You’re on a walk, and at clean-up time the poop is black. Not dark brown, not gray: black. Sometimes it’s no big deal. Sometimes it’s a sign you can’t afford to miss.
Harmless causes
Certain foods and treats can darken stool, especially those rich in iron or blood, like raw meat or bone marrow. Some medications and supplements do it too.
The warning sign: tarry stool
If it’s sticky, tar-like and strong-smelling, that’s not dinner. It can mean digested blood, which points to bleeding higher up in the digestive tract. Causes can include ulcers, infections or tumors.
Other symptoms to watch
- Low energy
- Not eating
- Vomiting
- Acting “off”
Even one of these with black stool is your cue to call the vet.
The takeaway
Don’t panic, but don’t wait and see either. Fast treatment can make all the difference, and your dog’s poop may be telling you what it can’t.
