Yellow feces in a dog. White feces in a dog: causes, diagnosis of possible diseases

What does the color of dog feces tell you?

Everyone shits – even your dog. And not only yours. But let's look at the question purely from a practical point of view. Poop can reveal a lot about your pet's health. According to Dr. Christina Shepard, some veterinarians spend much of their day discussing dog poop because its color is a clue to many of the mysteries surrounding canine health.

She also said that there can be countless reasons for abnormal bowel movements, so being aware of other symptoms (such as lethargy), changes in diet, possible access to toxins helps us solve the bowel movement puzzle.

So, here's a brief description of what each poop color could mean.

Brown. If your dog's poop is thick and has a delicious chocolate color, then you have nothing to worry about. Just like humans, healthy dogs have dark brown, semi-solid, log-shaped stools.

Orange. In some cases this color is normal. If the dog has had a major dietary change or the food has passed through the gastrointestinal tract too quickly. But orange stool can also indicate serious liver problems, such as gallstones and others.

Yellow. The stool may turn yellow due to changes in diet. It may also signal problems with your pup's gallbladder, liver, and pancreas. If you are sure that it is not a food allergy or a response to a change in diet, you need to rule out a more serious problem such as giardiasis.

Grey. Sometimes the feces may be grey, small and hard. This may be caused by the dog being dehydrated. Drinking extra water, using laxatives, or other veterinary prescriptions will help bring stool back to normal.

White. Typically, dog poop is never completely white. But if you see something white in the stool, it could be worms.

In addition to observing the color scheme, you need to monitor how often your dog defecates and pay attention to the general appearance of the excrement. If there's something strange going on with your four-legged friend's stool, let your veterinarian make sure everything is okay.

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Normal dog poop should be brown. Stool with blood or white color is a deviation, the explanation for which is important to find in a short time. Feces are stained with bile. It plays an important role in digestion. Sometimes the stool becomes yellow or very runny. In this case, the owner’s attentiveness and detailed diagnostics are required.

Normally, dog poop is equal to the diameter of the dog's anus. The smell is moderate, the frequency is three times a day. If it’s less, that’s also normal. There should be no cracks or visible inclusions; the fur remains clean during defecation. There is a damp sheen on the stool. When dropped, the “sausage” should retain its shape for several minutes. If some circles of the same sausage fall out, then we are talking about a deficiency of fiber in the diet. If its quantity is normal, shine is observed.

Deviations

There are deviations from the reasonable norm for dog feces. By assessing the feces, an attentive owner can assess the pet's condition and take the necessary measures.

1. Decorated poop. At the end of the bowel movements, liquid porridge is poured on top. This is a signal of dysbacteriosis. There is a risk of infectious disease.
2. Feces are normal, but with the presence of mucus, sometimes with blood. Occurs due to pathologies in the large intestine and worms. Veined meat products also provoke similar stools.
3. Mushy stools that are yellow or light brown in color. In this case, undigested food with a sour smell is observed. The frequency of the trip is generally from 2 to 5 times a day. In this case, you need to radically change your diet.
4. Hard feces with a white coating, dry. Defecation 1 time per day. It is necessary to remove bones, meat with veins, and cartilage from the menu.

Danger Signals

The most dangerous feces are those that are liquid and contain foam/blood. After discovering such a condition, it is important to immediately call a veterinarian at home or take your pet to the clinic as soon as possible.

1. A brown puddle with a green tint combined with vomiting indicates a viral gastrointestinal disease. Animals do not tolerate these pathologies well and can quickly find themselves in a dying state.
2. Severe diarrhea with foam, mucus and blood. The dog's condition is deteriorating rapidly. Bacteria without treatment will kill the animal in a few days.
3. If your pet is vomiting and does not walk for long, it is a sign of poisoning or a viral infection. In this case, the pet can eat a treat and drink water. Reason for an urgent trip to the veterinarian.

In order for feces to be impeccable in form and internal content, it is necessary to balance the animal’s diet. Correctly maintain the ratio of necessary elements - protein, carbohydrates, vitamins.

It is important to feed your pet high-quality foods that are quickly digestible. It is advisable to choose those approved by veterinarian nutritionists.

Blood in dog stool - causes

Blood in a dog's feces should be considered a dangerous pathology. This is a reason for a detailed examination. It is important to identify the cause and establish the location of the source where the blood is coming from. We are talking about the gastrointestinal tract or nearby areas. Blood impurity means that the bleeding is localized in the gastrointestinal tract.

If the blood has been affected by enzymes, it will be scarlet. It will also remain the same if the bleeding is localized in the distal region - the rectum, the area of ​​the large intestine. It will be more difficult to detect it if the enzymes still “caught up”. In this case, it will look like coffee grounds. This is a situation where the active focus is in the esophagus and stomach.

Blood in a dog’s stool is a reason for a detailed examination

The structure of stool and the amount of blood in it indicates the following diseases:

1. Parvovirus enteritis. It most often affects young dogs or puppies. The virus enters the animal through the nose when the pet sniffs someone else's feces and food. With this disease, one of the symptoms will be bloody stool;
2. Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis. There are many reasons for the development of this disease. But its main symptom is severe diarrhea, when the masses become red due to a large amount of blood. The disease is such that until blood “inserts” appear, other signs may not come out;
3. Substances. Bloody diarrhea can be caused by medications and chemicals. For example, coumarin, which is included in the drug for mice. When sniffing this remedy, the next day the animal may begin to walk around with a lot of blood;
4. Plague. The disease is fatal. Accompanied by diarrhea with scarlet or maroon blood. Other symptoms are convulsions, trembling, vomiting, lethargy.

In addition to the above pathologies, traces of blood can also be observed in diseases such as ulcers, colitis, adenocarcinoma, Addison's disease, helminthiases, bruises, hemorrhoids, allergies. There are many reasons for the occurrence of non-standard feces, so if there is a deviation from the norm, it is necessary to carry out a competent diagnosis.

Video - Dog poops blood

Treatment of stool with blood

The treatment course and health-improving measures depend on the identified cause that caused the abnormal stool. The veterinarian's main recommendations are:

Helminthic infestation is completely eliminated with the help of drugs such as:

• Drontal;
• Dironet;
• Kanikquantel (weighing more than 1.5 kg).

Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis is treated by a specialist; self-medication is unacceptable. To restore electrolyte balance, infusion therapy is prescribed. If your pet has no appetite, you should not force feed it. Antibiotics are prescribed to eliminate infection in the intestines. To stop vomiting - antiemetics. In severe situations, plasma is used.

Enteritis. If enteritis occurs in a puppy, it is important to follow a diet and start therapy in a timely manner. It is better to feed your dog rice porridge with milk. Treat with penicillin and vitamins. They also give immunostimulants that enhance internal strength. Vitamin therapy helps normalize the general condition.

Plague. Accompanied by an inflammatory process in the stomach and pancreas. Therapy includes analgesics, fever medications and antibiotics. To normalize stool, astringents are prescribed.

Video - Distemper in dogs

Haemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids are treated in animals in the same way as in humans. The drugs are similar. This is Relief or Procto-glivenol. Detralex is also given to the pet along with food. It is not forbidden to make a chamomile decoction for a sitz bath. The water temperature should be made 2 0 lower than the dog’s temperature. Sea buckthorn oil will also help if you lubricate the anus with it. You can also moisten a tampon and insert it into your pet’s anus; internal cracks will heal faster.

Poisoning by poison. If a dog accidentally/non-accidentally eats a dead rat or its “special” food, it is important to quickly induce vomiting in the dog. Also use laxatives and absorbents. It is recommended to get your bearings and empty your stomach as quickly as possible. The cleansing procedure should be repeated every 4 hours. If there are seizures, it is necessary to give the animal an anticonvulsant drug.

Video - First aid for dog poisoning

If you have a dog in the house, it is important to supervise him like you would a small child. Observe bowel movements and behavior. Only with a detailed study (without going deep) can life-threatening conditions for the puppy be identified in time.

24 minutes ago, Mohave said:

Here I am, talking to the vet. Doctors still don’t understand how chronic disease is diagnosed. pancreatitis? Even with good tests, we don’t feel very good. Specifically, we groan when we lie down or get up, the quality of our fur has deteriorated and our claws have begun to peel, we also rarely vomit bile, and poop. I heard that with pancreatitis you need to reduce the fat content of the feed. But here opinions differ. Human doctors believe that outside the acute phase, you need to eat such an amount of fat that the body is able to normally perceive and correct the situation with Creon. D.Z hr. Nobody diagnosed us with pancreatitis, I am increasingly coming to this opinion. Since I’ve already “fed up” half of the doctors in Moscow with my dog. We have one thing or another, something hurts, but where it is not clear. It would seem logical that if he groans when changing the position of the body, then we need to look for musculoskeletal disorders, but then what does vomiting of bile and “varnished” poop have to do with it? In a word, surgeons believe that we now need an MRI of the lumbosacral. Previously, we did cervical-sacral thoracic region, because the dog tripped on the left front leg, there was no lameness. They found a protrusion of C3-C4, well, what’s the point, now he stopped stumbling, he can twist his neck better than me, before he could also twist it well, they didn’t prescribe treatment. That’s the question Doesn’t such overdiagnosis prevent us from missing what really needs treatment, namely our chronic pancreatitis? I asked the veterinarians: “Can an exacerbation of chronic pancreatitis? pancreatitis pain in the front paw and face"? They said no. I asked people, they say that during exacerbations there can be pancreatic arthralgia and even conditions that can be mistaken for a heart attack, but this is in people. That’s why I’m asking, because what should I do? I can’t decide. On the one hand, the veterinary doctors are all authoritative, there is no reason to doubt, most likely they will find a protrusion in the lower back, on the other hand, I don’t know how to explain, but I really feel that the problem is not in the spine. Sorry if I’m tired, somehow I have Yes, I just bought Almo Nature Alternative lamb and rice food, it says it’s gluten-free, let’s try how we’ll poop on it.

To be honest, I don’t really understand what a “varnished” chair is...)) Is it with mucus or something? Is gastritis ruled out? Protozoa?

Our situation is also mysterious... one day the dog became ill, had a fever, abdominal pain, vomiting, convulsions, the dog lay down like a cloth and could not even get up. In principle, the symptoms show a clear picture of acute pancreatitis... but! analysis could not confirm it. The ultrasound doctor said you don’t even have to do it, it’s not informative. But our attack coincided with several things: 1. we switched to natural food, which could have provoked a pancreatic reaction, 2. that day he licked something from the ground, I suspect it was reagents. In short, at the moment we are on a diet for a month (no fatty meat, fish, rice, bran), we will retake all the tests and still do an ultrasound, because... I still have a suspicion of gastritis.

It’s strange in your situation that all tests (especially stool) are normal. If there is insufficient fermentation of the pancreas, a lot of undigested fiber and muscle fibers are usually found in the feces; in your case, as I understand it, everything is normal? Then why Creon?

This article does not constitute veterinary advice and does not exclude an appointment at a veterinary clinic. Here is information that will help you make the right decision in favor of providing quick and effective care to your pet. After all, it’s better to play it safe and consult with a specialist than to regret what you could have done and didn’t do.

1. The volume of stool is larger than usual

The most common cause of increased stool volume is overfeeding. Perhaps you feed your dog dry food “by eye”. Weigh your dog and feed him as much food as the food manufacturer recommends. Make sure the main diet is a source of calories and any treats are kept to a minimum. If you feed your dog “from the table”, be aware that not all ingredients are suitable for the dog’s normal digestion. Sometimes changing your diet gradually by changing the source of protein and carbohydrates can be helpful.

2. Loose stools

There are many reasons why a dog may have loose stools. Some of the most common causes are overfeeding, sudden changes in diet, stress, and change in water source (especially for puppies).

Infectious causes may include:

• Bacterial infection – for example, Campylobacter, Salmonella;
• Viral infection – for example, parvovirus enteritis;
• Dysbacteriosis.

• Helminthic infestation - for example, roundworms;
• Protozoal diseases - for example, giardiasis, isosporosis.

Other reasons:

• Inflammatory bowel diseases;
• Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency;
• Intoxication;
• Pancreatitis;
• Foreign body in the intestine;
• Neoplasia (tumor);
• Protein-losing enteropathy.

This is by no means a complete list of possible causes. Be sure to consult with a specialist to identify and eliminate the root cause of the disease.

3. Rare bowel movements (constipation)

Some potential causes of constipation:

1. Obstruction or partial obstruction of the intestine (for example, if the dog has swallowed a stone, toy, bone);
2. Gastrointestinal obstruction or partial obstruction due to another cause (eg, tumor or polyps); sometimes the cause may be more serious than expected (for example, rectal abscesses, anal tumors, or prostate enlargement);
3. Endocrine (hormonal) problems such as hypothyroidism;
4. Worm infestation;
5. Neurological problems (eg, spinal disorders, nerve damage from injury) causing a condition called megacolon. It is assumed that megacolon develops as a result of disruption of the conduction of nerve impulses from the spinal cord to the smooth muscles of the intestine. Megacolon is primarily a problem in cats, but it also occurs in dogs;
6. Certain drugs (such as diuretics, antacids, opioids, and antihistamines).

Diet has a big impact on stool consistency. This depends on the amount of fiber in the diet. Therefore, one food that is ideal for one dog may not be suitable for another. Too much fiber in the diet can lead to diarrhea or, conversely, constipation; this is individual for each dog and depends on the specific case.

Fluid intake is another important condition. Constipation occurs when too much moisture is absorbed by the intestines from the feed. In such cases, increasing fluid intake may be beneficial. You can add water to dry food about 20-30 minutes before feeding or use canned food. Adding a small amount of oil to your diet may help relieve constipation. In addition, you can increase the frequency of meals up to 3 times a day, which leads to optimized activity and increased efficiency of the small intestine.

4. Presence of fresh blood in the stool

Small amounts of bright red blood may be a typical symptom of colitis. This occurs as a result of inflammation of the lining of the large intestine.

There are many reasons that cause colitis, ranging from improper feeding to infectious diseases. A large amount of blood may indicate a serious problem. Veterinary help should be sought immediately.

5. Black stool, dark blood in stool

Black stool containing dark blood is also known as melena. Melena indicates bleeding in the upper intestines or stomach. Veterinary help should be sought immediately.

6. Light (gray) or yellow stools

Yellow/gray or lighter than normal stools may be a sign of pancreatic disease, liver disease, or giardiasis.

7. Greenish stool

Greenish colored stool may indicate the presence of bile. Alternative causes are giardiasis, rat poison poisoning.

8. Presence of mucus in stool

A little mucus in the feces may be normal. The intestines produce mucus to provide lubrication and moisture. However, if the mucus is excessive, contains streaks of blood, or is accompanied by diarrhea, veterinary attention should be sought.

It’s always bad when someone gets sick, but when it’s pets who suffer silently and can’t explain where they hurt, it’s doubly bad. All that remains for the owners is to closely monitor the slightest changes in the dog’s behavior.

Why does my dog ​​have mucus in his stool?

The presence of mucus in the fecal matter indicates the presence of a pathological process in the dog’s body.

The appearance of mucus indicates the following disorders:

• helminthiasis;
• gastroenteritis;
• peptic ulcer .

The appearance of mucus may indicate the presence of helminths.

Once you find mucus in your dog’s feces, you shouldn’t expect anything to change. You should contact your veterinarian immediately.

Classification of causes

As a rule, the presence of mucous secretions in feces does not mean the absence of other symptoms.

Do not ignore the presence of mucous secretion in excrement.

Depending on the location of the pathological process, accompanying signs will be noted.

Some occur simultaneously with the main phenomenon, others a little later, but they will definitely be noted, so you should not ignore this sign.

Colitis

Inflammation of the large intestine, which is very difficult to recognize at the initial stage due to the long asymptomatic period.

At the first stage, colitis in a dog is difficult to recognize.

Ignoring this disease can lead the animal to complete exhaustion.

Symptoms

• One of the first and most pronounced signs of colitis is the presence, often with admixtures of mucus and blood.. Characterized by a small amount of fecal matter. There is an enlarged abdomen and peritoneal pain syndrome.
• Frequent urination, refusal to eat, vomiting.
• The dog constantly eats grass, behaves aggressively, does not allow anyone to touch its belly, and can bite its owner.
• If the disease becomes chronic, there is a gradual loss of weight, up to complete exhaustion.
• Presence of ulcerative type - the dog defecates blood and mucus and experiences sharp pain.

Diarrhea is the main symptom of colitis.

Treatment

1. The acute form begins with treatment by fasting until the diarrhea stops.
2. Next, follow a diet that includes foods with a large amount of fiber, low-fat and light foods, and excludes fats and meat.
3. It is recommended to give ground chicken meat. Feeding with dry food is unacceptable.

Drug treatment:

• potassium chloride;
• tylosin;
• metronidazole;
• sulfasalazine;
• mesalazine;
• prednisolone.

The drug Tylosin is used for treatment.

The ulcerative type is treated with the antibiotic enrofloxacin, since there is no immune response to conventional anti-inflammatory drugs.

Dysbacteriosis

At the time of birth, the puppy has sterile microflora in its intestines, then the mother fills it with “positive” bacteria through feeding colostrum.

Puppies, feeding on their mother's milk, are filled with “positive” bacteria.

Under the influence of pathogenic factors, changes in the intestinal microflora can occur, this is called dysbiosis.

Causes and symptoms

Dysbacteriosis can be caused by stress.

• Possible provocateurs include: bad environment, reaction to antibiotics or other medicinal substances, depends on individual intolerance. Most often, dysbiosis occurs due to an overdose of an antibiotic.
• The fact is that antibiotics can destroy the normal intestinal environment, which facilitates the penetration of foreign microflora. As a rule, foreign microflora consists of fungi, staphylococcus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which do not respond to antibiotics.
• The clinical picture consists of loss of appetite, sudden weight loss . The animal is depressed, lethargy and depression are noted. The dog does not want to get up and be active, he lies all the time, trying not to move. Frequent loose stools with mucus.

Treatment

Therapy for dysbacteriosis is a long and troublesome task.

1. Treatment is used to eliminate the concomitant disease. Enzymes and vitamins are used .
2. Appointed immunostimulants, antihistamines . Recommended medications: bifitrilak, lactoferon, lactobifid, cohamix, prozyme.
3. Along with medication, the dog will need to be kept on a diet.. Fatty, fried, spicy foods are excluded. They are fed light soups and low-fat dairy products.

The drug Bifitrilak is used for treatment.

Helminthiasis

Infection with worms most often occurs due to negligence of the owners.

The presence of worms affects the growth of the puppy.

Help

• drontal plus;
• azinox plus;
• dronzite;
• vermox.

Should be taken on an empty stomach, once a day. After completing the course, a control analysis is done to identify worms.

Gastroenteritis

An acute inflammatory process that affects the mucous membrane of the stomach and intestines. In advanced cases, it affects the muscular and serous layer.

If you suspect gastroenteritis in a dog, you need to react quickly, otherwise you may waste time and kill the animal.

Gastroenteritis is dangerous for dogs.

Clinical signs

The first sign is temperature fluctuations and fever. There is lethargy, depression, the eyes become sunken, the skin loses its elasticity and firmness. There is a coating on the tongue, the oral mucosa is dry, frequent belching, flatulence.

Temperature fluctuations are a sign of gastroenteritis.

Decreased or lack of appetite, weight loss,. The abdomen is painful, frequent colic. Frequent diarrhea with mucus and blood. Fetid odor from mouth.

Treatment methods

1. First aid - compensation for lost fluid. Prepare a solution containing: water, salt, baking soda, potassium chloride, glucose or sugar. Force your pet to drink if it refuses to accept it.
2. Antimicrobial drugs recommended – sulfonamides: sulgin, biseptol, sulfatone, phthalazole.
3. Nitrofuran agents – furatsilin, furazolidone. But trichopolum is also used.
4. Antibiotics - tetracycline, penicillin, imodium, chloramphenicol, tsifran.
5. Cleansing enemas are allowed , adsorbents – polyphepane, activated carbon, enterosorbent. Astringent drugs – tannin, bismuth. Phosphalugel, Ringer's solution, Panzinorm, Festal, Mezim, vitamins, and painkillers are used.

The drug Sulgin has an antimicrobial effect.

Prevention

The safest and cheapest treatment is prevention. To prevent diseases of the digestive system, you should not give your dog just anything. You should not feed scraps, spoiled or sour food, or cheap, low-quality food.

You should not feed your dog table scraps.

It is mandatory to carry out deworming and remember that many helminthiases are extremely dangerous for humans. Properly distribute physical activity and avoid stressful situations.

Video about helminthiasis in dogs