Why Does Dog Poop Turn White?

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While picking up after your dog is never a fun-filled experience, it’s an important part of dog ownership.

Not only does it keep the environment clean, but it also allows you to assess the pet’s stool.

Instead of the normal brown color, if you notice white dog poop, there’s something wrong (if your dog’s poop is orange, check out this post).

Let’s discuss why dogs’ poop turns white and what you can do about it.

Why Dog Poop Turns White

There are several reasons why dog poop can turn white, and the following are the most common ones that you need to know.

High Calcium Diet

The diet of your pet is the first thing you need to consider if you notice white dog poop.

Your dog will excrete light-colored or white stool if it eats raw food that’s high in calcium^[1].

It’s important to note that offering raw food to your dog can make your furry friend nutritionally imbalanced.

It can also increase the risk of bacterial infection.

Other than hard and white feces, raw dog food high in calcium can also lead to constipation (here’s what to do if your dog has trouble pooping).

So, if your dog eats raw food, consider switching it to a commercially designed diet plan that offers a balanced and complete formulation.

Consult with your veterinary doctor to find out the best dog food for your pooch.

Related: Why Do Dogs Eat Cat Poop?

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Tapeworms

If you notice string-like substances or small white specks in your dog’s stool, your pup could be suffering from tapeworm infestation^[2].

Tapeworm eggs look like small rice grains, and they’re visible to the naked eye.

Unless your dog is experiencing a severe worm infestation, it’s unlikely that your furry friend’s stool will have adult roundworms or hookworms.

If you notice tiny white strands or specks in your dog’s poop, consider taking your pet to the vet as soon as possible.

Side Effects of Medicines

Some medicines, such as liquid barium, can lead your dog to excrete light-colored or white feces.

If your dog is on medication that contains materials that can turn the normal colored poop to white, there’s nothing to worry about.

Your dog will start secreting normal poop once the medicine is flushed out of your pet’s body.

However, if you continue seeing white poop even after stopping the medication, take your dog to the vet immediately for a proper examination.

Digestive Problems

Even a healthy dog sometimes excretes poop with a bit of mucus-like material that appears white or yellow.

However, if you see this substance in your dog’s stool in a large amount, it’s a clear indication that your pet is suffering from digestive problems.

It usually happens when a dog eats too much table food or swallows a big object like a tennis ball. In the worst-case scenario, mucus can also turn red because of blood.

Therefore, you must not waste any more time and take your furry friend to the vet for medical treatment.

Environmental Conditions

Natural environmental conditions like humidity and bright sunlight can also lead your dog to excrete white poop.

As the stool starts to break down, it can further change its color and begin to grow mold.

If your dog’s poop turns white over a course of a few days, there’s nothing to worry about because it’s natural.

This is usually the cause of most white dog poop

What to Do if Your Dog’s Poop is White?

The first thing you need to do after noticing a white dog’s poop is to determine the reason behind it.

If it’s due to a calcium-rich diet or environmental conditions, you should not worry.

All you need to do is to change the diet plan and pick up after your dog more quickly.

However, if the reason behind is parasite infestation or digestive problems you should take your dog to the vet immediately.

Note: Gray dog poop indicates more serious health problems because it usually happens because of pancreas or liver disorder.

Why White Dog Poop Matters?

White dog poop matters because some health problems can be the reason behind it.

You should never take it for granted if your dog excretes white stool.

Find out why it’s happening and take the necessary measures accordingly.

What Should Healthy Dog Poop Look Like?

Healthy dog poop^[3] has a play-dough-like consistency, and it appears firm with a light brown color. It doesn’t fall apart easily, and it isn’t runny as well.

Consult with your vet if your dog isn’t excreting healthy poop.

Conclusion

Your dog’s poop explains a lot about your pet’s health. If it has a light brown color and firm consistency, there’s nothing to worry about.

However, if you notice white or gray poop, take your pup to the vet right away for proper medical examination.

FAQs

Here are a few other common questions people ask.

Is White Dog Poop Dangerous?

White dog poop is dangerous if some health issues are the reason behind it. Never overlook white dog poop and talk to your vet immediately to find out the root cause and take necessary measures.

Why Doesn’t Dog Poop Turn White Anymore?

Dogs used to eat mineral content, calcium, and bones which led to white and chalky stool. Now modern dog food is perfectly balanced and complete and doesn’t contain calcium in high amounts.

That’s why the dog poop doesn’t turn white anymore.

Why Does My Dog’s Poop Turn White When it Dries?

The dog poop turns white when it dies because of environmental conditions such as humidity and bright sunlight.

It happens because the pigments present in poop start to break down and lead to the growth of mold. You should not worry if your dog’s poop turns white naturally.

Is it Bad if My Dog’s Poop is White?

Dogs excrete white poop if they consume a lot of calcium or bones. Usually, it isn’t concerning but excessive consumption of calcium can cause constipation in dogs. Constipated dogs will strain while pooping.

You should visit your vet if you see white dog poop because it can occur due to health problems.