Mucus in Dog Stool

It is normal to observe some amount of mucus in dog stool sometimes. However, one should take note of mucus if observed regularly for a few days. The slimy, white mucus is the substance that lines the intestines. It helps keep the colon moist and lubricated. It can be passed out with stools sometimes. This is no cause of panic, but if excessive amount of mucus is observed, it means something is wrong. Let us ponder over the question what does mucus in dog stool mean in the following paragraphs.

What Does Mucus in Dog Poop Mean
When you dog suffers from a major change in his bowel movement, or blood and mucus in stool is observed, it is a sign of some underlying dog health problem. It may indicate irritation in the stomach as well as intestines. If the white mucus does not clear up in a few days, it is better to seek veterinarian help. Feed the dog a balanced diet that includes cooked rice with chicken or meat, to ease the digestive problems.

Mucus in Stool: Causes
There are many causes of mucus in stool, that may affect your dog's health. Some of the causes include:

• Eating stale or rotten foods from garbage
• Dog food allergies
• Intestinal parasites in dogs like whipworm, roundworms, tapeworms, hookworms
• Bacterial infection like Salmonella infection
• Colitis
• Diarrhea
• Parvo or Corona virus
• Inflammation of the rectal opening
• Constipation
• Tumors or polyps like rectonal polyps

Mucus in Stools: Symptoms
The first symptoms is obviously mucus. If it is transparent, grayish or white mucus, it is probably normal. However, if your observe other symptoms like:

• Yellow mucus
• Foul-smelling stools
• Diarrhea
• Change in bowel movement
• Appetite loss
• Blood in stool

If you observe yellow mucus, you should take your pet to the vet immediately. This can be a sign of intestinal infection or parasitic infection, that may turn lethal. Food allergies, irritable bowel syndrome, may also cause yellow mucus to appear. In case of puppies, yellow mucus is a sign of severe infection. Your pup needs immediate medical care as their immune system is still developing.

Bloody mucus is a sign of various dog illnesses. It can be due to presence of parasites like hookworm, heartworm, roundworms, whipworms, tapeworms, etc. The parasitic infection that is most like to cause bloody mucus is hookworm and whipworm. Inflammatory bowel disease in dogs or gastrointestinal infection may cause irritation and inflammation of the stomach and intestines. This will lead to bloody mucus, along with other symptoms like bloating, gas, constipation, diarrhea, stomach pain, etc.

Stomach ulcers or cancers of the colon, or digestive system, may also cause bloody mucus in dog stool. Diseases like liver and kidney failure, Addison's disease, also cause bloody mucus in stools. Ingestion of foreign body or hemorrhoids may lead to bloody stool.

Mucus in Stool: Treatment
The mucus in dog poop treatment depends on the cause of the problem. The doctor may prescribe medications and special diet to cure the condition. De-worming is advised in cases of parasitic infections. The dog needs to be fed a balanced diet to improve his overall health. The dog should be fed bland, cooked food 3 to 6 times a day. The food should include ground beef, chicken or meat. Mix the meat with white cooked rice. Do not give your dog, over the counter drugs for treatment of diarrhea or mucus in dog stool. Speak to the veterinarian for his advice on medications.

This was all about mucus in dog stool causes, symptoms and treatment. If you have any further queries related to dog health, speak to the dog's vet. Good dog care will ensure a healthy and happy pet.