“Why is my dog’s poop white?” – the reasons for this are many, but the good news is that they are typically normal and not immediately worrisome. Usually, it’s due to the diet, a health problem, or environmental contamination.

However, your pup having white poop is still not normal, so it’s essential to understand what it can mean. This is especially true when it’s accompanied by additional symptoms, which can actually indicate a more serious health issue. Let’s take a look at what all of this means.

Key Takeaways

• If the poop only turns white after a day or two, then this is the regular drying and decomposing process. 
• If the dog poop is white with specks, then it’s likely a parasite like a tapeworm.
• If the poop is white and chalky, it’s likely due to higher calcium in the diet.
• If the poop is almost white and soft with mucus, it’s likely a more serious health issue.
• The Maven Pet Health Monitor can help you track your dog’s vitals, as well as changes in behavior and stool.

Why Is My Dog’s Poop White?

If the dog’s poop is white immediately upon coming out, then this is not a natural process. If the poop has a normal consistency but contains specks that look like pieces of rice, then the most likely cause is a parasite. 

The specks in the stool are likely segments of worms, probably tapeworms, which are the most common intestinal parasite, but they can also result from a fungal infection. Sometimes, the specks can also appear from undercooked rice the dog ate, but this also tends to lead to mild diarrhea. 

In this case, a visit to the vet is necessary, so they can run a test and provide a deworming medication if this is indeed the cause. 

Why Is My Dog’s Poop White and Chalky? 

If your dog’s poop is white and chalky, while also dry and crumbly, turning into dust easily, then it’s very likely a result of high calcium content in the dog’s diet. This might be the case because of:

• Calcium supplements that haven’t been properly digested, which usually happens if the dog’s body doesn’t need them at the moment
• Too many bones in your dog’s raw-fed diet

In most cases, if it’s a one-time thing or isn’t persistent, you don’t have to worry — you should only reduce the calcium content in your dog’s diet. However, if it’s persistent, sudden, unexplained, or your pup’s constipated, it’s best to visit the vet. In the meantime, you can track what’s happening in the pet health app if you’re using our smart collar. 

“I got the Maven sensor for my 14-year-old Chihuahua mix with heart and trachea issues. It gave me back peace of mind – I can track her RRR, BPM, drinking, and activity anytime and know instantly if something’s wrong. Highly recommend!”

★★★★★

Chiara De Luca
Titti

Track your dog’s health!

Why Is My Dog’s Poop Almost White?

If the poop is almost white, very pale, or grey-white, and is also greasy and soft, containing mucus, then this is likely a more serious organ problem. Most likely, the poop looks like this because it lacks bile, which causes the poop to be brown. 

The lack of bile typically comes from gallbladder or bile duct obstruction or from liver disease. 

All of this means that your dog’s digestive system isn’t working correctly, and you must visit the vet immediately. 

Why Is My Dog’s Poop Dry and White?

A stiff, dry, and light-colored poop that typically becomes white and chalky after a few hours or a whole day is usually due to natural decomposition. This is how the dog’s poop naturally dries and decomposes over time. 

The elements, the air, the sun, and bacteria together break down the organic material in the poop, leaving only the mineral content like calcium and phosphorus, which is typically white.

If the poop turns white after a while, especially if left outside, then you don’t have to worry. You don’t have to visit the vet. You can check for signs of dehydration and constipation, which occur when fresh stool becomes dry and hard.

When White Stool Signals a Health Problem

“White or chalky stools are often linked to diet, especially raw or high-calcium foods. But persistent pale stool can point to liver, gallbladder, or pancreatic issues that need veterinary attention.” — Joana Babo, DVM, Veterinarian at Maven Pet

As you can see, white stool generally indicates something relatively benign that doesn’t have to make you worried, only cautious. However, some white stools, especially persistent ones, can signal a health issue that should be addressed as quickly as possible. Here’s a quick overview:

• White mucus in poop lasting longer than a day or two can point to an irritation of the intestines
• Blood in white poop can mean the dog has a parasite or a serious disease
• White poop that smells very badly might point to an infection or a digestive problem that should be addressed 
• White poop accompanied by behavioral changes can indicate a broad range of health issues, depending on the type of behavior, so a visit to the vet is warranted

How the Maven Pet Health Monitor Helps Track Digestive and Health Patterns

Our pet health tracker promotes wellness through early detection of various health changes. It can detect multiple issues early, track several health indicators like respiratory rate, and monitor for behavioral changes. 

Monitor heart rate, respiratory rate, activity & rest, drinking, itch behavior.

Track your dog’s health

More than that, you can use the accompanying app to take note of stool changes so you can track what’s been happening over time. Data like this can be invaluable to the vet, making it easier for them to analyze the issue and find what’s wrong. 

The important thing is that the dog health tracker monitors your pup 24/7. The underlying AI can detect and contextualize issues, sending you a notification in the app when needed. 

Bottom Line

All in all, white poop can mean a lot of things for your dog. Depending on what accompanies it and how exactly it looks, it can indicate a diet issue, a parasite, a digestion problem, or even a disease. 

It’s crucial to know these differences and act accordingly, taking your dog to the vet whenever needed, and dealing with the issue on your own when possible. 

If you want modern technology to assist you, the Maven Pet Health Monitor can be an ideal solution. If you’re interested, you can order the collar now and sign up for our monthly membership.

Maven Pet focuses on improving the quality of life of our pets with technology, using artificial intelligence (AI) to enable proactive pet care. By accurately collecting and monitoring pet data 24/7 and flagging any irregularities, Maven Pet empowers pet parents and veterinarians to stay ahead of potential health issues, ensuring the well-being and longevity of our beloved companions.