A Complete Stool Health Guide from Your Veterinary Partners at Scottsdale Veterinary Clinic

When it comes to your dog’s health, what ends up in the yard or on the sidewalk might be more important than you think. At Scottsdale Veterinary Clinic, we encourage pet parents to pay attention to their dog’s poop—not because it’s fun, but because it’s one of the most visible signs of your dog’s internal health.

Your dog’s stool can offer clues about their digestion, diet, stress levels, and even early signs of disease. In this guide, we’ll break down what healthy poop looks like, what common changes may mean, and when it’s time to call us.

This blog was written by Dr. Samantha Gans

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

What Does Normal Dog Poop Look Like?

Healthy dog poop typically checks all of these boxes:

  • Shaped like a log or sausage
  • Firm but not hard - easy to pick up without crumbling
  • Medium to dark brown in color
  • Moist, not dry, sticky, or overly wet
  • Free from mucus, blood, parasites, or odd objects

If your dog’s poop consistently meets these standards, it’s a strong sign their digestive system is working as it should.

What If Something Changes? Common Dog Stool Issues Explained

1. Soft but Formed Poop

Loose but still shaped stool may be the result of:

  • A recent change in food or treats
  • Eating something outside their normal diet (trash, table food, etc.)
  • A mild bacterial imbalance
  • Temporary stress (travel, visitors, a new pet in the house)

If your dog is otherwise acting normal, try feeding a bland diet for a day or two. If the stool doesn’t firm up or if other symptoms appear, contact our team.

2. Diarrhea (Watery, Unformed Stool)

Frequent, watery, or explosive diarrhea is a red flag, especially if your dog also has vomiting, decreased appetite, or appears lethargic.

Possible causes include:

  • Parasites such as roundworms, hookworms, or giardia
  • Bacterial or viral infections (including parvo or distemper)
  • Dietary allergies or intolerances
  • Colitis triggered by stress or sudden change
  • Chronic conditions such as IBD or liver dysfunction

Diarrhea can quickly lead to dehydration. If it lasts more than a day or is accompanied by other symptoms, don’t wait—bring your dog in for an exam.

3. Constipation or Dry, Hard Stool

Is your dog straining or producing small, dry stools?

Occasional constipation is common, but repeated episodes may point to a bigger issue, such as:

  • Not drinking enough water
  • Low dietary fiber
  • Lack of exercise
  • Eating bones or other indigestible items
  • Anal gland problems, spinal pain, or neurological conditions

Increasing hydration and fiber may help in mild cases, but chronic constipation should be evaluated by a vet to avoid complications.

Poop Color Matters: What Different Colors Could Mean

The color of your dog’s stool is a valuable indicator of their health. While shades of brown are normal, other colors can signal trouble.

Color Possible Meaning
Brown Healthy and normal
Green Grass-eating, gallbladder trouble, or dietary upset
Black or Tarry Internal bleeding—seek veterinary care immediately
Bright Red Lower GI bleeding, anal irritation, or rectal trauma
Yellow or Orange Liver or pancreatic issues, or bile imbalance
Pale or Gray Poor fat digestion, potential liver dysfunction

Tip: Blood (either black and tarry or bright red) in your dog’s stool is never normal. Call us right away.

Mucus in the Stool: Normal or Not?

A thin coating of mucus on poop isn’t always a problem.

But if there’s a large amount, or it appears alongside diarrhea or soft stools, it might indicate:

  • Colitis (colon inflammation)
  • Parasites or bacteria
  • Stress or anxiety
  • Food allergies or changes in diet

We can analyze a fecal sample in-clinic to diagnose the cause and create a treatment plan.

What If You See Worms or Foreign Objects?

It’s never a good sign to spot something unusual in your dog’s stool.

Keep an eye out for:

  • White grains or rice-like particles (tapeworms)
  • Long, spaghetti-like strands (roundworms)
  • Non-food items like fabric, string, plastic, or toy pieces

Worms require specific medication, while ingested foreign objects may risk an intestinal blockage. Either way, you’ll want to bring your dog (and ideally a sample) to our clinic right away.

Poop Frequency: How Often Should Your Dog Go?

Most dogs will have a bowel movement once to three times a day, depending on their age, activity level, and what they’re eating.

Sudden changes in frequency, whether your dog’s pooping more or less, might point to:

  • A recent diet shift
  • Dehydration
  • Constipation or blockages
  • Digestive upset

If your dog isn’t pooping at all, or is going too frequently with loose stools, it’s best to get them checked.

When to Call Us

As pet parents, your instincts are powerful. If you notice something off, you’re probably right to investigate further.

Please reach out to Scottsdale Veterinary Clinic if:

  • Diarrhea or constipation lasts more than 24 hours
  • Your dog is vomiting or not eating along with stool changes
  • There is blood (red or black) in the stool
  • Mucus is excessive or persistent
  • You see worms or strange objects in the poop
  • Your dog is acting tired, weak, or uncomfortable

The sooner we assess what’s going on, the better the outcome for your pet.

How We Help at Scottsdale Veterinary Clinic

We offer comprehensive diagnostics and personalized care to get to the root of any digestive concern.

If your dog’s stool looks unusual, our team may recommend:

  • A full physical exam
  • Fecal testing to check for parasites or infection
  • Blood panels to evaluate organ function and hydration
  • Screening for tick-borne diseases
  • Imaging (X-ray or ultrasound) for chronic or severe cases
  • Tailored treatment, including medications, diet changes, or supplements

In Summary: Poop Isn’t Just Poop

Your dog’s stool is a window into their internal health. It might not be pleasant to deal with, but a quick daily glance can give you valuable clues, often before other symptoms appear.

If you’re ever unsure about something you see in your dog’s poop, give us a call. At Scottsdale Veterinary Clinic, we’re always happy to help you get to the bottom of it—literally.

This blog was written by Dr. Samantha Gans.