All Tools
Free Tool • Vet-Informed

Dog Poop Decoder

Worried about your dog's stool? Select what you see and get instant health guidance. Our visual decoder helps you know if it's normal or time to call the vet.

Step 1 of 40% complete

Step 1: What color is it?

Select the color that best matches your dog's stool

Dog Poop Color Chart & Guide

Understanding what your dog's stool says about their health

Brown

Normal, healthy color from digested bile.

Black

May indicate upper GI bleeding. Seek vet care immediately.

Red

Blood present. Could be lower GI bleeding or anal issues.

Green

Could be grass eating, parasites, or bile issues.

Yellow

May indicate food intolerance or liver issues.

Orange

Could indicate bile or liver problems.

White

May indicate calcium excess or pancreatic issues.

Gray

May indicate malabsorption or pancreatic insufficiency.

Frequently Asked Questions

What color should healthy dog poop be?

Healthy dog poop should be chocolate brown. This color comes from bile, which is produced by the liver to help digest food. Slight variations in brown are normal based on diet, but consistent chocolate brown is ideal.

What is the ideal consistency for dog poop?

Healthy dog poop should be firm and log-shaped, rated as a 2 on the fecal scoring scale. It should hold its shape when picked up but not be so hard it's difficult to pass. Think of the consistency of Play-Doh.

When should I take my dog to the vet for abnormal poop?

See a vet immediately if you notice: black/tarry stool, large amounts of blood, diarrhea lasting more than 2 days, or poop changes combined with vomiting, lethargy, or loss of appetite. A single unusual stool may not be cause for alarm, but persistent changes warrant professional evaluation.

Why is my dog's poop green?

Green dog poop can mean your dog ate grass (a common self-medication behavior), but it may also indicate intestinal parasites, gallbladder issues, or ingestion of rodenticide (which produces bright green stool). If your dog didn't eat grass and the green color persists, consult your veterinarian.

Track your dog's health

Join Dogfluence to connect with other dog owners and get expert pet care tips.

Join for Free