Last Updated: 17/12/2025
Yellow Dog Poo Explained: Causes, Symptoms, and Vet Advice
From dietary indiscretion to underlying health issues like pancreatitis, yellow dog stool can be a worry for pet parents. Discover why your dog's poo has changed colour, what symptoms to watch for, and how to support their digestive health.
Author: Dr Carla Paszkowski BVSc (Hons)
Reading Time: 9 minutes - short read
While it may not be the most glamorous part of pet parenthood, understanding the nuances of your dog's stool is crucial for maintaining their health and well-being. When the usual brown transforms into a surprising shade of yellow, it's more than just a curiosity - it's a sign from your dog that something may be amiss.
Yellow dog poo is a topic that often raises eyebrows and concerns. It's a vivid indicator that something in your dog's body isn't functioning as usual, whether it's a minor digestive upset or a sign of a more significant health issue.
In this article, we delve into the world of canine digestion and stool colour, explaining why your dog's poo might be yellow, what it means, and when it's time to call the vet. From dietary changes to underlying health conditions, we cover everything you need to know to decode what your dog's yellow stool is trying to tell you.
Understanding normal dog stool
Although looking at pictures of dog stool might not be your favourite activity, it is important to understand what consitutes 'normal' dog stool.
Colour
The normal colour of dog stool typically ranges from various shades of brown, reflecting the digestion and absorption of food. The variations in brown tones can include light tan to dark brown, and these variations are generally considered normal. Factors such as diet, hydration, and individual differences between dogs can contribute to these colour variations.1
Abnormal stool colours may include yellow, pale, grey, green, red, or black stools:
- Yellow stools may be due to excessive mucus due to infections, bile issues, liver issues and jaundice, pancreatic problems, or parasites (see below for more about this)
- Pale or grey stools may suggest issues with liver function or an abnormal diet
- Green stools may be linked to issues with the digestive tract, particularly infections and food poisoning
- Red or black stools can indicate bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract and may be related to IBD, stress colitis, or other issues
Consistency
The consistency of a dog's stool is a valuable indicator of their digestive health. In a healthy canine, normal stool is generally firm yet pliable, resembling a sausage or log. Factors such as diet, hydration, and individual cases contribute to variations in texture.
Abnormalities in stool consistency may signal underlying health issues:
- Watery or excessively loose stool can indicate gastrointestinal upset, dietary intolerance, or parasitic infections.
- Overly hard and dry stools might suggest dehydration, inadequate fibre intake, or constipation.
Coating
The presence of a mucus coating on a dog's stool can be a normal and healthy occurrence in small amounts, as mucus is a natural component of the gastrointestinal tract that aids in lubrication and the passage of faeces. However, an abnormal increase in mucus or the presence of excessive amounts may signal an underlying issue.
Normal stool may have a thin, clear mucus coating. The presence of thick or opaque mucus, discoloured mucus (such as yellow or green), or a substantial increase in mucus production, could indicate various gastrointestinal conditions. 2
It's crucial to consult with a veterinarian if there are significant changes in stool colour, consistency, or mucus, or if these changes are coupled with symptoms such as diarrhoea or vomiting. Regular monitoring of stool colour, along with overall health, is an important aspect of pet care.
Read more about stool quality and what it means in the Scoop On Your Dog's Poop.
Common causes of yellow dog poo
The most common causes of yellow dog poo include food intolerance and indigestion, pancreatic issues, consumption of yellow items, liver problems, and gallbladder issues. Let's delve into these individually.
1. Food intolerance and indigestion
Food intolerance and indigestion can contribute to the occurrence of yellow poo in dogs. When a dog is intolerant to certain ingredients in its diet, the digestive system may struggle to break down and absorb these components properly. This can lead to incomplete digestion and changes in the colour of the stool, with yellow being a common result.
Additionally, indigestion is often caused by:
- abrupt changes in diet
- consumption of fatty foods
- eating inappropriate items
This can disrupt the normal digestive process. The incomplete breakdown of fats can result in yellowish stools as well.
Read more about How to Introduce a New Food to Your Pet Gradually, and Hypoallergenic Dog Food.
2. Pancreatic issues and pancreatitis
The pancreas is a small organ that plays a vital role in gastrointestinal health. It has both endocrine and exocrine functions. Its exocrine function involves producing digestive enzymes, such as amylase, lipase, and protease, which are essential for breaking down carbohydrates, fats, and proteins in the small intestine. Additionally, the pancreas has an endocrine role in regulating blood sugar levels by secreting insulin and glucagon.
Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI)
EPI is a condition in dogs where the pancreas fails to produce an adequate amount of digestive enzymes.3
This deficiency results in poor nutrient absorption, leading to weight loss, malnutrition, and changes in stool colour.
In the case of EPI, the lack of proper enzyme activity can cause undigested fats to pass into the stool, giving it a yellow or greasy appearance.
Read more about EPI in Dogs and Cats.
Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas and can be acute or chronic. During pancreatitis, the release of digestive enzymes within the pancreas itself can lead to tissue damage and inflammation, affecting the organ's normal function.
Additionally, pancreatitis can cause a decrease in appetite, vomiting, and abdominal discomfort, further impacting the dog's overall digestive health.4
The compromised digestive process may result in the passage of undigested fats and yellowish stool.
Read more in our article about Pancreatitis in Dogs.
3. Liver or gallbladder problems
The liver is a real powerhouse when it comes to digestion. Its main job here is producing bile, a fluid that helps break down and absorb fats. This bile is stored in the gallbladder until your dog eats, at which point it's released into the small intestine.
If the liver isn't functioning correctly - due to conditions like hepatitis, liver disease, or toxins - bile production and secretion can be affected. Sometimes, the bile ducts that carry the bile can even become blocked, a condition known as cholestasis.
When bile doesn't flow as it should:
- Jaundice can occur: You might notice a yellow tinge to the whites of your dog's eyes, their gums, or the skin inside their ears.
- Stool colour changes: Since bile helps with digestion and absorption of fat, if bile flow is affected, fats may not be adequately processed, leading to yellowish stools. In addition, the pigments in bile help give poo its healthy brown colour, so a lack of bile often leaves the stool looking yellow or pale.
Read more in our article about Liver Disease in Dogs.
4. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in dogs, is a gastrointestinal disorder characterised by chronic inflammation of the digestive tract.
Signs of IBD include:
- chronic diarrhoea
- vomiting
- weight loss
- changes in appetite
The inflammation in the intestines can lead to poor nutrient absorption and fat breakdown and an imbalance in the gut microbiota. This may result in the stool appearing yellow or greasy. Additionally, the inflammation itself can alter the secretion of bile, further contributing to the yellow discolouration of the stool. Diagnosis often involves a thorough examination by a veterinarian, including blood tests, imaging, and sometimes a biopsy of the intestinal tissue.
Read more in our article about Inflammatory Bowel Disease.
5. Consumption of yellow, non-food items
While not the most common cause, some dogs might have yellow poo simply because they ate something yellow. This could include:
- certain medications
- pigments from non-food materials
- natural substances encountered outdoors
When to worry: recognising serious signs
Persistent yellow stool
If your dog's stool appears yellow for more than a day or two, it's important to seek veterinary advice. One or two yellowish stools may occur from dietary indiscretion or ingesting something a little 'off', but if the issue persists for longer two days, it may indicate a more severe underlying problem.
Accompanying signs
A short-lived bout of yellowish stool in an otherwise healthy dog is generally not cause of immediate concern, but if any other symptoms accompany the yellow poo, it's a good idea to consult with your vet.
Signs of concern may include:
- Diarrhoea
- Mucus-only stools
- Blood in the stool
- Straining to defecate
- Vomiting
- Reduced appetite
- Lethargy
- Changes in behaviour or energy level
Diagnosis and treatment options
Diagnosis
A veterinary consult is essential if your dog has been experiencing yellow stool for more than a day or two, or if any accompanying symptoms are present. Your vet will be able to perform an examination to determine if your dog has any abdominal pain and assess their hydration. They may wish to run some tests on your dog's stool sample. Diagnostic tests may include:6
- Cytological examination: this is where a swab from your dog's stool is examined it under a microscope. This test can help determine if there are abnormal microorganisms (bacteria, protozoa, parasites etc) present, as well as abnormal inflammatory cells.
- Faecal egg float: determines if intestinal worms are present. This test involves placing a small sample of stool in a special liquid, and examining the top layer of liquid under a microscope to observe if any worm eggs floated to the top.
- Ultrasound: may be indicated if your vet suspects a foreign body, a twisted bowel, or a liver / pancreatic issue.
- Blood and urine tests: these help rule out any serious conditions with bodily organs, and can show whether an infection is systemic.
Treatment
Treatment may vary depending on what your vet deems the most likely cause, but may include any of the following approaches:
- Medication: such as antibiotics, anti-emetic medication to stop vomiting, or anti-motility drugs to reduce diarrhoea.
- Dietary changes are likely to be recommended either short term while your dog recovers from the initial upset, or long term if a food sensitivity is suspected.
- Supplements: such as probiotics or digestive health support products such as Peptosyl.
Top 5 tips for digestive health maintenance
Maintaining a happy, healthy gut is one of the best ways to help your dog feel their best every day. Here are five simple ways to support your dog's digestive health:
- Introduce new foods slowly: Transition to new brands or flavours over 7 to 10 days.
- Stick to high-quality, balanced diets: Feed a premium diet that is easily digestible and tailored to your dog's life stage. Look for ingredients that support gut health, such as beet pulp or chicory root, which act as natural prebiotics.
- Watch the fatty treats: Stick to dog-specific treats or healthy toppers like plain cooked pumpkin.
- Add a quality probiotic: Adding a dog probiotic can help balance the gut microbiome, especially after a bout of diarrhoea, a course of antibiotics, or during dietary transition.
- Keep up with regular parasite prevention: Intestinal worms are a common cause of gut inflammation. Ensure your dog is on a regular, all-in-one parasite protection plan to keep their internal environment clear and healthy.
Learn more in How Often Should I Worm my Dog and A Vet's Guide to Probiotics for Dogs.
Monitoring your dog's bathroom habits might not be the highlight of your day, but it is one of the best tools you have as a pet parent to spot health issues early. Whether it's a simple tummy upset or a sign of something more technical like EPI, noticing that yellow hue is the first step toward getting them back to their bouncy selves. If that yellow colour persists or your dog seems "off," your local vet is always the best partner to help get things back to a healthy brown.
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History
Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
Thu 18 Dec 2025
Edited by Dr Gillian Hill BVSc (Hons)Dr Carla Paszkowski BVSc (Hons)
Veterinarian
Dr. Carla graduated from the University of Queensland in 2013 with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science and worked for a number of years in small animal clinics across South East Queensland. While Carla enjoys most facets of clinical veterinary work, she holds a special passion for feline medicine, pocket pets, and nutrition.
