When it comes to our dog’s bathroom habits, it can be startling when you notice a sudden change.
White poop is enough to catch any dog owner off guard and have you running to the internet for possible answers.
In this article, we’ll dive into the reasons behind your dog’s white poop, and what you should do when you notice it!
Reasons Behind White Poop In Dogs
If you ever find yourself scratching your head at the abnormal white color of your dog’s poop, don’t panic.
There are a few possible causes behind this strange occurrence that can be solved with simple changes, or a trip to the vet if needed.
The possible reasons behind white dog poop include:
1. Too Much Calcium In Their Diet
One of the most common reasons behind white poop in dogs is having a diet that is too rich in calcium.
This is a common result of dogs eating raw food diets since they often contain animal parts and animal bones, which are in turn high in calcium.
Not only can calcium-rich diets cause a dog to have a white stool, but they can also lead to constipation over time.
If your dog is currently on a raw diet and you notice a change in their stool color, consider either switching to a regular kibble or switching to a raw diet that is not as high in calcium.
If you think your dog may be constipated or is struggling to pass their stool as well, you can add some pumpkin to their food (1 teaspoon per 10lbs). Pumpkin will help to pull fluid into the bowels, which in turn hydrates the contents and helps them pass through the digestive tract.
If their stool color does not return to normal color within 7-10 days, it’s best to contact your veterinarian for further advice.
2. Eating Something They Shouldn’t
Another common cause behind white stool in dogs is when our pups consume something they shouldn’t. Any type of white substance or object has the potential to change a dog’s stool color when it is consumed.
Some of the most common foreign substances that can lead to a change in stool color are chalk, toilet paper, and paper towels.
Not only can these objects cause your dog’s poop to appear white, but they can also lead to life-threatening foreign bodies.
These objects have the potential to become lodged in their GI tract, making it difficult for digested contents to pass through. Foreign bodies will need to be surgically removed in order to save your pup from serious complications.
If you think your dog ate any objects or substances that caused their stool to change color, it’s best to contact your vet to make sure they do not still have any foreign objects in their GI tract that they have not yet passed.
What Should You Do If Your Dog’s Poop Is White?
If you notice a sudden change in your dog’s stool color, there are a few steps you should take!
- Think about your dog’s diet. Does he eats a raw diet? Or any raw treats or snacks? Could he have gotten into the trash or any objects they shouldn’t have? Are his eating habits changed at all? Did he just start any new medications or supplements?
- Next, think about your dog’s overall behavior to ensure that they are feeling okay otherwise. Have they been eating and drinking normally? Is their energy level the same? Are their bathroom habits the same as usual? Have they had any vomiting or diarrhea?
- Lastly, make sure your dog’s stool is indeed white, and not any other color of concern. Any changes in the stool should be taken seriously, but some changes in stool color are bigger emergencies than others. For example, red, black, or grey stool is a serious cause of concern that should be evaluated by your vet ASAP.
Other Concerning Colors Of Dog Poop
Now that we’ve discussed white poop in dogs and the possibilities behind the color change, let’s cover other colors of dog poop that you should be aware of.
- Green stool: Green stool can be due to your dog eating too much grass, experiencing GI upset, gallbladder issues, intestinal parasites, or other changes that can affect their digestive system.
- Black stool: Black stool can point to possible bleeding in the GI tract in your dog, many times due to ulcerations.
- Red stool: Red or bloody stool is a result of bleeding in the digestive tract due to GI upset, parasites, diet changes, etc.
- Grey stool: Grey stool can be a result of liver issues, gallbladder issues, or even pancreas problems.
- White spots: White spots can point to parasites that are hiding within your dog’s stool.
If you notice any of the above color changes in your dog’s poop, it’s best to contact your vet ASAP.
Any of the above stool colors are a cause of concern, and likely have some kind of medical issue behind it that will need to be resolved.
What Should Your Dog’s Poop Look Like?
Before you understand what abnormal dog poop looks like, you’ll have to understand what normal stool should look like in a healthy dog.
A healthy dog should have a stool that ranges in shades of brown, does not cause your dog to strain when passing it, should be firm, and is easy to pick up without falling apart.
If your dog is experiencing any diarrhea or loose stool, it’s best to contact your vet no matter the color of their stool.
Diarrhea can lead to dehydration if left untreated, so it’s best to contact your vet as soon as possible to prevent complications.
If you fear at any point that your dog’s stool may not be normal, you can always bring a sample into your veterinarian’s office for an examination. Also, refer to this canine stool chart if you have any concerns.
When To See The Vet
When it comes to noticing changes in your dog’s stool, it can be challenging to know when it’s time to act and take your dog to your local veterinarian.
If you are able to pinpoint your dog’s white stool with the addition of a raw food diet, then it is acceptable to simply change their diet over time to a diet that is lower in calcium.
Though you can do this at home, it is still recommended to give your vet a call and see if they recommend any other changes.
However, if you think your dog has eaten something they shouldn’t have, is having any changes in behavior, or is displaying any other concerning symptoms, then it’s time to visit your veterinarian. No matter what, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
It’s always a good idea to keep your vet informed about any changes in your dog’s daily habits.
Keeping your vet informed is an easy way to stay on top of your dog’s overall health and set them up for a long and healthy future.
The Bottom Line
Any sudden changes in your dog’s stool color can lead to concern.
Make sure to check out the information above on stool color changes in dogs, and you’ll be ready to handle any changes that come your way!
