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Why is my dog's normal poop suddenly covered in white mucus?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

My dog is pooping normal poop at first but then it is covered with white creme slime. What does this mean?

6 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Debi Matlack

Veterinary Technician

Published on July 31st, 2015

Usually, you need not worry about seeing a small amount of mucus in your pet's stool. Dog stool normally contains some mucus -- a slime-like substance made by the intestines to keep the lining of the colon lubricated and moist. But if you notice an excessive amount of mucus in the stool, or if it is accompanied with blood or a radical change in your dog's bowel movements, seek immediate veterinary medical attention. He or she will be better able to identify the underlying cause and recommend a proper course of treatment. Common causes include: Stress Dietary indiscretion Intestinal parasites (e.g., giardia) Bacterial overgrowth (e.g., Salmonella) Tumors and/or polyps (e.g., rectoanal polyps) Inflammation of the colon or rectum Narrowing of the rectal opening Constipation and other conditions which may it more difficult to defecate.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

    Licensed Veterinary Technician

    Published on

    The mucus may be indicative of some inflammation such as colitis. This can be from stress, intestinal parasites or illness. If there are no other symptoms (no vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite, etc), you can try withholding food for 12-24 hours then feed a bland diet until the stool returns to normal. If the mucus persists or your dog develops diarrhea, see your veterinarian.

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    11Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

    Licensed Veterinary Technician

    Published on

    The mucus may be indicative of some inflammation such as colitis. This can be from stress, intestinal parasites or illness. If there are no other symptoms (no vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite, etc), you can try withholding food for 12-24 hours then feed a bland diet until the stool returns to normal. If the mucus persists or your dog develops diarrhea, see your veterinarian.

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    10Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on September 8th, 2017

    It is normal to see a little bit of slimy, jelly-like mucus in a dog's stool. Glands in the intestinal tract naturally produce mucus to help keep the colon stay lubricated and moist to help the stools pass along. When the mucus is more abundant than usual you should be concerned. Usually the colon is to blame. When it is irritated and possibly inflamed, the colon decides to create an extra layer of protective mucous lining. The following are some potential causes of mucus in a dog's stool: Colitis Stress Dietary indiscretion Food intolerances Recent diet changes Presence of parasites/protozoans Overgrowth of bacteria Imbalance of colon bacteria (the good kind) Polyps and tumors of the intestinal lining So, I would suggest a visit to your vet for an exam and fecal test. If you would like to try something at home first, I suggest you give Bruce a probiotic for about two weeks. This must be a probiotic made for dogs. My favorite, by far, is Fortiflora. You can usually buy it at most large pet stores but you can also buy it online (and sometimes at Walmart). https://www.chewy.com/s?query=fortiflora+dog&nav-submit-button= This probiotic will help normalize the colonic bacteria and it may correct the issue. If you do this and no improvement, then I suggest you definitely take him in for an exam with your vet. Hope this helps. Best wishes!

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    Answered By Mara Howard, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on August 27th, 2019

    Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Mucus in the stool can be due to a variety of causes, including intestinal parasites, dietary indiscretion, or an underlying GI malabsorption issue, among others. I would recommend having a stool sample analyzed for intestinal parasites, and if it is persistent or concerning having Harley evaluated by his regular veterinarian. Good luck!

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Sara Farmer, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on June 3rd, 2019

    It looks like Herbie has quite a bit of mucous on his stool. I would recommend having him and his stool examined by your vet. They can perform a rectal exam and stool analysis to rule out parasites or colitis.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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