Mucus in dog stool home remedies

It can be disconcerting when we notice abnormalities in our dog’s stool, and the presence of slimy mucus in their poop is no exception. In fact, mucusy stools must be one of the most common issues I see as a vet.

While a slight amount of mucus is normal and aids in the passage of feces, an excessive amount tends to raise concerns. Too much mucus in dog stool can be caused by a variety of factors, including dietary issues, infections, or gastrointestinal problems. 

While it is crucial to remember that home remedies are no substitute for proper veterinary care, there are a few simple steps that you can take to help treat mucus in your dog’s poop. I often recommend these remedies to owners, but if your dog is otherwise healthy and not exhibiting any other concerning symptoms. 

A bland food diet is a simple change to make to address mucus in a dog’s stool. When a dog’s digestive system is irritated, feeding them a bland diet that’s gentle on their stomach can help soothe their gastrointestinal tract and reduce inflammation. 

A common bland diet consists of boiled chicken breast, white rice, and scrambled eggs. These easily digestible foods provide essential nutrients while being gentle on the stomach.

An even better choice is a veterinary prescription gastrointestinal diet, like the one from Royal Canin. These diets are formulated with specific nutrients to support a healthy digestive system.

Whenever I treat a dog suffering from a mild case of diarrhea, my first suggestion is to change to the Royal Canin gastrointestinal food for a few days. It’s highly digestible, easily absorbed, and provides optimal nourishment while reducing the risk of food intolerance. It also contains prebiotics, probiotics, and other ingredients that promote a balanced gut microbiome and reduce mucus production.

An easy addition to make, and from my experience, an effective one, is adding pumpkin to your dog’s diet. This can be a great way to help ease the issue of mucus in their stools.

Vets like myself often recommend it because pumpkin has loads of fiber, which helps regulate digestion and promote healthy bowel movements. And the best part? It’s totally natural! 

Pumpkin can help soothe the digestive system, calming any inflammation or irritation that might be causing your dog’s poop to appear slimy. Just remember to use plain, canned pumpkin (no pumpkin pie filling!) and introduce it gradually to avoid upsetting your dog’s tummy.

Some other natural alternatives to pumpkin include sweet potatoes, green beans, and carrots – all of which would be good choices. Just be sure to monitor your dog’s response to the change.

We’ve all heard about the importance of fiber in our own diet. Well, the same is true for dogs- increasing the fiber in your dog’s diet can be a game-changer in helping to reduce the amount of mucus in their stool.

Fiber plays a crucial role in promoting healthy digestion and regulating bowel movements, which can effectively decrease the amount of mucus in dog poop. By adding bulk, fiber is one of the best ways to harden your dog’s stool and enhance overall bowel health.

Consider trying a carefully crafted fiber supplement specifically designed to address digestive issues or loose stools in dogs. My personal recommendation is the natural fiber supplement developed by Native Pet – I’ve tried a fair few over the years, and it has become my preferred choice. I even use it in my own dog when she gets a bit of mucusy poop.

Probiotics – it’s become a bit of a buzzword lately, but for good reason. Adding these good bacteria to your dog’s diet can help reduce excessive mucus build-up.

Yogurt and kefir can be great sources of probiotics for dogs, helping to keep their digestion in prime shape. These dairy products have live cultures of good bacteria like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. These microscopic superheroes can populate the gut and keep the microbiome balanced. 

Probiotics aid in breaking down nutrients, boost the immune system, and keep harmful bacteria in check. Yogurt and kefir, because of the good bacteria they contain, can regulate bowel movements, reduce gas, and ease digestive issues like diarrhea or mucus in the stool. 

Remember, when adding yogurt or kefir to your dog’s diet, go for the plain varieties without sugars or artificial sweeteners. Start gradually and monitor your dog’s response.

If your pup can’t handle dairy products, there’s another way to get those good bacteria into their gut – probiotic supplements made just for dogs!

These supplements pack a punch of beneficial bacteria to keep your furry friend’s gastrointestinal system in tip-top shape. By promoting a healthy gut microbiome, probiotics can help ease inflammation and keep digestion on track.

These supplements often contain strains of bacteria such as Enterococcus faecium, which have been shown to aid in the management of certain gastrointestinal disorders in dogs. FortiFlora by Proplan is an excellent choice that many vets, including myself, would recommend. 

Adding this to your dog’s daily food has a host of other benefits too, including boosting their immune system and even helping with itchy skin.

You’d be amazed at some of the foods I hear owners feed their dogs – I even had one owner admit to feeding their dog pizza! Unfortunately, there are a lot of human foods dogs can’t eat – many can trigger an allergic reaction or can even be toxic.

You don’t have to feed your dog junk food for them to have an allergy; some dogs have an allergy to common ingredients like chicken or wheat. Avoiding dog food allergens can go a long way in preventing excess mucus in a dog’s poop. 

Food allergies can trigger an inflammatory response in a dog’s digestive system, leading to excessive mucus production. Identifying and eliminating potential allergens, such as common proteins like beef, chicken, or grains like wheat, corn, and soy, from the dog’s diet can help alleviate symptoms such as diarrhea and mucus in a dog’s poop.

A hypoallergenic or limited-ingredient diet can help pinpoint specific food sensitivities. Alternatively, rotating protein sources and opting for novel proteins like venison or duck can help reduce the likelihood of developing new food allergies. 

By carefully selecting a diet that is free from allergens, pet owners can promote better digestion and minimize mucus-related issues in their pets.

Activated charcoal is sometimes suggested as a potential remedy for mucus in a dog’s stool and other digestive issues.

Activated charcoal is known for its ability to absorb toxins and substances within the digestive system, potentially helping reduce irritation and mucus buildup. 

By binding to unwanted particles, it may help reduce mucus production and alleviate gastrointestinal discomfort. While activated charcoal may offer temporary relief, it should only be used as a short-term solution.

So now we know how to stop mucus in a dog’s stool; it’s important to know what causes it so we can stop it from coming back!

Mucus in a dog’s poop can have various causes, and its presence may or may not be a cause for concern. In many cases, a small amount of mucus in a dog’s poop is normal and is used as a kind of natural lubrication of the intestines. However, excessive mucus could indicate an underlying issue. 

One common cause is colitis, which is inflammation of the colon. This can lead to increased mucus production and result in soft or liquid dog poop. 

Other potential causes include intestinal parasites like whipworms, tapeworms, or giardia. Stress, dietary changes, bacterial infections, inflammatory bowel disease, and food allergies can also contribute to mucus in a dog’s poop. 

If your dog is experiencing mucus in their stool, it is essential to monitor the situation closely and consult with a veterinarian if certain signs appear or their condition worsens. 

While a small amount of mucus in dog poop can be normal, persistent or excessive mucus may indicate an underlying issue. If the mucus persists even after 24-48 hours despite trying the aforementioned home remedies, it is advisable to consult a veterinarian for guidance. 

Similarly, see a vet if the mucus is accompanied by blood, if your dog is exhibiting other symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, or if there are changes in behavior or energy levels. These could be signs of gastrointestinal infections, parasites, allergies, inflammatory bowel disease, or other more serious health conditions. 

A veterinarian will be able to perform a thorough examination, conduct necessary tests, and provide appropriate treatment options based on the dog’s specific condition.

When it comes to treating mucus in a dog’s stool, the approach that your vet takes will depend on the underlying cause. 

In most cases, if a dog is otherwise healthy and only has a small amount of mucus in their stool, treatment with medications may not be necessary. A change to a bland diet or the introduction of probiotic or fiber supplements into your dog’s food may be enough to solve the issue. 

However, if the mucus is persistent or accompanied by other symptoms, such as diarrhea, vomiting, or changes in appetite, a vet will conduct a thorough examination to determine the cause. Treatment options may include addressing dietary changes, managing stress levels, treating bacterial or parasitic infections, or addressing conditions like colitis or inflammatory bowel disease.