The dog has feces with mucus: why does it poop with a large amount of mucous discharge, reasons for a puppy or an adult pet, coated stool, what is it?

Mucus in a dog's stool is a dangerous symptom that worries many owners, and for good reason - it never occurs on its own. Typically, such a clinical sign indicates serious disturbances in the functioning of the stomach, inflammatory processes, damage to its walls and mucous membrane.

You should know that problems that cause blood in the stool cannot disappear on their own, which means that after detecting such a symptom, your pet should be taken to see a veterinarian as soon as possible.

Why do dogs have mucus in their stool?

Mucus covers the mucous membranes with a thin layer. It protects the throat, lungs, and intestinal walls from the influence of dangerous pathogens and unfavorable factors. Usually it is produced transparent and liquid. This is the norm, but illness, the dog’s diet and aggressive environment can change the consistency of the mucus and its color.

Visually noticeable mucus in the stool of dogs and puppies may indicate illness. When feces move through the colon, mucus acts as a lubricant that helps them move to the anus, so there is little of it in “proper poop.” And if the owners do not look closely, they will not notice that the pet pooped stool with small splashes of transparent or yellow color. But if it is visually noticeable, then this is a sign of health problems. This signal tells the owner: “Attention. Start taking action."

To help your veterinarian make a diagnosis, look for the presence or absence of other symptoms:

blood or pus in large or small quantities;
pain in the abdomen - to do this, try running your hand over it; if the dog shudders, it means it is experiencing unpleasant or painful sensations;
changes in bowel movements frequency, consistency, color.

Important! Vomiting and diarrhea without other symptoms may occur in dogs 1

–
2 times a month.
This is a physiological feature of cleaning the predator’s body, which does not require treatment. Dehydration and constipation cause extra mucus in the stool.

In addition, it almost always accompanies the following diseases and pathologies:

bacterial infections caused by bacteria such as Campylobacter, Salmonella, Shigella and Yersinia;
tear in the mucous membrane due to hard stools or diarrhea;
ulcers;
inflammation of the mucous membrane;
intestinal obstruction;
ulcerative colitis;
food allergy to lactose or gluten;
intestinal parasites;
fungal infections;
polyps and intestinal tumors;
parvovirus;
irritable bowel syndrome.

If you notice changes in fecal matter, make an appointment with your dog at the veterinary clinic. You will need to have your stool tested, so you can collect it in a glass or plastic container before your visit to the doctor. This sample will be used to identify parasites, bacteria and other diseases.

Did you know? Licking the face helps your dog relieve stress. But if a pet licks its owner, then it is either hungry or wants to play.

Irritable bowel syndrome

Considering pathological ailments, start with irritable bowel syndrome. This is a condition in which the inflammatory process causes the body to produce an additional layer of protective mucous membrane.

Due to this, the following is observed in the dog’s feces:

not fully formed stool;
excess mucus;
splashes of bright scarlet blood.

The reasons that led to the appearance of stool with mucus may be:

Cause	Features of the pathology	What to do
Stress	Anxiety causes diarrhea or mild constipation in most dogs.	If you do not disturb the animal, the symptoms of stress go away on their own within 24–48 hours.
Indiscriminate eating	The pet ate something that caused intestinal upset, flatulence and vomiting. Typically, these foods include dairy products, undercooked eggs, raw meat or bones, and fried or fatty foods.	Rinse the intestines with an aqueous solution and salt. For dogs weighing up to 10 kg, dilute 1 dessert spoon of salt in 250 ml of water, 10–30 kg - 1 tbsp. l., more than 30 kg - 2 tbsp. l. Then they give a sorbent (activated carbon) and vaseline oil. To do this, crush 5–20 tablets of coal and mix with 1 d spoon of oil. The charcoal will collect the remaining toxins, and the oil will help remove them.
Poor nutrition	There are changes in diet. In this case, mucus is a sign that the digestive system is trying to adapt to the new diet.	New food should always be introduced gradually, starting with small amounts.
Intoxication	The dog ate inedible things: poison, chocolate, grapes/raisins, chewing gum. Additional symptoms are unsteady gait, lethargy, fainting, and convulsions.	You can start by removing toxins from the stomach in the same way as in case of poisoning, and then be sure to take the dog to the veterinarian or immediately arrange an examination.

Allergy

An allergy is a protective reaction of the body to a substance.

Just like food intolerance, it causes stomach upset, which is accompanied by:

vomiting;
flatulence;
diarrhea with mucus.

Chronic diarrhea can also be the result of eating foods that are toxic to dogs.

Inflammatory processes in the intestines

Inflammatory bowel disease is a process in which the gastrointestinal tract is attacked by bacteria, viruses or other microorganisms. To resist them, the layer of mucus covering the walls increases. The cause of the disease is low immunity, metabolic disorders and chronic diseases.

Among the main diseases:

gastritis - inflammation of the mucous membrane and intestinal walls (in severe form);
enteritis - an inflammatory process in the small intestine;
gastroenteritis - simultaneous inflammation of the small intestine and gastric mucosa;
colitis - inflammation localized in the large intestine;
enterocolitis - simultaneous inflammation of the small and large intestines;
Gastric ulcer is a defect in the intestinal mucosa or submucosal layer.

The set of reasons for all types of inflammatory processes is the same. These are intestinal parasites, poor quality food, poisoning, allergies, tumors, bacterial infection.

Did you know? A dog moves 66% faster than a person, so walking with your pet is useful for those who want to lose weight or maintain their weight at a normal level.

Gastritis

Gastritis is possible in acute and chronic forms. Acute is caused by poor quality food and poisoning or a swallowed foreign object. Gastritis develops very quickly.

Dog:

experiences stomach pain;
refuses food;
body temperature rises.

The dog limits physical activity. The process of defecation is disrupted, and constipation or diarrhea may occur.

Gastroenteritis

The main symptom of gastroenteritis is simultaneous vomiting and diarrhea. The stool can be anything from soft to liquid, but in 90% of cases it is accompanied by vomiting.

Symptoms of the disease:

decreased appetite;
tarry feces with mucus;
lethargy;
salivation;
nausea;
dehydration.

If there is blood in the stool, then it is hemorrhagic gastroenteritis.

Important! Inflammatory bowel processes are more common in German Shepherds and Shar-Peis than in other breeds.

Colitis

The first symptoms of colitis are loose stools and frequent urge to defecate. There may be excessive mucus and blood in the stool.

The process is accompanied by:

increased gas formation;
rumbling in the intestines.

If the disease progresses, the pet will become picky about its diet, lose appetite and begin to lose weight. Colitis is caused by stress, infections and parasites.

Enterocolitis

More often, young and old dogs suffer from enterocolitis, since their immune system cannot cope with environmental aggression.

Symptoms of the disease:

apathy;
reluctance to walk;
bloating and flatulence;
stomach pain;
diarrhea with mucus;
vomiting is possible.

Due to frequent bowel movements, your pet may experience itching in the anus area, causing it to start rubbing its butt on the floor.

Types

At the same time, changes in stool may occur.

Black and resinous

This color and texture is usually caused by blood from the stomach or upper intestine.
If you see such stool, collect it and call your veterinarian as soon as possible.

Blood in stool (red)

This is fresh blood in the stool and may indicate bleeding in the lower intestine.
Collect a sample and seek emergency medical attention.

Diarrhea

Diarrhea is most often caused by a viral or bacterial infection, but there are other triggers.
Dogs with diarrhea are at high risk of dehydration and require close monitoring.
If blood clots are also observed, the situation should be considered an emergency.

Gray and greasy in appearance

Usually caused by too much fat in food

Worms

Worms in feces are parasites
Contact your veterinarian as soon as possible for prompt diagnosis and treatment.

How to diagnose and determine the cause

Diagnostics begins with:

examination of the dog;
owner survey.

The doctor will ask what your stool was like before and how it has changed recently. Depending on the suspected cause, different types of tests may be ordered. Stool samples with mucus will definitely be examined. When diagnosing helminths, you will need to test feces several times, since they may not be in every portion.

In some cases:

carry out a blood test;
X-rays and computed tomography are prescribed.

This is necessary in order to visualize the state of the gastrointestinal tract. The veterinarian will also need everything that the owners can tell about the dog’s diet, nutrition and living conditions. This will help clarify the diagnosis.

Prevention measures

It is impossible to completely eliminate the risk of developing intestinal pathologies, but measures can be taken to reduce their number.

The most important rule for all dog owners is maintaining a proper diet. Food should always be fresh and of high quality. It is not recommended to choose economy class food. It is best to buy premium, which contains the maximum amount of nutrients and does not contain artificial additives.

Attention! If the pet is on natural feeding, then the diet must be carefully considered. It must be balanced.

It is important to strengthen the animal’s body, give it vitamins, walk in the fresh air, and engage in active games with it. Anthelmintic drugs play an important role in prevention. Deworming should be done during the spring and summer months. It is recommended to take your dog to the veterinarian for routine checkups twice a year.

At the first appearance of mucus in your pet’s stool, you need to show it to a doctor. Diagnostic measures and the appointment of timely treatment will help eliminate the disease at the initial stage, preventing the occurrence of complications.

Treatment of mucus in stool in dogs

In cases involving a change in diet or a reaction to food eaten, the presence of mucus in the stool is just a small incident. The symptom will disappear in a couple of days. At the same time, the dog remains cheerful, also actively plays and eats. There is no need to treat it or go to the doctor. Add probiotics or yoghurts with live bacteria to the food to maintain intestinal microflora and monitor it.

Important! Increased mucus production means that a change in treatment is needed or that current treatment is not as effective as before.

If the mucus is accompanied by other symptoms, then a doctor’s consultation is required to begin a course of treatment. It will depend on the cause of the disease and the diagnosis.

Disease	Diet and care	Treatment
Allergy	The product that caused the allergy is excluded from the diet. In the future, any innovation is started with small portions and the pet’s reaction is monitored. Bathe your dog more often to remove pollen from its fur if allergies are of plant origin. Use modern air purifiers to help your pet's breathing.	Drug treatment of the disease will include: antihistamines - Claritin, Tavegil, Fenistil, Suprastin, Diazolin, Diphenhydramine. For Yorkies and small breed dogs, it is better to give Diazolin. The rest are usually prescribed Suprastin 2 mg/kg per day. The dose is divided into 3 feedings and given with food. Corticosteroids are prescribed as nasal drops to reduce inflammation. For example, Nasonex. It is injected into each nostril 1-2 times a day.
Inflammation of the mucous membranes (gastritis, enteritis, gastroenteritis, colitis)	The first day is a fasting diet. Gastric lavage can then be performed using an enema. For the next 2-3 days, you need a gentle diet - slimy rice water, oatmeal water and a raw egg. Then the normal diet is gradually introduced, avoiding fatty meats.	To protect the mucous membrane and relieve inflammation, antacids are prescribed - Almagel, Phosphalugel, De-Nol. Dosage - 0.5 scoop 3 times a day. Antibiotics are prescribed to eliminate bacterial infections: Amoxiclav 12.5 mg/kg for a week, Gentamicin 4.4 mg/kg 2 times a day for 3–5 days. To relieve spasms, antispasmodics are needed: “No-shpa” 0.5 t. 2 times a day, “Spazmalgin” 0.5 t. 3 times a day.
Ulcer	A gentle diet with a minimum amount of fat and salt.	The intestinal walls are corroded by gastric juice. To reduce its production, Ranitidine, Omeprazole, and Cimetidine are used. To prevent electrolyte imbalances, droppers are prescribed: Ringer's solution 10–20 ml/kg; to support the liver - “Hemodez” 5–10 ml/kg 1–2 times a day. If your pet is bothered by vomiting, then antiemetics “Metoclopramide” and “Chlorpromazine” are prescribed. Antacids will reduce inflammation of the intestinal walls. These are “Sukrat”, “Venter”, “Sucralfate”. If there is a bacterial infection, a course of antibiotics will be prescribed. If necessary, use a hemostatic agent: “Vikasol” at a dosage of 1 mg/kg for 3–5 days.
Internal parasites	The food is ordinary. But it needs to be supplemented with iron to relieve anemia and normalize hematopoiesis.	Anthelmintic drugs are used for treatment. The choice of medication will depend on the type of parasite. For example, for protozoa: “Albendazole”. Course of treatment - 2 rubles. 25 mg/kg. For helminths: “Febtal-combo” - 1 ml/kg or other drugs. Other broad-spectrum anthelmetics: Drontal, Milbemax, Kanikvantel. The dosage is chosen in accordance with the weight of the dog indicated in the instructions for the drug.
Dysbacteriosis	The diet should include vegetables, lean meat, and cereals.	Treatment for dysbiosis will vary depending on the cause, the severity of the damage to the body and the pet's health. If there was vomiting or diarrhea, then antiemetic and antidiarrheal drugs are prescribed. It is then important to introduce electrolytes into the body to restore balance. They do this with droppers. Medicinal enzyme supplements should restore the bacterial balance in the intestines. Mezim or Cholenzym are prescribed. Probiotics are prescribed to improve microflora in dogs - “Lactobifid”, “Lactoferon”, “Fortiflora”, “Multibacterin Omega 10”. The course duration and dosage are determined based on test results.

What to do

Treatment for mucus in stool will depend on the underlying cause. Because the causes of increased mucus in stool can span a wide range of underlying causes, there are many treatment options available. In cases of disordered eating or stress, the disease may disappear without further treatment. A short-term switch to a soft, easy-to-digest diet can be a beneficial change, and in some mild cases, your veterinarian may even recommend Imodium to combat stomach upset. If your pet has a viral, bacterial, parasitic or fungal infection, appropriate medications will be prescribed to treat the illness, and if a food allergy or sensitivity is diagnosed, a hypoallergenic diet may be recommended. Probiotics may also be recommended to help the patient recover, especially after treatment with antibiotics or antifungals. If a tumor or other growth is involved.

Where are the anal glands located?

All dogs have two small glands (sometimes called anal sacs or sinuses) near the anus. They perform several functions: marking territory, scaring away enemies, attracting other individuals, intraspecific identification. The anal glands usually secrete a few drops of marking secretion whenever your pet defecates.

Please note that the anal sinuses are located inside soft tissue and are normally not visually detectable. When the glands become clogged or inflamed, they can become enlarged, causing discomfort for your pet.