As an owner of the dog, if you notice your dog’s poop is black it can be disturbing and scary. Black stool is medically known as Melena. It is not a life-threatening issue but also something not to ignore. Black stool many times means there’s bleeding in the stomach or small intestine. It could be caused by eating something toxic or definitely by taking some medications. In this post, we’ll tell you the possible causes, and how you can help your furbaby if you ever find black dog poop.
What Does Black Dog Poop Mean?
Black dog poop can be a sign of the presence of digested blood in a dog’s stomach. It turns the dog’s poop to black or tar like. It indicates that there is bleeding in the dog’s stomach or intestine.
As the time passes the body digests the blood which gives it the black look. Usually, melena is caused by dietary changes or medical conditions.
What Causes Black Poop in Dog & Puppies?
Generally, black dog poop happens due to the digested blood excretion in stool. This bleeding usually happens in the upper digestive tract. Let’s discuss the other common causes for black dog poop.
- Gastrointestinal Bleeding
Melena is generally caused due to gastrointestinal bleeding, which can happen due to ulcers, tumors or presence of foreign objects in Dog’s GI tract. These issues can cause serious problems, so timely vet treatment is necessary.
- Medications
If your dog is on medication, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs [NSAIDs] . And if you notice black stool, immediately stop giving the medication which can cause corticosteroids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatories. Instantly contact your vet or visit a veterinary hospital.
- Dietary Factors
Raw meat or bone marrow can turn stools black also some dog food or supplements which are high in iron like red meat can also cause dark stool. If you notice any unusual changes in your pet, it’s always best to consult with a veterinarian to rule out the actual issue and how to overcome the problem.
- Swallowing Of Blood
Dogs may lick their wounds or others, bleeding in the mouth like from a broken tooth, gum disease, chewing something sharp, or a mouth injury, this can also cause their stool to appear black.
- Serious Health Issues
Health conditions like vomiting, fatigue, and weight loss can cause liver disease or even gastrointestinal tumors and cancer which results in black poop.
Other Signs To Look Out
there are other signs too that you must look for if your dog is doing black poop:
- Pale Gums
Healthy dog gums should be pink, like bubblegum. Pale, white, or grayish gum means a sign of blood loss or anemia.
- Loss of appetite
Loss of appetite can be a sign of a serious medical issue that can be caused due to illness or infection, organ-dysfunction, behaviour or emotional cause (Stress, anxiety, change in routine, depression due to loss of companion). Consult your vet if appetite loss lasts more than 24 to 48 hrs.
- Diarrhea
Diarrhea in dogs is a common yet concerning condition. It is a condition of loose, watery stool which can be acute or chronic. It can be caused due to sudden changes in diet, food intolerance, or intestinal parasites. It can also be caused due to medications and toxins. Early treatment and visit to a vet can prevent complications from dehydration.
If you ever watch these symptoms in your pet, you can deliver your vet with important information to have speedy recovery of your furry baby.
Home Treatment For Black Poop in Dog
Once your vet tells you the cause of your dog’s black stool, they will tell you the treatment , you have to follow that but also there are some major points to help prevent black poop (melena) in your dog at home.
- Medications
Firstly you have to avoid medications that can cause GI bleeding. Never give human medications to your dogs like aspirin, ibuprofen. Infection can also be cured with antibiotics. Your vet may suggest changes and stop the medication.
- Dietary changes
Feed your dog a bland diet for a few weeks, like plain white rice, or plain pumpkin without any spiced filling, it can be favorable for digestion and can also help in normalizing stool problems.
- Observe at home
If you observe your dog poop at home and want some information on how to monitor your dog’s health through their stool. You should see that stool should be firm but not too stiff and not too soft or liquid, it indicates digestive issues. While treating your dog’s problem at home always keep in mind that you have to give all information to the vet.
Conclusion
If you ever see black poop remember never to ignore this issue and immediately consult your vet cause it can be a serious health problem. You must look out for other signs to identify if there is any health related problem. You can also try some home remedies for treating your dog but never miss visiting a vet.
FAQs
1. Does black dog poop indicate any serious health issue?
If you ever see your pet going through black dog poop it’s not a very big issue you have to stay calm and observe it for 1 to 2 days and if there is no change in it then you have to consult with your vet.
2. Can certain dog foods cause black-colored poop?
Yes, some dog foods which contain high iron like seafood, spinach and kale can also cause black stool.
3. What should a person do if they see a black dog stool?
You have to keep an eye on your dog’s poop colour and if possible collect a poop sample for veterinary examination. Notice if there is any change in your dog’s behaviour or energy level.
4. Can medication be a problem to cause black dog poop?
Yes, certain medications can cause black dog poop like iron supplements which are prescribed to treat iron deficiency or anemia. This can be a cause of black dog poop.
5. How can I identify healthy dog poop?
The colour of healthy dog poop must be chocolate brown, the consistency of stool should be firm yet slightly moist, poop should be long-shaped.
