Poop Talk – What Colours are Normal?

Let’s face it. Everybody poops. Even our pets. So let’s talk about it. What should you look out for when picking up after your dog or cleaning out the litter box.

Brown Poop in Dogs & Cats

Most of the time, your pet’s poop should be brown. It can range from light to dark brown, which reflects their diet. Often a high-protein, red meat diet may lead to poops that are slightly darker in colour versus a low-protein, poultry diet. There is no cause for concern on the shade of brown, but watch out for mucus or dark, almost black stools, which can indicate an issue. If your pet has brown poop, with white spots in it, they could have worms. Take your pet to the vet if you notice this.

Black Poop in Dogs & Cats

This can be a sign of a health problem. Potentially, blood is entering their stomach and getting digested, due to an ulcer or other cause of bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract. If you see black poop from your pet, best to get in touch with your vet as soon as possible.

Red Poop in Dogs & Cats

Red poop is almost always a sign of blood in a dog or cat’s stool, unless the red is a piece of undigested food. If you are seeing red blood in your pet’s stool, there is likely bleeding lower down in the gastrointestinal system. For bright red blood, you can look for an injury on your pet’s bum for an obvious cause. If the problem persists, book an appointment to get your dog or cat checked out. Darker blood may be from higher up in their gastrointestinal system and the best response is to secure an appointment with your vet as soon as possible.

Yellow Poop in Dogs & Cats

Yellow poop is a clear indication of an upset stomach. Your dog or cat could be suffering from diarrhea or could have eaten something that doesn’t agree with them. Be sure to remove anything they could have gotten into, provide free access to fresh water, and monitor them closely. If the issues persist, contact you vet to book an appointment.

Green Poop in Dogs & Cats

Green poop can be causes by undigested plant material, like grass, or can be related to a health concern like gallbladder issues. If you notice stalks, steams, and leafy like material, it is likely not a cause for concern once you remove the plant material your pet is eating. If you can’t identify the cause of the green colour, see your vet to get a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

So there you have it, that’s the scoop on poop! It’s important to monitor your pets stool on a regular basis, because it can be clear indication of their health and wellbeing. Whenever you notice an anomaly or have a concern, reach out to your pet health provider as soon as possible to keep your furry friend healthy!