If dogs suddenly have diarrhea with mucus, this could be a sign of colon inflammation or irritable bowel syndrome. Bacterial inflammation, poisoning or stomach and intestinal parasites may also be responsible.
Small amounts of mucus in the stool are not necessarily bad. This is because certain glands in the intestines produce this mucus to make bowel movements easier.
There is usually only cause for concern if there are large amounts, it is a permanent condition, there is blood in the stool or other pathological symptoms occur. [1]
It is important to distinguish between fat and mucus. Fat can also give diarrhea a shiny appearance and indicate other illnesses.
Below you will learn about the 7 most common causes and their symptoms.
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#1 Colon inflammation
In the large intestine, water is removed from the intestinal contents, so that the stool becomes thickened. If this organ becomes inflamed, doctors also speak of “colitis”.
Inflammation also causes the colon to lose some of its function, resulting in diarrhea. In addition to pain, other symptoms can also occur:
- Moaning during defecation
- Blood and mucus in the stool
- Weight loss (if chronic)
- Fat film on the chair
- Frequent urge to defecate [2]
Chronic stress, bacterial infections and parasites are among the most common causes. Other potential triggers include:
- Injuries
- Contact with infected dogs
- Contaminated food
- Allergic reactions
- Cold, wet environment
- Irritable bowel syndrome [3]
The stool is usually examined in the laboratory for diagnosis. Depending on the results, further tests such as blood or ultrasound tests may be necessary.
Treatment depends on the suspected cause. Regardless, hypoallergenic food, fasting, increasing fiber, and antibiotics can also help.
If the cause is known, colon inflammation can be treated very well. However, in the case of chronic complaints, it is also important to adapt the dog's everyday life. [4]
Colon inflammation in dogs causes their stool to become increasingly liquid and even contain blood. Diarrhea with mucus is also one of the most common signs. A medical diagnosis is usually necessary for successful treatment.
#2 Stomach and intestinal parasites
Parasites are a part of dogs' lives like a cold is a part of people's lives. According to a study, around 22% of all strays struggle with stomach and intestinal worms. [5]
These parasites can also be life-threatening in young puppies. However, this is rarely the case with adult dogs. Typical representatives here are:
- Hookworms
- Roundworms
- Tapeworms
- Whipworms [6]
Diarrhea and weight loss are among the most common symptoms here. Worms are sometimes excreted in the stool. Other signs of this include:
- Lack of motivation
- Chronic diarrhea
- Mucus in the stool
- Loss of appetite
These worms are usually transmitted when the dog has eaten meat that has gone bad, garbage or someone else's feces.
Since stomach and intestinal parasites occur very frequently even in Germany, dogs should be dewormed every 3 months as a precaution. [7]
A worm treatment usually takes place with the help of a single tablet. Afterwards it is also important to rebuild the intestinal flora. Probiotics and fiber can help here.
When dogs become infected with stomach and intestinal parasites, they usually experience chronic diarrhea with mucus. Under certain circumstances, an infestation can also manifest itself in a loss of appetite or listless behavior. A deworming treatment is usually carried out as treatment.
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#3 Food Allergies
According to statistics, around 20% of all dogs suffer from allergies. Food allergies, on the other hand, are relatively rare at only 1-2%. [8] Typical triggers for this are:
- Proteins from certain types of meat
- Soy and dairy products
- eggs and fish
- Gluten from grain products [9]
The problem? Basically, dogs can react allergically to all foods. It can usually be recognized by the following symptoms:
- Hyperactivity
- Nausea and vomiting
- Lack of energy
- Sudden aggressiveness
- Diarrhea with mucus
- weight loss
- Severe itching [10]
Affected dogs often suddenly change their behavior even after eating. An allergy test and a change in food can help with diagnosis.
Alternatively, such a free food check can also help to test individual food recommendations. You will also receive free food samples afterwards.
There is no cure for food allergies. Antihistamines can bring about improvement in the short term, but in the long term it is important to avoid allergens.
Food allergies in dogs can manifest themselves as vomiting, lack of energy and diarrhea with mucus. In addition, allergic dogs often behave strangely after eating. An allergy test in combination with a change in food is the solution here.
#4 Irritable bowel syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome is a disease of the digestive tract that is associated with dysfunction. The exact cause of this is still unclear.
Around 10-15% of all people are said to suffer from irritable bowel syndrome. Fortunately, studies show that in dogs it is less than 1%. [11]
What is striking here is that it alternates between diarrhea and constipation. Constant vomiting also happens often. Other typical symptoms are:
- Loss of appetite
- Persistent diarrhea
- stomach pain
- Mucus in the stool
- Permanent feeling of fullness
- Sudden constipation
- weight loss [12]
According to statistics, German Shepherds, Rottweilers, Weimaraners, Irish Red Setters, Border Collies, German Boxers and Yorkshire Terriers are particularly likely to suffer from this.
Diagnosis usually involves a blood test, an examination of the stool and an X-ray of the digestive tract. But there is no cure for it.
The symptoms can be reduced with the help of medication and a change in diet. There's a lot of experimentation here. [13]
Dogs with irritable bowel syndrome struggle with chronic digestive problems. Among other things, it can also lead to constipation, diarrhea with mucus and loss of appetite. For treatment purposes, the diet should be adjusted individually.
#5 Chronic stress
You've probably heard the saying that stress is hard on your stomach. However, this not only applies to people, but also to our furry four-legged friends.
However, the causes in dogs are very different. Typical triggers for stress in dogs are:
- loneliness
- Thunderstorm
- Violent handling
- Food was forgotten
- Loud noises
- Visit to the vet [14]
You can usually recognize severe stress when your four-legged friend suddenly starts shaking or even has diarrhea with mucus. Other signs are here:
- Sudden drooling
- Hair loss
- Loss of appetite
- constipation
- Restless walking around
- Heavy panting
- Detachment
- Sudden incontinence [15]
The most effective method here is to identify the cause and then avoid the trigger. Alternatively, you can also get your four-legged friend used to the stress factor.
In addition, lots of exercise and attention also helps with stress. This releases happiness hormones that reduce stress levels.
Dogs who struggle with chronic or severe stress are also more likely to suffer from digestive problems. Among other things, stress can manifest itself in mucous diarrhea as well as constipation. In addition, affected dogs tremble, pant and drool unusually often.
#6 Inflammation of the stomach lining
The gastric mucosa protects the stomach from aggressive stomach acid. However, if it becomes inflamed, it also loses part of its function.
Doctors refer to this as “gastritis”. It is usually triggered by viruses, allergies, poisoning, medications or bacteria such as salmonella. [16]
It often occurs when the dog's immune system is weakened. Because then harmful bacteria can spread much more quickly. Typical symptoms are:
- Frequent vomiting
- Lack of motivation
- Diarrhea with mucus
- Constant change of berth
- Dog sleeps a lot
- Strong bad breath
- heartburn
- weight loss [17]
The diagnosis here is usually made through a process of exclusion. At the same time, the blood, stool and urine are often examined to find out possible causes.
Treatment usually involves stopping the diarrhea with medication and killing any bacteria with antibiotics. It is then important to rebuild the intestinal flora. [18]
Dogs with gastritis often struggle with diarrhea and vomiting. Among other things, this can also lead to bad breath, heartburn and mucus in the stool. A visit to the veterinarian is recommended for diagnosis and treatment.
#7 Poisoning
Unfortunately, there is always talk in the news about poison bait being laid out. In reality, however, dog owners themselves are usually responsible for poisoning.
Many beginners in particular assume that dogs can eat everything that humans eat every day. A serious mistake that can potentially be fatal.
Because a large number of natural foods are toxic for four-legged friends. This includes:
- Grapes and raisins
- Avocados and potato peels
- Garlic and onions
- Cherry and apricot kernels
- Cocoa and chocolate
- Alcohol and sugar alcohol
- Mustard and apple seeds
- Macadamia and walnuts
- hops and yeast [19]
Affected dogs often have breathing problems, a high pulse, become restless or even vomit. Other typical symptoms of poisoning are:
- Unusually heavy drooling
- Listless behavior
- Diarrhea with mucus
- Heavy breathing
- Digestive problems
- Disorientation
- Pale gums [20]
In addition to the above foods, there are also other possible causes. For example, if the dog has swallowed garbage, someone else's feces or medication.
Depending on the type of poisoning, it can be life-threatening. If you suspect something, I would advise you to contact the emergency veterinary service immediately.
A variety of poisonings can cause dogs to lose their digestion and suddenly develop diarrhea with mucus. Breathing problems, excessive drooling and tremors are also among the most common symptoms.
Other causes
In rare cases, there may also be other illnesses behind it. If you suspect the following diseases, you should consult the vet:
- Morbus…