Orange Dog Poop: Causes, Meaning & Treatments

Orange Dog Poop: Causes, Meaning & Treatments
Orange Dog Poop: Causes, Meaning & Treatments

As canine caretakers, we become well-acquainted with our furry friend’s feces and may feel anxious upon encountering unusual occurrences. Have you ever observed your dog’s stool with an orange hue? This might beg the question, what could be the problem?

Orange excrement may indicate that your canine companion necessitates medical attention or imply that they consumed excessive pumpkin or even carrots. In this article, we will explore the plausible reasons behind orange dog poop and offer solutions to address them.

What Orange Dog Poop Mean

Typically, dog feces should have a chocolate-like brown color. However, if your furry friend consumes food or treats containing artificial colors, it may affect their waste’s appearance. Additionally, it’s worth noting that different dog breeds may produce varying shades of brown poop.

Pet owners should monitor their dog’s bowel movements to track changes. When poop color, texture, or frequency deviates from your dog’s norm, it might indicate a health issue. For instance, orange poop could signify pancreatitis (the swelling of the pancreas) or that food passed through the digestive tract too quickly, causing the bile to fail in breaking down the food. Bile adds a healthy brown hue to the poop; without it, the poop may present an orange tint. Lastly, a dog’s diet of carrots can also lead to orange poop.

Causes Of Orange Dog Food And Their Treatment

Intestinal Inflammation

The intestines’ persistent inflammation and chronic irritation trigger an onslaught of inflammatory cells that infiltrate the delicate intestinal lining, causing havoc in compromised digestion and impaired nutrient absorption. Interestingly, this disorder can also result in the production of unusual orange poop in afflicted dogs.

While IBD remains shrouded in mystery, many possible causes have been proposed. These include parasitic and bacterial infections, dysfunction in the immune system, and even adverse reactions to specific dietary proteins. However, there has not been a definitive IBD cause pinpointed by researchers.

Possible symptoms

  • Chronic vomiting
  • Abdominal pain
  • Changes in stool color
  • Chronic diarrhea
  • Poor appetite or increased appetite
  • Weight loss
Causes Of Orange Dog Food And Their Treatment
Causes Of Orange Dog Food And Their Treatment

Treatment

IBD does not have a proven cure at the moment. However, you can manage the symptoms with some dietary adjustments in medications. Your vet may recommend using Fiber supplements to improve fecal texture, Probiotics to promote good gut bacteria, B12 injections, or Antibiotics to reduce inflammation.

Bile Duct Obstruction

Bile carries out various significant functions, such as aiding digestion, fat absorption, and the elimination of waste products. It is also responsible for transforming the color of the dog’s stool to the typical brown tint. The absence of bile can discolor the dog’s excretion. Therefore, if a dog’s feces appear orange or are covered with an orange mucus-like substance, it may indicate cholestasis.

Causes

  • Liver scarring or swelling
  • Parasites
  • Trauma
  • Pancreatitis
  • Cancer
  • Gallbladder mucocele or gallstones

Symptoms

  • Increased thirst (polydipsia)
  • Abdominal pain
  • Sepsis
  • Discolored poop
  • Fever
  • Weight loss

Treatments

The first step in treating your dog’s bile duct obstruction will be to stabilize your dog’s condition. This may involve administering IV fluids and other supportive therapies, including antibiotics, to tackle potential parasitic infections. The appropriate course of treatment will depend on the underlying cause of the obstruction. In some cases, surgery or cancer treatment may be necessary.

Orange-colored Food

The occurrence of orange stool in dogs could be attributed to their ingestion. If a dog experiences this issue right after a dietary change, the new food or treat may be the primary cause. Consumption of food containing artificial orange pigments or natural dyes can lead to orange poop in dogs.

The orange pop in dogs can also be caused by carotenoids in foods like pumpkins and sweet potatoes. Artificial orange colors in dog treats from certain brands can also cause this. Dogs may accidentally ingest odd items such as orange chalk, crayons, or markers, which could affect the color of their stool.

Food Intolerance

Dogs are not immune to gastrointestinal disturbances and indigestion issues. One standard indicator of food intolerance in dogs is the sudden onset of loose, watery stool that appears orange.

Typically, dogs exhibit food intolerance when transitioning to a new diet. This can occur when their system is presented with unfamiliar ingredients, triggering an adverse reaction. In other cases, dogs may be allergic to specific components within their food, leading to a similar response. Consulting a vet will go a long way to knowing what could be the problem with your dog and even finding possible solutions.

What Orange Dog Poop Mean
What Orange Dog Poop Mean

Liver disease

Liver disease in your furry companion could cause their poop to appear orange. This condition can result from cancer, trauma, infections, cysts, and bile duct obstruction. It’s important to note that dogs with genetic disorders, hormonal issues, and diabetes are also susceptible to developing liver disease.

Causes

Infections

Poisoning

Trauma

Cysts

Congenital abnormalities

Cancer

Endocrine diseases

Symptoms

Bloody urine or poop

Increased urination and thirst

Vomiting and diarrhea

Abdominal pain

Reduced appetite

Changes in poop color

Weight loss

Treatment

The approach to treating liver problems in dogs depends on the specific diagnosis. The veterinarian will conduct multiple tests to identify the liver issue accurately before proceeding with a treatment plan. Tests such as X-rays and ultrasound scans may be performed. The specified test results will dictate the mode of treatment.

Pancreatitis

When the digestive enzymes that a dog’s pancreas typically creates leak into the bloodstream, it creates a medical condition known as pancreatitis. The presence of these enzymes leads to deep orange stool coloration in the animal. Other pancreatitis indications include abdominal pain, fever, reduced appetite, chronic vomiting, and explosive diarrhea.

Consuming Chicken And Rice

A commonly used remedy for diarrhea in dogs is to provide them with a diet consisting of rice and chicken, which have binding agents that can help to stabilize the loose stool.

However, although these foods have their benefits, they can change the dog’s stool color, with instances of orange-colored poop being reported after consumption. This color change may result from a reaction to the new diet or a parasitic infection that may arise from consuming undercooked chicken. Nevertheless, it should be noted that this color change is temporary, and the dog’s stool will return to its usual brown hue once the chicken and rice clear from its system.

Bile Duct Obstruction
Bile Duct Obstruction

Conclusion

Be vigilant if you notice orange poop in your dog’s bowel movements, as it can indicate various underlying conditions that may require prompt medical attention.

However, it does not necessarily mean that every orange dog poop indicates problems that may be severe or seek the intervention of the vets. It is worth remembering that certain commercial pet foods and snacks may contain natural coloring agents that could alter the color of your pet’s stool. Hence, it may not suggest a medical issue unless other symptoms are observed.

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