Is my dog's stool normal and healthy?

Perfect dog poop is compact, dark brown, and firm enough to hold its shape when it hits the ground. It should not stick to your dog's fur and should be easy to pick up. On average, a healthy dog will poo one to three times a day. If stools consistently look like this, their diet and digestion are in good shape.

Unusually large volumes of stool, or going more frequently than normal, can be a sign that your dog is eating more than they need or that their food is not being digested efficiently. High-fibre or lower-quality foods tend to pass through with little absorption, producing bulkier stools. If the volume does not normalise after adjusting portions, reviewing the diet is a good next step.

Soft or loose stool is one of the most common signs of diarrhoea in dogs. Short-term causes include stress, overfeeding, too many treats, or a sudden change in food. If it resolves within a day or two, there is usually nothing to worry about. Persistent soft stools for more than a week warrant a vet visit.

Fully liquid stool is a sign of severe diarrhoea and should always be taken seriously, especially in puppies and older dogs who dehydrate quickly. Common causes include bacterial or viral infections, intestinal parasites, or contaminated water. If watery stools last more than 24 hours, or if your dog seems lethargic or refuses water, see a vet promptly.

Hard, dry pellets or pebbles are a classic sign of constipation or dehydration. Passing hard stools is uncomfortable and sometimes painful. You may notice your dog straining or appearing to struggle. Make sure fresh water is always available, and ensure your dog gets enough daily movement. If the problem persists for more than two days, consult your vet.

A mucus coating on stools, giving them a slimy or shiny appearance, is usually a sign of inflammation in the colon. Small amounts of mucus occasionally are not unusual, but if it is consistent or accompanied by blood, your dog needs veterinary attention. Colitis, a dietary change, or a parasitic infection are common underlying causes.

Whitish, chalky, or clay-coloured stools are most often seen in dogs who have been eating a lot of raw bones. Bones are high in calcium, which turns stools white and hard as they pass through. If your dog has not been eating bones and the stools are persistently pale or chalky, it could point to a problem with fat digestion or liver function.

Bright red blood in the stool points to bleeding in the lower digestive tract, such as the colon, rectum, or around the anus. It can be caused by colitis, a dietary indiscretion, polyps, or minor injury from straining. A small streak once is not automatically an emergency, but any recurring blood in stools requires a vet assessment.

Black, tarry stools are one of the more serious warning signs in dogs. The dark colour comes from digested blood, which indicates bleeding higher up in the digestive tract, in the stomach or small intestine. This is not something to monitor and wait on. If your dog's stools are consistently black, take them to the vet the same day.

Yellow or orange-tinged stools can indicate that food is moving through the gut too quickly to be fully processed, or they can point to a liver or gallbladder problem affecting bile production. An occasional orange-ish stool after eating something unusual is less concerning. Persistent yellow or orange stools alongside other symptoms warrant a check-up.

Small white dots or segments in your dog's stool are a classic sign of intestinal worms, most commonly tapeworms. The white pieces are worm segments or eggs. This will not resolve on its own. Your vet can confirm the type of worm with a stool test and prescribe the appropriate deworming treatment.