What your pet's stool is telling you

It’s not the most glamorous part of pet parenting, but a quick look at what your pet leaves behind can tell you a lot about their health.

Runny, rock hard or a strange colour? Before you panic, one odd stool usually isn’t cause for alarm. Your pet’s stool is one of the easiest ways to keep an eye on their gut health, and you’re already looking at it on every walk and every litter tray clean.

Here’s what normal looks like, what changes can mean and when it’s time to call your vet.

What healthy stool looks like

Healthy dog stool is chocolate to medium brown, log-shaped and firm enough to hold its shape when you pick it up. It should feel a bit like Play-Doh, with no shiny or slimy coating, and your pet shouldn’t have to strain to pass it.

The same checks apply to cats. Further down, you’ll also find cat-specific signs to look out for, like how often they should go and why straining in the litter tray can be an emergency.

Whether you’re scooping the garden or the litter tray, check three things: the colour, the consistency and anything that shouldn’t be there. What matters most is what’s normal for your pet. One odd stool isn’t usually a worry, but several changes in a day, or a change that sticks around, is worth a chat with your vet.

What the colour can mean

Brown is what you want to see. Other colours can have a simple explanation, like something your pet ate, but some are worth a call to your vet.

Colour	What it can mean	What to do
Chocolate or medium brown	Healthy	Nothing needed
Black or tarry	Possible bleeding higher up in the gut	See your vet ASAP
Red streaks	Fresh blood, or red food or dyes	Vet check
Yellow or orange	Possible liver or bile issue, if ongoing	Mention it to your vet
Green	Usually grass or plants	Watch, and see your vet if it continues
Grey or greasy	Possible pancreas or bile problem	See your vet ASAP
White specks	Possibly worms, like tapeworm	Vet check and deworm

Too hard, too soft or just right?

Hard and dry

Small, hard or pebble-like stools can be a sign of dehydration or constipation. Common causes include too much or too little fibre, not enough exercise, blocked anal glands and not drinking enough water. In cats, hairballs and extra weight can play a part too.

Keep in mind that a little liquid leaking around a hard stool can look like diarrhoea, so it’s worth a closer look.

Soft and runny

When food moves through the gut too quickly, there isn’t enough time to absorb water, so stool comes out soft or watery. Common triggers include:

A sudden change of food
Raiding the bin or eating human food
Stress, for example after travel or a stay in kennels
New medication
Drinking from puddles or stagnant water
Worms and other parasites

If your dog has had diarrhoea for less than 24 hours and is otherwise bright and well, you can usually keep an eye on them at home. Make sure they have plenty of fresh water. Always check with your vet before giving your pet any medicine, as some over-the-counter medicines can do more harm than good.

Things you might spot

Mucus. A slimy or jelly-like coating can point to an inflamed large bowel.
Blood. Bright red blood means fresh blood, which can come from a problem in the bowel. It’s always best to have it checked by your vet, especially if it’s a puppy.
Worms. Tapeworm segments look like grains of rice, or sesame seeds once they dry. Roundworms look like spaghetti. Most worm infections can’t be seen with the naked eye, so your vet may need to check a sample under the microscope.
Grass. A little now and then is common. A lot of grass can mean your dog has been grazing more than usual.
Things that aren’t food. Stones, bits of toys and food wrappers are some of the most common finds. If your pet is vomiting, has diarrhoea and seems to have a sore tummy, it could be a blockage, so see your vet straight away.

Pet-approved picks

Milbemax Dog 5-25kg Chewable Deworming TabletR119.00SHOP NOW

Milbemax Cat Deworming TabletR89.00SHOP NOW

M-Pets Waste Bag With Soft Dispenser - BlackR123.00SHOP NOW

How often is normal?

There’s no magic number for dogs. Every dog has their own routine, and what matters is that it stays regular, without straining or lots of wind. Most cats pass a stool about once a day, often in line with mealtimes, and at least every other day.

Scooping the litter tray often makes it easier to notice changes. While you’re at it, keep an eye on how your cat pees too. A male cat who keeps straining in the tray but passes little or no urine may have a urinary blockage, which is an emergency. Young male cats between one and five years old, and cats carrying extra weight, are most at risk, so take them to the vet right away.

When to call the vet

Trust your gut (and theirs). Contact your vet if you notice:

Diarrhoea that lasts more than 24 hours in dogs, or more than a day or two in cats
Diarrhoea in a very young or older pet, or one on medication
Diarrhoea along with vomiting, a poor appetite, low energy or a sore tummy
Black, tarry stools, blood in the stool or grey, greasy stools
No stool from your cat in 48 to 72 hours, or lots of straining with nothing to show for it
A male cat straining to pee with little or nothing coming out (go right away)

Handy tip: If you can, take a fresh stool sample along to the appointment. A thimble-sized amount is plenty.

Keeping their gut happy

A few simple habits go a long way towards healthy, consistent stools:

Switch food slowly. Move from the old food to the new one over 7 to 10 days. Our guide on how to transition your pet’s food walks you through it.
Keep fresh water topped up. Easy access to clean water helps keep things moving.
Stay on top of deworming. Ask your vet about the right schedule for your pet, and read our guide to protecting your pets from ticks, fleas and worms.
Ease them into changes. Pets are less likely to get a stress-related upset tummy when new routines, travel or visitors are introduced gradually.
Ask about probiotics. Some vets recommend them, so check with yours first.

Pet-approved picks

Protexin Dog & Cat Probiotic SupplementR95.00SHOP NOW

M-Pets Large Cat Litter ScoopR74.00SHOP NOW

Milbemax Small Dog & Puppy 1-5kg Chewable Deworming TabletR39.00SHOP NOW

A quick look goes a long way

You don’t need to become an expert overnight. Get to know what’s normal for your pet, take a quick look each time you pick up or scoop, and you’ll spot changes early. When something seems off, your vet is always your best first call.

Running low on waste bags, litter or dewormer? Pop them on Schedule & Save and they’ll arrive before you run out.

This guide is general advice. Always chat to your vet about your pet’s specific needs.