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.

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.
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
This is great details, thanks Jana! I always examine my dog’s poop to make sure it’s healthy looking.
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.
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
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.
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.
He was eating really well for 2 days and so playful. Now not earing and slowed down a lil.
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?
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.