Mucus in Dog Stool: What Is The Slime in My Dog’s Poop?

What does mucus in the stool mean?

Of course, the answer people are really looking for is an easy remedy. But things rarely work that way.

Mucus in Dog Stool: What Is The Slime in My Dog's Poop?

What is mucus?

Mucus is a slimy substance normally produced by the lining of body cavities and passageways. It has essential jobs:

  • lubrication
  • cleaning
  • maintaining hydration
  • and protection

That includes the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.

Mucosal surfaces in the gut are part of the immune system. They are designed to detect and kill pathogenic organisms that may be trying to make their way through the gut lining. Mucus is produced in the intestine all the time.

Normally, however, it isn’t noticeable in the feces.

Healthy poop does not have any visible coating on it.

Dog healthy stool

Both solid stool and diarrhea can come with visible mucus.

How concerned you should be, depends on what else is going on.

If the poop looks otherwise normal and your dog is their regular happy self, the problem could have been caused by some temporary irritation of the gut lining. When Cookie decides to munch on too much grass, she will likely poop out some of the blades later covered in mucus; clear cause and effect. Any other dietary indiscretion can do this.

A lot of mucus, diarrhea, and other concerning signs.

In general, mucus in the stool points to a problem in the large intestine. But with serious conditions, this rule doesn’t necessarily apply.

Besides dietary indiscretions, things that can cause excessive mucus in the poop include:

  • intestinal infections
  • parasites
  • toxins
  • adverse food reaction
  • foreign bodies
  • IBS
  • IBD
  • colitis
  • hemorrhagic gastroenteritis
  • and even cancer

As you can see, you cannot figure out the cause based on finding mucus in the stool alone.

If your dog also presents with diarrhea, pain, blood in the stool, vomiting, lethargy, or any other concerning signs, or is very old, very young, or has a preexisting medical condition, seek veterinary attention quickly.

If your dog has mucus in the stool persistently, seek a diagnosis. For example, Jasmine had mucusy stools frequently, along with other issues. Eventually, she was diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Related articles:
What’s in the Poop?

Further reading:
Mucus in Dog Stool

Categories: Mucus in the stool • Symptoms

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Jana Rade edited by Dr. Joanna Paul BSc BVSc

I am a graphic designer, dog health advocate, writer, and author. Jasmine, the Rottweiler of my life, was the largest female from her litter. We thought we were getting a healthy dog. Getting a puppy from a backyard breeder was our first mistake. Countless veterinary visits without a diagnosis or useful treatment later, I realized that I had to take Jasmine's health care in my own hands. I learned the hard way that merely seeing a vet is not always enough. There is more to finding a good vet than finding the closest clinic down the street. And, sadly, there is more to advocating for your dog's health than visiting a veterinarian. It should be enough, but it often is not. With Jasmine, it took five years to get a diagnosis. Unfortunately, other problems had snowballed for that in the meantime. Jasmine's health challenges became a crash course in understanding dog health issues and how to go about getting a proper diagnosis and treatment. I had to learn, and I had to learn fast. Helping others through my challenges and experience has become my mission and Jasmine's legacy. I now try to help people how to recognize and understand signs of illness in their dogs, how to work with their veterinarian, and when to seek a second opinion. My goal is to save others the steep curve of having to learn things the hard way as I did. That is the mission behind my blog and behind my writing. That is why I wrote Symptoms to Watch for in Your Dog, which has turned out being an award-winning guide to dog owners. What I'm trying to share encompasses 20 years of experience. Dr. Joanna Paul BSc BVSc is our wonderful sponsor and has been kind to edit and fact-check my important articles.

8 Comments
  2. Nikki 22/08 – 12:26 pm

    Great information about mucus in the stool. Another cause of mucus can be stress! Some people can see mucus in the stools right after a vet visit or triggering situation (or even chronically for dogs who are reactive or have behavioral difficulties) because stress can cause microbiome imbalances that lead to stress colitis.

    Reply
  3. Ruth Epstein 22/08 – 1:09 am

    Great information, Layla when I first got her had this problem but the vet at the time not to get too worried as she had just come out of a shelter but since with me no more problems

    Reply
  4. Terri 22/08 – 2:30 pm

    This is a great explanation of why dog parents may see mucus in their pups stool. I’ve seen mucus in Henry’s stools from time to time. But he’s had constant GI issues since I’ve adopted him. However, the vet now has a new diet regime and probiotics. Since he’s been on this very strict diet, there’s been no mucus and his stools are better. It’s a bit rough for him to be on such a strict diet…and for me to see those sad puppy do eyes asking for a carrot.
    Super information! I’m sharing it with all my dog parents.

    Reply
  5. DashKitten 22/08 – 9:15 pm

    It is a balancing act isn’t it? What is good and working for your dog and what is a danger sign that needs veterinary attention needs the careful observation by the dog owner, and helpful articles like this to guide them.

    Reply
  6. Sheila Holloway 20/08 – 7:02 pm

    He was eating really well for 2 days and so playful. Now not earing and slowed down a lil.

    Reply
  7. Sheila Holloway 20/08 – 7:00 pm

    I’m panicking, my 8 week old begle stopped eating and drinking the began having white mucousy stools. He seems ok at times, he aas very active when we got him.. we have him fir only 4 days! My teenager loves him so much what can we do?

    Reply
    • Jana Rade 20/08 – 8:30 pm

      Sheila, unfortunately, blog comments are not the way to get medical help in emergency. A sick puppy is always an emergency. Please see a vet if you haven’t yet.

      Reply

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