Dogs would normally have mucus in the stool. This clear or white slimy substance has the important role of lubricating the lining of the intestines for easy passage of feces from the intestines and out to the anus. Excessive mucus in the dogs stool though can be an indication of a health concern. Aside from the excessive mucus in the stool, a dog owner has to watch out for other symptoms. Diarrhea, vomiting, bloody foul smelling stool are indications that something is wrong with the digestive system of the dog or that the pet has other underlying disease. Dog owners have to know the possible reasons why the dogs stool has excessive mucus. Prompt treatment for any health concern gives the dog a better chance to recover fully.
We know dogs to be voracious eaters. Our four legged friends would eat anything – edible and non-edible. To the consternation of dog owners, the pet would eat spoiled food and feces every chance it could get. This would result to stomach upset. Mucus in stool associated with the dogs indiscriminate eating habits can be easily dealt with. As long as mucus is not an indication of a health concern, encouraging the dog to have more water intake can resolve the problem. Excessive mucus production can result from the inflammation of the intestines. Giving the dog home remedies such as demulcent tea made from boiled water and ground flaxseed would sooth the irritation and the inflammation of the intestinal lining. Indigestible objects that are swallowed by the pet can create an intestinal blockage. These conditions can result to constipation or diarrhea. The dog would have a distended abdomen and because the intestines are inflamed the dog would pass feces with inordinate amounts of mucus. Surgery may be necessary to remove a bowel obstruction.
Due to the indiscriminate eating habits, dogs are susceptible to bacterial infections. Fever, vomiting, abdominal cramps and diarrhea are symptoms of bacterial infection. Mucus will be noticed in the dogs feces. Intestinal parasite infestation is a common concern of dog owners. These parasites that feed off the dogs blood and essential nutrients causes dogs to have poor coat condition, to lose weight and to have a distended belly. Roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms and whipworms are the most common types of intestinal parasite. Diarrhea and mucus in the dogs stool are symptoms that the dog has freeloaders in the intestines. Dogs are hardy animals but like their human friends, dogs can show sensitivity to some substances. Dogs would show allergic reaction to a sudden change in diet. The dog would develop skin rashes and hot spots. Digestive system problems can also crop up. Acute diarrhea is a common symptom of food allergies. The dogs soft stool would have mucus.
Excessive mucus in the stool can be associated with a serious canine ailment. Parvovirus and corona virus are two of the most serious canine ailments. Excessive mucus in the stool is one of the symptoms of these ailments that can be life threatening if immediate treatment is not administered. Colitis is a serious health concern that is characterized by the inflammation of the colon. Many bowel concerns of dogs are associated with colitis. Defecating difficulties would cause the dog to strain to defecate and in most cases will only be able to pass little stool with excessive mucus.
Mucus in stool may not be a serious concern and can be cured simply by changing the dogs diet. If the condition is associated with a health concern, treatment would naturally depend on the cause. Deworming would be necessary if the mucus in the dogs stool is associated with parasite infestation. Bacterial infections are usually self limiting. The infection would be resolved even without treatment. Serious bacterial infections though may require vet consultation and the administration of antibiotics.