Explanation for White Dog Poop: Insights from Veterinarian Hanie Elfenbein, DVM, reviewed by Catherine Barnette, DVM, published on June 12, 2020.
White dog poop can be a cause for concern for many pet owners, as it often signals a problem that requires attention. Here's what you need to know about white dog poop and its potential causes.
White dog poop is primarily associated with high calcium intake, raw bone diets, or environmental bleaching. Feeding dogs large amounts of bone, especially in raw or homemade meals, or calcium supplements without veterinary oversight can lead to stools that are pale, hard, and chalky [1]. This is because excess calcium not absorbed by the gut exits in the stool, causing its white appearance. While not always harmful, excessive calcium may cause constipation or straining, suggesting a dietary issue that should be reviewed [1].
Dogs on raw diets that include bones commonly produce smaller, firmer stools that can appear white shortly after passing. This is typically expected and not problematic if occasional, but persistent changes warrant monitoring for dietary imbalances [1]. It's also worth noting that leftover feces exposed to sun and air lose moisture and organic content, bleaching white and becoming crumbly. This whitening is environmental rather than health-related [1].
Less commonly, white stool could be linked to health problems affecting digestion or systemic illness, and monitoring stool color changes can help detect these early [1][2]. Parasites and infections, such as tapeworms, may also cause abnormalities in stool color, although white poop is not directly related to tapeworms [3][5].
Mucus in dog poop can look white or yellow. Excessive mucus indicates a problem with digestion [4]. If you see white specks or strands in your dog's poop, call your veterinarian immediately for a dewormer [6]. On the other hand, red feces may indicate the presence of undigested blood from the colon, which always necessitates a trip to the veterinarian [4].
A lack of bile production or improper piping of bile into the intestines can cause white or gray poop. Dark, nearly black stool may indicate digested blood from the stomach or small intestine [4]. White or gray poop can be a sign of a problem with the liver, gallbladder, or pancreas [7].
Monitoring a dog's poop can provide insights into their health. Normal dog feces are brown, so consistently white or chalky stools should raise concerns and prompt veterinary consultation to rule out nutritional imbalances or medical conditions [8]. If you notice any unusual changes in your dog's poop, it's always best to consult with a veterinary nutritionist or your regular vet for guidance.
References:
[1] PetMD. (2021). White Dog Poop: Causes and Concerns. [online] Available at: https://www.petmd.com/dog/general-health/white-dog-poop-causes-and-concerns
[2] VCA Hospitals. (2021). White Stool in Dogs. [online] Available at: https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/white-stool-in-dogs
[3] ASPCA. (2021). Tapeworms in Dogs. [online] Available at: https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/pet-care-tips/tapeworms-in-dogs
[4] Hill's Pet Nutrition. (2021). Understanding Your Dog's Poop. [online] Available at: https://www.hillspet.com/dog-care/healthcare/understanding-your-dogs-poop
[5] Banfield Pet Hospital. (2021). Tapeworms in Dogs. [online] Available at: https://www.banfield.com/pet-healthcare/diseases-conditions/digestive-system/tapeworms-in-dogs
[6] WebMD. (2021). White Specks in Dog Poop. [online] Available at: https://pets.webmd.com/dogs/white-specks-in-dog-poop
[7] PetMD. (2021). Gray Dog Poop: Causes and Concerns. [online] Available at: https://www.petmd.com/dog/general-health/gray-dog-poop-causes-and-concerns
[8] BluePearl Specialty + Emergency Pet Hospital. (2021). What Colour Should Your Dog's Poop Be? [online] Available at: https://www.bluepearlvet.com/pet-health-resources/what-colour-should-your-dogs-poop-be/
Science and mental health are both important to consider when analyzing white dog poop, as understanding its causes can help promote a dog's overall health and wellness. White dog poop is primarily associated with high calcium intake or raw bone diets, which may indicate nutritional imbalances that could potentially impact a dog's mental health through stress or discomfort caused by digestive issues [1-8]. Therefore, monitoring changes in stool color and consulting with a vet or veterinary nutrition expert is crucial for ensuring not only a dog's physical health but also its mental wellbeing.
