Dog Poop 101: How to Decode Consistency, Colour and Warning Signs

Let’s be honest: as a dog parent, you spend more time thinking about poop than you ever expected. But there’s a good reason for that. Your dog’s poop can actually give you valuable clues about their health. A quick look each day is like a routine health check you can do yourself. Here’s your go-to guide for understanding exactly what their poop is trying to tell you.

Understanding consistency

Consistency tells you how efficiently your dog’s digestive system is functioning:

• Ideal (firm, log-shaped): Indicates proper digestion and hydration. Fibre in the diet is being effectively processed.
• Soft or mushy: Could mean a minor upset, stress, sudden diet change or mild infection. Pay attention to frequency and duration.
• Diarrhoea (watery or very loose): Suggests rapid transit through the intestines. Causes include infection (bacteria, viruses or parasites), dietary indiscretion, toxins or chronic disease. Prolonged diarrhoea can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.
• Hard, dry or pebble-like: Indicates slow intestinal transit or dehydration. Increasing water intake and fibre can help.

Bristol stool chart:

What is normal on the Bristol stool chart?

Type 1-2 indicate constipation,

Type 3-4 are ideal stools as they are easier to pass,

Type 5-7 may indicate diarrhoea and urgency.

What colour can tell you

Colour reveals what’s happening inside your dog’s body. Changes in colour can indicate a range of issues, from minor dietary shifts to serious medical conditions.

Orange or yellow dog poop

Stools that are yellow or orange can signal that fat isn’t being properly absorbed in the intestines. This can happen due to problems with the pancreas, which produces enzymes necessary for fat digestion or issues with the liver, which produces bile. Yellow or orange stools are often softer than normal and if this colour is accompanied by a greasy appearance, foul smell or chronic diarrhoea, it could point to conditions such as exocrine pancreatic insufficiency or liver disease. Early detection and Vet guidance are important to prevent nutritional deficiencies.

Green dog poop

Green stools can be completely harmless, often caused by your dog nibbling on grass or other plants. Eating grass is likely to speed up intestinal transit, meaning food moves through the gut more quickly than normal, which then gives the stool a greenish tint. However, green stool can also indicate a bile imbalance or issues with liver function if it’s persistent or accompanied by other symptoms such as lethargy, vomiting or loss of appetite. Monitoring your dog for other signs and checking with your Vet if it continues is recommended.

Black dog poop

Black or tar-like stool is a serious warning sign. This colour usually indicates that your dog has bleeding somewhere in the upper digestive tract, such as the stomach or small intestine. The dark colour occurs because blood is digested as it passes through the gastrointestinal system. Causes can range from ulcers, ingestion of toxic substances or tumours. Black, tarry stools are considered a medical emergency and you should contact your Vet immediately, as untreated internal bleeding can be life-threatening.

Red streaks or fresh blood in dog’s poop

Bright red blood in the stool generally indicates bleeding in the lower digestive tract, such as the large intestine, rectus or anus. Causes can include irritation from anal gland issues, rectal inflammation, trauma or parasites such as hookworms or whipworms. While occasional minor bleeding might not be serious, persistent or frequent red blood in the stool should always be evaluated by a Vet, as it can indicate infection or other underlying health issues that need treatment.

Brown dog poop

This is the standard, healthy colour for dog poop. Brown indicates that your dog’s digestive system is functioning normally. Consistently brown stools usually mean your dog is absorbing nutrients well and their gut microbiome is balanced.

Frequency and volume

How often your dog goes to the toilet is just as important as what the stool looks like. Most adult dogs will defecate once to three times a day.

If your dog starts going more frequently in small amounts, it might be a sign of sensitive digestion, stress or inflammation. Very large stools could indicate overeating, poor nutrient absorption or intestinal parasites. Conversely, infrequent or extremely hard stools often point to dehydration, a lack of fibre or even a blockage.

Keeping your dog’s digestion healthy

A healthy digestive system begins with a good diet. Feeding your dog high-quality, balanced meals ensures they get the fibre and nutrients necessary for smooth digestion. Adding Probiotics or digestive supplements can further support gut health, helping maintain the right bacterial balance and improve nutrient uptake. 

But don’t forget about regular exercise and proper hydration. Keeping your dog moving and well-hydrated makes a huge difference in maintaining healthy, comfortable bowel movements.