One of the most unpleasant experiences dog owners can encounter is seeing jelly-like mucus in their dog’s feces. This incident might be alarming for many but not severe enough to panic. However, it pays to know what this means and any underlying conditions involved.
What Jelly Mucus in Dog Poop Mean? It is a sign that the dog has gastrointestinal problems, food intolerance, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), or, more seriously, Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).
The article below contains information about this phenomenon and what to do when your pet displays these symptoms.
What Does It Mean If There Is Mucus in Dog Stool? (IBS and IBD)
The presence of small amounts of mucus in your dog’s poop is often a symptom of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The terms “inflammatory bowel disease” and “irritable bowel syndrome” are often used interchangeably, but they are different.
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a serious condition that may result in bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. As it is more serious, you should immediately take your dog to the vet and get it properly diagnosed and treated using antibiotics or surgery.
Mucus in your dog’s stool can also be caused by eating difficult-to-digest carbohydrates and foreign objects, such as plastic and foxtails. Changing your dog’s diet, increasing exercise, and treating any infections will usually clear up excess mucus in stool.
What Are the Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Dogs?
In addition to small amounts of mucus in dog stool, irritable bowel syndrome in dogs may also cause diarrhea, gas, bloating, and abdominal pain. If your dog is experiencing bloating, it may become difficult for him to breathe.
Potential causes of irritable bowel syndrome.
Stress
Under stress, dogs may develop irritable bowel syndrome. Their digestive system cannot process food properly, which subsequently causes loose stools. A lifestyle change is needed to relieve the stress and soothe your dog’s intestines.
Pain
If your dog suddenly develops diarrhea, it could indicate underlying pain. An infection or even a foreign body could be lodged in his intestines. If diarrhea continues after visiting the vet, your vet might advise you to perform a colonoscopy.
Toxins
Ingestion of toxins such as pesticides and herbicides may also lead to bloody diarrhea in dogs.
Food Intolerance
Ingesting foreign objects can also cause bloody diarrhea in dogs. For example, your dog may experience bloody diarrhea from Consuming plastic and rubber toys or bits of string from outdoor fires.
Carbohydrate Intolerance
Not easily digested carbohydrates may also lead to bloody diarrhea in dogs. Common examples of these foods are beans, cabbage, and milk. The ingestion of carbohydrates that are not easily digested may also lead to the malabsorption of nutrients.
Injury
Injury to the colon or large intestine can cause bleeding, which will be present in the feces. Internal bleeding is different from fresh blood seen in the feces of dogs with irritable bowel syndrome. What you’ll see in the latter is bright red blood and will be there intermittently.
Difficult Birth
If your dog was born via C-section, bladder mucus might pass in their stool a few days after the operation. This episode is due to the irritation caused by the surgery. If the matter is yellow, it may be urine. If it is white or clear, colon mucus is more likely.
Bladder Stones
Irritable bowel syndrome in dogs may result from bladder stones. Bladder stones can cause a dog’s bladder to inflame. Since an inflamed bladder cannot empty properly, it may become constricted. An inflamed bladder may also contribute to a urinary tract infection.
Hot spots
Common problems cause both hot spots and irritable bowel syndrome. The cause could be a problem with the immune system. Another idea is they are both caused by an irritant in the gut. For example, Clostridium Difficile bacteria can cause irritable bowel syndrome and hot spots. Also, a common factor that causes both hot spots and irritable bowel syndrome could be stress or certain diets.
Allergies
Allergic reactions to food can affect organs in your dogs, like the liver and the pancreas, which can cause pancreatitis. When the pancreas gets inflamed, it can cause digestive enzymes to leak out into your dog’s bloodstream.
Yeast Infection
Stress, or consuming table scraps and sugary foods, causes yeast infection. This infection may also cause a female dog to leak a foul-smelling oily discharge from the vagina. Overgrowth of yeast in the body can also lead to diarrhea.
Worms
Especially tapeworms, may affect your dog’s digestive tract, resulting in bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain, or vomiting. Other worms, such as hookworms, whipworms, and roundworms, can also cause diarrhea. Diarrhea occurs when the worm’s larva migrates through the intestines, irritating the intestinal walls and causing them to bleed.
Parasitic Infection
Parasites are another common cause of bloody diarrhea in dogs. For example, Toxoplasma gondii causes toxoplasmosis, transmitted via contact with cat feces. If your dog has an intestinal parasite, there will be an overgrowth of bacteria and, as a result, an increase in acid production. This acid can cause digestive problems and result in bloody diarrhea.
Bacterial Infection
Bacterial infections can also cause diarrhea, especially in dogs with a compromised immune system. Salmonellosis, E. coli, Clostridium, and Campylobacter infections can lead to bloody diarrhea.
Cancer
Cancers affecting the colon and the liver are more likely to cause bloody diarrhea in dogs. Other cancers that may cause bloody diarrhea are lymphoma, mast cell tumors, myeloproliferative, and lymphocytic leukemia.
If you know your dog has eaten something bad, it is best to monitor him closely. If he has diarrhea, then it is likely that he has irritable bowel syndrome.
Treatment for Mucus in Dog Stool
Why You Should See a Vet
If your pup experiences recurrent excess mucus in its feces, it is best to visit a veterinary doctor immediately. The vet will ask you many questions and conduct tests on your pet to identify the exact cause of this problem.
Once they have diagnosed the problem correctly, initiate treatment accordingly.
They may even prescribe medications or supplements to boost your dog’s digestive system to ensure a complete recovery from this condition. Take preventive measures after diagnosis to prevent any future infection from occurring.
When It’s Okay to Wait
As mentioned previously, there are several reasons why dogs produce jelly-like substances in their excrement. However, if the mucus is only present in your dog’s stool for a single occasion or on an intermittent basis.
In that case, it is not necessary to panic. Since most of these conditions are considered normal and harmless, you can wait before seeking help from a vet.
However, if the situation persists for more than seven days, it would be wise to seek medical attention immediately.
When you notice this symptom emitting from your pet’s anus, do not panic since its presence does not necessarily mean that your dog has some disease inside his body at all times. If your dog experiences this condition regularly, consult the vet immediately to determine possible causes.
When your dog experiences this condition only now and then, it is unnecessary to seek immediate professional help. However, if the symptoms persist for more than seven days, you should let your vet do an inspection to determine the exact cause of this problem.
What Are the Treatment Options?
A vet can diagnose your dog with worms by performing a fecal exam. Sometimes, an X-ray or a blood test is necessary to determine the number of worms and the type of worm. The vet will prescribe several deworming and antibiotic medications specific to your dog’s kind of worm. Complete a course of deworming medicine to eliminate the parasites and prevent them from returning completely.
How To Treat Changes in Dog Stools
If your dog is experiencing an increase in mucus in its stool, it is time for you to start looking for the underlying cause. If the dog has a medical condition, it is important to reduce stressors and symptoms. Suppose the dog is not suffering from any obvious medical condition.
In that case, getting the dog to eat a healthy diet low on carbohydrates, which can help reduce the amount of mucus, is important. If the dog is experiencing diarrhea, it is important to keep the bowls clean and use a stool softener to loosen the mucus and bacteria in the stool, reducing the amount of irritation and making the dog feel better.
Home Remedies for mucus in dog’s stool
Many people have developed various home remedies to treat this situation with our dogs. But one thing should be remembered: home remedies never replace medical treatment from licensed professionals, doctors, and veterinarians.
Home remedies include:
- Use high-quality treats and food.
- Give pumpkin or sweet potato puree.
- Enzymes may be needed to improve digestion.
- Use probiotics as a supplement.
- Digestive enzymes can also aid in clearing up any blockage within the digestive tract system.
Mucus in dog stool home remedies that do not involve medications or supplements include:
- Add more fiber to your dog’s diet.
- Warm water enemas.
- Feeding smaller-sized meals throughout the day as opposed to large ones.
Is It Possible to Recognize Intestinal Parasites?
Intestinal parasites are the worms that live in your dog’s intestines and absorb his food. They transmit through contact with dogs who have worms, walking on the soil where a worm-infested animal walked, or eating contaminated food.
Some symptoms of parasitic infection include coughing, vomiting, weight loss, diarrhea, and, in some cases, seizures and death. There are many symptoms, so it’s important to have your dog tested regularly. If your dog has an infection, you should contact your vet. Some of these infections can be life-threatening.
In rare cases, the parasitic worm Toxocara can cause mucus in stool. This parasite causes vomiting, diarrhea, and eye problems, with symptoms that may last for years before your dog improves.
Like many worms, Toxocara is passed from mother to puppies in the uterus when the puppies are in utero or shortly after birth. Puppies can also be infected after they are born. It can take a few months for symptoms of Toxocara infections to appear in puppies.
Does Your Dog Have Worms?
If your dog has diarrhea, he may have worms. Watch to see if worms come in contact with the feces. If they do, your dog may have an intestinal parasite. Many dogs, especially puppies, will have worms at some point.
However, treating your dog as soon as intestinal parasites are suspected is important. An intestinal parasite can also be identified by observing your dog’s symptoms and eliminating possible causes.
Why is my dogs poop like jelly with blood?
Finding dog poop like jelly with fresh blood can be alarming, and rightly so, especially if it is your dog. These symptoms can point to several underlying issues, some requiring immediate veterinary attention.
One potential culprit is Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis (HGE), a sudden and potentially life-threatening inflammation of the intestines. HGE often presents with dark, jelly-like diarrhea containing bright red blood, sometimes resembling strawberry jam.
Parasites like intestinal worms can also irritate the intestinal lining, leading to blood in the stool. However, in most cases, the parasite-induced bloody stool wouldn’t typically have the jelly-like consistency you described.
Colitis, or colon inflammation, can cause bloody diarrhea, but the stool’s texture is usually less jelly-like than HGE.
Regardless of the underlying cause, seeking immediate veterinary attention is crucial if your dog exhibits jelly-like stool with blood, especially if accompanied by other concerning signs like vomiting, lethargy, or loss of appetite. Early diagnosis and proper treatment are essential for your dog’s well-being.
Avoid administering medication or changing your dog’s diet without consulting a veterinarian. Only a qualified professional can accurately diagnose the cause of your dog’s bloody stool and recommend the appropriate course of action.
My Dog’s Poop Looks Like Strawberry Jam
If you haven’t fed your dog any reddish food, then another reason for the red in your dog’s poop is that blood has mixed with the stool. In any case, this should warrant a visit to the veterinarian to ensure your pet’s well-being and health.
What If There Is Blood in Dog Stool?
The most common causes of blood in the stool are parasitic bowel infections and cancer. An increase in blood should indicate a serious illness requiring immediate veterinary attention.
If the blood is very bright red or mixed with mucus. In that case, the dog could suffer from colon ulcers, which is also a serious condition that requires immediate veterinary attention.
How Is Bloody Diarrhea in Dogs Diagnosed?
If your dog has had blood in his stool for over a few days or has severe symptoms, it is best to visit a vet for a proper diagnosis. The vet will want to know:
- How long your dog has had the blood in his stool
- Whether the dog has had any other symptoms, such as diarrhea or vomiting
- He’s eating and drinking habits
- Whether he has had any abnormal bowel movements
In addition, the vet will want to rule out the presence of parasites, foreign bodies, cancer, and inflammatory bowel disease. To check for parasites and inflammation, the vet will perform blood tests.
How Is Bloody Diarrhea in Dogs Treated?
Dietary indiscretion or stress often causes bloody diarrhea in dogs. If you’re sure your dog has not eaten anything unusual in the last few days, try a bland diet for a few days. Bland diets for dogs include boiled chicken, boiled white rice, and cooked sweet potato.
Once your dog’s digestive system has recovered, you can slowly reintroduce other foods. If your dog is still experiencing diarrhea, consider changing your dog’s food. A change in diet may also be beneficial if your dog is experiencing any other symptoms, such as bloating, gas, or stomach cramps.
DIY Treatment
Making your dog food will also help if your dog has a food intolerance. You may also want to feed your dog raw pumpkin. Pumpkin upsets the digestive system, which will often lead to diarrhea.
Commercially available foods that claim to reduce diarrhea in dogs may also help, but always check with your vet first to discuss this option. Dogs should also be walked regularly and given chew toys to keep their digestive tract healthy.
How Long Does It Take for Dog Diarrhea to Clear Up?
If your dog is experiencing loose stool, it is important to monitor him daily. The blood should clear in two or three days, and the stool should become firmer. If the blood is greenish or yellowish, the bowel is still irritated and needs further treatment.
If so, your vet may want to perform some tests. The vet may also prescribe antibiotics to treat any bacterial infections.
How Can You Prevent Bloody Diarrhea in Dogs?
Preventing diarrhea in dogs begins with a healthy diet. Consult your vet to find out what your dog should be eating. Feeding dogs table scraps and human food can lead to diarrhea since the body may not process it properly.
Other things you can do to prevent diarrhea include:
- Feeding your dog at least twice a day
- Never leave food down for long periods
- Offering your dog lots of freshwaters
- Keeping your dog’s yard free of dog waste
- Walking your dog daily to ensure he does not become overweight
- Avoiding playing tug-of-war or games that involve rolling in the grass or dirt
- Keeping your dog’s vaccinations up-to-date
- Taking your dog to the vet immediately if you notice blood in his stool
Why You Should Regularly Examine Your Dog’s Stool
By definition, a normal stool is firm and bulky with a smooth surface, well-defined shape, and free of odor. A poop that is dark, dry, or covered with mucous may indicate an underlying problem.
The best time to check your dog’s stool is after defecation when the feces are more likely to be intact (not broken apart). Your veterinarian can help you identify abnormal stools if you need to become more familiar with what’s normal for your pet.
Once identified as abnormal, it will be important to determine the cause of the problem because some types of diarrhea require immediate treatment.
In contrast, others will not necessarily lead to significant complications if resolved by themselves without treatment. Daily stool checks are an easy way to help prevent problems and identify them early before they become serious.
What Should I Feed My Dog If He Has Mucus in Stool?
Suppose your dog is having trouble digesting food or has a gastrointestinal infection. In that case, your dog may benefit from an easy-to-digest diet. Special diets are available for dogs with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), antibiotics, or other health problems. A dog’s diet should change gradually to make it easier for him to adjust.
Sometimes, the best way to relieve your dog’s symptoms is to switch to a new diet, such as one designed for older dogs with high fiber. In most cases, dogs with diets adjusted for health reasons eventually resume a normal diet.
What Else Can I Do To Help My Dog?
In addition to adjusting your dog’s diet and eliminating the mucus in stool, you must also ensure he stays hydrated and remains active to help improve his symptoms.
It is also important to contact your vet if there are frequent changes in stool or if your dog is eating inedible items, causing him to have mucus in stool. Any changes in stool or the color or odor of poop can be a symptom of a more serious problem and needs to be looked at by your vet.
If your dog changes his bowel movements, keep track of the type of stool and the amount of mucus present. If there is a large change in your dog’s poop, you should contact your vet.
Conclusion
It can be nerve-wracking for New Pet owners to care for a dog. But just like anything, the more we care for someone, the better we get at it and the closer we bond with the person or the pet we care for. Researching this will help you get to know your pet better and become a better pet owner.
Sources
“Toxoplasmosis,” Mayo Clinic, Accessed December 30, 2021
“Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Dogs,” Pet Coach, Accessed December 30, 2021
“Diarrhea Due to Clostridium perfringens in Dogs,” Pet MD, Accessed December 30, 2021
Working as a medical technologist, and I enjoy spending time with my friends and family. I really like to take care of my dog Snow. A crazy japanese Spitz, but as they say like owner like pet.
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