Reasons for Dog Poop to Contain Mucus: What You Need to
Normal
Have you ever watched your dog's bowel movements closely? You might have noticed that a little mucus at the end of a bowel movement is actually quite normal and very common.
So, what is this mucus? It's a lubricating fluid produced by the intestines, designed to help the stool pass more smoothly through the body. Therefore, a small amount of mucus during bowel movements is perfectly normal.
Abnormal
While there's normal, there's also abnormal. Abnormal mucus is often seen in shades of black, tarlike, red, or gray. Black and tarlike mucus can indicate bleeding in the stomach or upper intestines, red mucus suggests bleeding in the lower intestines, and gray mucus may point to an overabundance of fat in the diet.
Are there other possibilities?
Indeed, there are. Besides gastrointestinal issues, many other factors can lead to excessive mucus in a dog's stool, such as gastrointestinal inflammation, stress, poor diet, food intolerance, dietary changes, and parasites. Veterinary medicine refers to these conditions collectively as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
IBS, or Irritable Bowel Syndrome, is so named because the intestines are stimulated in various ways. When the intestinal system decides to secrete an extra layer of protective mucus to safeguard itself, we see these colorful mucus during bowel movements.
Reiterating, a small amount of mucus in daily bowel movements is normal. It's only when IBS flares up that the amount of mucus significantly increases, so there's no need to panic over a bit of mucus.
Should You Take Your Dog to the Vet?
If your dog is only showing mucus and not the colored mucus mentioned earlier, you can safely observe at home. IBS caused by dietary issues often resolves within a few days, during which you can control their food intake and opt for a bland diet.
However, if your dog is not only showing mucus but also exhibits symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or lack of energy, don't hesitate to rush them to the vet.
