Although your dog’s poop may not be the most pleasant topic, your veterinarian is likely to want all the gross details. This includes if you’ve noticed any changes to the color of your dog’s poop. The color of a dog’s poop provides important information regarding your dog’s overall health.
Black dog poop may indicate a health concern, so if you’re noticing that your dog has black poop, it’s important to speak with your veterinarian. Read on to learn more about the causes of black dog stool and what you should do if you’re noticing it.
Black Dog Poop: Shades and Consistencies
Black dog poop can come in several shades and consistencies, such as:
Black diarrhea: Black diarrhea includes black liquid dog poop or liquid stools that appear to contain black coffee grounds.
Black tarry dog poop: Black poop may appear sticky or tarry. This is indicative of bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract (mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine) and is called melena.
Black specks in dog poop: Black specks that appear like coffee grounds may indicate bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract. Small black specks in poop can also be due to undigested food or something inedible that your pup ate, like dirt.
Hard black dog poop: If the poop is coming out hard and black, then it’s something to get checked out. Your dog may be bleeding in their gastrointestinal tract and could be experiencing constipation, as well. If you’re noticing old, dry, black piles in the yard, it’s usually not a concern.
Is Black Dog Poop Normal?
Here’s the frustrating fact — black poop can be normal, but it can also be indicative of a serious or life-threatening condition.
If you’re on pooper scooper duty and notice that some of your dog’s poop is black, this isn’t usually something to be concerned about. If your pup is acting normal and the poop is well formed, the most likely cause is simply that the poop has been left in the sun.
However, if you’re noticing that your dog’s fresh poop is black, this is usually abnormal and you should schedule an appointment with your veterinarian.
Possible Causes and Meanings of Black Dog Poop
As mentioned, dog poop piles that have been left outside for a while can turn black. That’s not normally concerning as long as your dog is acting normal.
For the possible causes and meanings of black poop, we’re going to focus on what it means if you’re noticing that your dog’s fresh poop is black.
Bleeding in the Gastrointestinal Tract
One of the most concerning causes of black dog poop is bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract. Bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract (mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine) causes poop to appear black and tarry, called melena. In some cases, the poop may appear to contain coffee grounds. The solidity of the black poop depends on the cause. For example, parvovirus can cause black diarrhea. A bleeding tumor in the stomach, on the other hand, may cause black, formed stools.
Bleeding in the large intestine usually causes red blood to be visible in the feces, called hematochezia. For this discussion, we’re focused on melena.
Potential causes of bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract include:
- A foreign object lodged in the stomach and/or small intestines
- Bacterial infections of the stomach and/or small intestines
- Parvovirus
- Intestinal parasites
- Ulcers in the esophagus, stomach, and/or small intestines
- Bleeding disorders like von Willebrand’s disease or hemophilia
- Specific toxins like anticoagulant rat poison or human medications that cause ulcers
- Tumors in the mouth, esophagus, stomach, or intestines
- Traumatic injury, such as being hit by a car
- Severe liver disease (affects blood clotting abilities)
Keep in mind that blood in the intestinal tract can also be swallowed. This can occur due to bleeding in the mouth or nose, but it can also occur if the dog eats something bloody, like raw meat. Feeding raw meat to dogs is not recommended, mainly because of the risk of foodborne illness.
Taking Specific Medications
Some medications can cause ulcers in the canine gastrointestinal tract as a potential adverse effect, such as certain NSAIDs. This fits in the category we just discussed: bleeding into the gastrointestinal tract. NSAIDs intended for human use are especially risky in this way.
However, black or dark feces can also be a normal side effect of certain medications. Examples of medications that can turn the stool black without being a concern include:
- Activated charcoal: This is usually given by mouth when your dog eats a toxin like rat poison to prevent absorption of the toxin. The medication has a black color that shows up in the feces.
- Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol): This medication is sometimes given to dogs with diarrhea. Pepto-Bismol should not be given to dogs without veterinary guidance.
Should You Worry About Black Dog Poop?
If your dog’s poop is suddenly black without a known reason (like taking activated charcoal), then this may indicate a medical problem. If your dog is otherwise acting like themselves, it is generally okay to wait for an appointment.
If you know your dog has ingested a toxin or foreign object, or if your dog recently experienced a significant trauma (e.g., hit by car), seek emergency attention.
You should also get your dog seen right away if you notice any of the following concurrent symptoms:
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Diarrhea (especially in a puppy or unvaccinated adult dog)
- Significant bleeding from the mouth or nose
- Bruising in the mouth (often look like pinpoint spots on the gums)
- Bruising elsewhere on the body
- Bloody urine
- Yellow discoloration of the eyes, gums, skin, or genitals
- Painful abdomen (may yelp if picked up or have a hunched posture)
- Distended abdomen
- Collapse
It’s a good idea to snap a picture of the feces and to collect a sample for your veterinarian. Stool samples should be collected within 24 hours of coming to the veterinarian and should be stored in the refrigerator.
How to Keep Your Dog’s Poop Healthy
You won’t be able to prevent all potential causes of black poop in dogs, but there are certainly steps you can take to keep your dog’s poop healthy.
- Feed a high-quality diet that’s recommended by veterinarians.
- If you are changing diets, do so slowly over 7 to 10 days.
- Avoid offering your dog table scraps.
- Avoid feeding raw meat to your dog.
- Keep your dog on regular, year-round parasite prevention.
- Get your pet their wellness exams as recommended by your veterinarian (usually once annually in young dogs and twice annually in seniors).
- Keep your dog up to date on their vaccines.
- Restrict access to any potential toxins, like rat poison or human medications.
- Monitor your dog when they are playing with chew toys or other objects that they may swallow.
- Use latching trashcans or keep trash out of reach.
