My dog's poop has mucus and is dark. Should I take him to the vet?

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Kaiya. Poor girl. Blood in the poop can be caused by intestinal worms, a stomach illness, sudden change in diet, eating something rotten, a foreign body, or a severe illness like parvo. Because poop in the poop can have some very serious causes and it's been going on for a few days, it's time to see the vet. The vet can diagnose what is causing it and can treat her. I hope this helps!

Yes, please take Kiwi to the veterinarian. The mucus and blood in the stool can be due to many things including parasites, inflammatory bowel disease, or from intestinal bleeding due to medications. Since Kiwi is a younger dog he should recover quickly once the reason for this diarrhea is diagnosed and treated. Kiwi may become dehydrated and anemic if this continues and he could become very weak and ill so please get him treatment soon. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Kiwi.

Anytime stool stays in the colon longer than normal (such as with mild constipation), it can become a little dry, so there will sometimes be mucous present from the colon secondary to irritation. That would also explain the small amount of red as well. If Loki develops diarrhea, is not continuing to pass stool normally, is not eating well, or is passing bloody stool, then I would recommend having your vet examine him again. Good luck! I hope that was helpful and answered your questions. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Poor Kai! You are correct to be concerned. Diarrhea could be caused by toxin ingestion, parasites, change in diet, infectious diseases, blockage in the gastrointestinal tract caused by ingestion of a foreign body (such as a piece of the bones you mentioned), or a mass/growth in the gastrointestinal tract. I recommend you make an appointment to take Kai in to the vet, and take in a fecal sample from Kai when you go. Your vet will likely want to test the sample to see what kind of parasites Kai may be dealing with so that they can be treated for accordingly. I recommend that you avoid feeding bones, antlers, and similar objects. Make sure with anything you feed Kai that you are able to easily dent the surface with a fingernail, as anything harder than that could lead to fracturing of the teeth or blockage of the gastrointestinal tract.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Khaleesi! If she is eating well, normal energy and isn't vomiting I don't think you need to rush her off to the Vet. If the stool continues to look like that schedule an appointment with your Vet when they open tomorrow. Blood indicates inflammation in the colon. Causes can be from intestinal parasites. medications, viral or bacterial infection, dietary indiscretion, pancreatitis, food allergy/intolerance, new food/treat/human food. If the diarrhea is severe and she is having accidents consider fasting her for 12-24 hours then start a bland diet of boiled chicken or hamburger with rice. Feed 1 cup per 20 lbs per day until 2 normal stools. I hope this helps and I wish you and Khaleesi the very best!

Fresh-appearing blood in the stool often indicates an infection or irritation of the colon. Sometimes, in the case of an irritated colon, this can be remedied by feeding a bland diet (i.e. cooked chicken and rice) for a few days. It's also good to ensure plenty of fresh water is always available. You can give that a try as you wait for the vet appointment. It's good that he's otherwise acting normal. This lowers any suspicion of a more severe disease affecting the colon. I hope that helps and Bowie gets better soon.

Mucus could be a sign of colitis or parasites but it may also be normal for Tucker. I think it would be best to have his stool examined in person and tested to be sure it is nothing to be concerned about.