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Why does my dog's poop look like string or mucus & she's lethargic?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Labrador Retriever | Female | spayed | 4 years and 6 months old | 34 lbs

My black lab pooped and it looked like there was a string on it-maybe just mucus? she has been less energetic the last few days. Should I worry?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Rachel

Veterinarian

Published on July 21st, 2017

Hello! It would be helpful to know for sure if the feces contained a piece of string. If so, it's worrisome that Shadow ate string and that there may be additional pieces stuck in her intestinal tract. This would require a vet visit for an x-ray and possible abdominal surgery. However, if it's only mucous, it may be that she has a bout of colitis. This can be caused by diet change, bacteria, or parasites, and usually treated with a bland diet and probiotics or other medications. If you are unsure whether it was a string, it would be safest to have her evaluated by a vet. Even if it is colitis, she could benefit from evaluation and treatment, especially because she is having less energy.

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