My dog's poop is dark gray/black on the outside. What's wrong?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 13 years and 7 months old | 40 lbs
Recently My dogs poop has been this dark gray almost black looking on the outside. It is just on the outside of the poop the rest is normal brown color. What could cause this?
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on August 24th, 2017
A change in food or treats could alter the color of the feces. It could also look abnormal if Riley is getting into something he shouldn't, like people food. Stool that is darker on the outside could also indicate that the feces is sitting in the colon for longer than normal. This could be due to dehydration or constipation. To avoid this you can add a fiber supplement (like Metamucil) to his food and/or increase water intake and/or add wet food to the dry food. As long as Riley is acting normally, defecating normally and still eating well and is active, I would not worry too much about it. If the poop continues to look abnormal I would recommend taking in a sample to your vet to be checked. I hope this helps. Best of luck. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.
24Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on June 21st, 2019
I am sorry to hear about your concern for Riley. If she is acting otherwise normal I would just continue to monitor her bowel movements and appetite/energy level. If she continues to have these mucous covered poops, then a visit to her vet may be necessary, they may want to test her for intestinal parasites or put her on medicaiton if the think she could have something like colitis which can cause this type of stool. You can try a probiotic such as Purina Forti Flora at home, but if it continues or she develops vomiting, anorexia or lethargy she should visit her vet.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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