Mucus in a Dog's Feces

Mucus in a dog's feces (stool) usually indicates a more serious condition. Dogs should be able to eat a fairly diverse diet without incurring digestive or urinary tract problems. When mucus is detected in the dog's stool, it's best to have him evaluated by a veterinarian and get the problem diagnosed. Diarrhea can be cured with proper treatment.

  1. Intestinal Irritation

    • When a dog's intestinal lining becomes irritated and swollen, it can cause diarrhea. According to Wellvet.com, 25 percent of the dog's detoxifying ability exists in his intestines. An irritated intestinal lining impairs its functioning and makes it harder to expel toxins. 2ndChance.com states that mucus in the stool is usually associated with a problem in the large intestine.

    Causes

    • There are a number of causes for diarrhea. It can be triggered when a dog eats spoiled food upsetting his digestive tract or if he overeats. Stress and separation anxiety are other possible causes. So are reactions to medications. When a dog becomes infected with parasites or worms, it can create intestinal problems. Bacterial infections also can cause mucus in the stool.

    Symptoms

    • Frequent and painful bowel movements usually accompany mucus in stools. The amount of feces expelled is often small. It may take several tries or take time for the dog to eliminate. His lymph nodes may feel swollen. Among the more serious symptoms is dehydration, which can happen quickly. There also may be a notable change in his body temperature.

    Diagnosis

    • A veterinarian reviews the patient's history and performs an exam to feel his abdomen and lymph nodes for inflammation. A blood test may be done, although the results aren't always conclusive. A stool sample is generally taken and examined under a microscope or sent to a lab for screening. Stool samples can reveal whether the dog is suffering from a parasitic infection, virus or a more serious disease in the kidney or liver.

    Treatment

    • Veterinarian Ron Hines of 2ndChance.com writes the dog usually needs laxatives to improve bowel regularity and enemas to clean out his intestine. When the cause is attributed to parasites, bacteria or a side effect of a more serious disease, medication prescribed by a veterinarian is needed to address the root cause of the mucus-covered stool. A dog experiencing dehydration needs to be given plenty of fluids either orally or injected using an IV. Medication to manage the dog's body temperature and bring it back to normal (101.5 F) also may be administered. When the cause for mucus in the stool is food-related or due to some other minor cause, the dog is usually placed on a temporary bland diet of protein and rice or potatoes until his stool appears normal again.