The Color of Your Dog’s Poop: What It Really Means
Dog owners may not love talking about poop, but veterinarians know it’s one of the best windows into your pet’s health. The color, consistency, and even smell of dog poop can reveal important clues about digestion, diet, and possible medical issues.
In this guide, we’ll break down what different poop colors mean — from white and chalky to green, black, or even mucus-covered — and when you should contact your vet.
What Healthy Dog Poop Looks Like
Color: Chocolate brown (thanks to bile pigments)
Shape: Log-like, formed but not rock-hard
Consistency: Firm enough to pick up, not watery or crumbly
Coating: Shouldn’t have slime, mucus, or an oily sheen
If your dog’s poop looks like this most of the time, things are probably running smoothly. But any sudden changes — especially lasting more than a day or two — are worth paying attention to.
White or Chalky Poop
Possible Causes:
Diets too high in calcium or bone (common in raw diets)
Poop left outside in the sun (it dries and turns white over time)
When to Worry:
Frequent chalky stool can lead to constipation or blockages.
If your dog isn’t raw-fed, white poop may point to digestive issues.
Green Poop
Possible Causes:
Eating grass (the most common, harmless cause)
Gallbladder or bile issues
Parasites or infections
When to Worry:
If green stool continues without a grass-eating explanation, call your vet.
Watch for other signs like vomiting or lethargy.
Yellow or Orange Poop
Possible Causes:
Food sensitivities (grains, chicken, new treats)
Liver or gallbladder problems
When to Worry:
A single yellow stool might not be serious.
Bright, persistent yellow or orange poop should be checked by a vet.
Black or Tarry Poop
Possible Causes
Bleeding in the upper digestive tract (stomach, small intestine)
Ingesting toxins like rat poison or dark substances (soil, charcoal)
When to Worry:
Always. Black, tarry stool indicates digested blood and requires immediate veterinary care.
Red or Bloody Poop
Possible Causes:
Fresh blood from the colon, rectum, or anal glands
Parasites (hookworms, whipworms)
Infections or swallowed objects irritating the tract
When to Worry:
A streak or two can happen after straining, but multiple episodes need attention.
Bright red blood should prompt a vet visit.
Poop with Mucus or Slimy Coating
Possible Causes:
Irritation or inflammation of the colon
Giardia or other parasites
Inflammatory bowel disease
When to Worry:
An occasional slimy stool isn’t unusual.
Repeated mucus-covered poop can signal chronic issues.
Other Poop Clues Beyond Color
Consistency: Watery diarrhea can mean infection; rock-hard pellets suggest dehydration.
Frequency: More or fewer bowel movements than usual could signal diet or health problems.
Smell: All poop smells, but extremely foul odors may point to parasites or poor digestion.
Foreign Objects: Bits of toys, grass, or even fabric can show your pup is eating things they shouldn’t.
When to Call the Vet
See your veterinarian if your dog’s poop is:
Black, tarry, or blood
Persistently yellow/orange
Green with no obvious grass-eating
Slimy with mucus for several days
Combined with vomiting, weight loss, or loss of appetite
Bringing a stool sample or photo can help your vet make a faster diagnosis.
Scoop & Paw’s Takeaway
Healthy poop is more than just easy to clean — it’s a sign your dog is thriving. As gross as it may be, taking a quick look before you scoop can help you catch small issues before they become big ones.
At Scoop & Paw, we can’t make your dog’s poop prettier, but we can keep your yard fresh, clean, and safe. Whether it’s brown, green, or somewhere in between — we handle the dirty work so you don’t have to.