time to reach out if you notice:

  • Diarrhea or constipation lasting longer than 24 hours
  • Vomiting or appetite loss along with stool changes
  • Black, tarry, or bloody poop
  • Persistent mucus or odd colors
  • Worms or unusual items in the stool
  • Lethargy, weakness, or discomfort

How We Can Help

Our veterinary team will work with you to get answers.

We offer:

  • Physical exams and fecal testing
  • Bloodwork and tick-borne illness screening
  • Diagnostic imaging (X-ray or ultrasound)
  • Custom treatment plans including medication, dietary changes, and probiotics

Bottom Line: Keep an Eye on What’s Behind Them

It may not be pretty, but keeping tabs on your dog’s poop is one of the simplest ways to safeguard their health. If something seems off, don’t wait — reach out to our team at Canyon View Cares. We’re here to help you and your dog every step of the way.