Why Is My Dog's Poop Orange? Should I Be Worried?
Written By: Tiffany Ruiz Dasilva, VMD, cVMA | Professional Services Veterinarian, Wild Earth.
Noticing orange poop in your dog can be surprising and concerning. While it may simply reflect what your dog has eaten, it can also indicate underlying health issues that require attention. Understanding the potential causes of orange stool can help you determine whether it’s time to call the vet or if it’s just a harmless dietary effect.
Dietary Causes of Orange Dog Poop
The most common and benign reason for orange-colored poop in dogs is diet. Certain foods rich in carotenoids, the natural pigments found in orange and yellow produce, can cause this color change.
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Examples of Foods That Cause Orange Poop:
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Carrots
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Pumpkin
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Sweet potatoes
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Butternut squash
These foods are healthy for dogs in moderation and are often included in their diet for added fiber and nutrients. However, their bright pigments can pass through the digestive system, temporarily altering stool color.
Non-Food Items:
If your dog ingests non-food items like crayons, chalk, or other colorful objects, their poop may also turn orange. Although these items are not ideal for consumption, most non-toxic items like crayons won’t pose a significant health risk. That said, you should monitor your dog for any signs of discomfort or blockage, especially if they’ve eaten something they shouldn’t.
Medical Causes of Orange Dog Poop
If diet or non-toxic objects aren’t the cause, orange poop could be a sign of a medical condition. Here are some potential issues to consider:
1. Intestinal Inflammation or Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Intestinal inflammation, including Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), can lead to orange stool due to disrupted digestion and nutrient absorption.
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Causes:
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Chronic immune system dysfunction
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Parasitic infections
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Bacterial overgrowth
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Dietary sensitivities
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Symptoms:
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Chronic vomiting and diarrhea
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Weight loss
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Poor or increased appetite
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Abdominal discomfort
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Changes in stool color and consistency
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Treatment: While there’s no definitive cure for IBD, symptoms can be managed with a combination of anti-inflammatory medications, dietary adjustments, and probiotics. Regular vet check-ups are essential to monitor progress.
2. Gallbladder Obstruction
The gallbladder, located near the liver, stores bile—a vital substance for breaking down dietary fats. When the bile duct becomes blocked, it can reduce or halt bile flow, leading to stool color changes, including orange.
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Causes:
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Gallstones or gallbladder mucocele
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Pancreatitis
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Trauma to the liver or gallbladder
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Parasites or infections
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Symptoms:
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Orange or pale-colored stool
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Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
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Vomiting
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Loss of appetite
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Abdominal pain
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Fever or lethargy
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Treatment: Treatment for bile duct obstruction depends on the underlying cause. Surgery may be required for gallstones or mucoceles, while infections might be treated with antibiotics. Prompt veterinary care is crucial to avoid complications.
3. Liver Disease
The liver plays a central role in digestion and detoxification. If liver function is impaired, bile production and processing can be disrupted, resulting in orange, yellow, or pale stool.
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Causes:
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Liver infections
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Cancer or tumors
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Endocrine disorders
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Exposure to toxins or poisons
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Trauma to the liver
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Symptoms:
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Vomiting and diarrhea
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Jaundice
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Increased thirst and urination
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Weight loss and reduced appetite
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Abdominal swelling or discomfort
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Blood in stool or urine
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Treatment: Managing liver disease involves addressing the specific cause, which could include medications, dietary changes, or surgery. Early diagnosis improves outcomes significantly.
When to See a Veterinarian
While orange poop can be harmless in some cases, you should contact your veterinarian if:
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Your dog hasn’t eaten any orange-colored foods.
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The orange stool persists for more than a day or two.
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Your dog displays additional symptoms, such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, abdominal pain, or jaundice.
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There is blood or mucus in the stool.
Your vet may recommend diagnostic tests like blood work, ultrasound, or stool analysis to identify the underlying cause.
Final Thoughts
Orange poop in dogs is often a reflection of their diet, especially if they’ve recently consumed orange foods like carrots or pumpkin. However, it can also signal serious health conditions, including intestinal inflammation, gallbladder obstructions, or liver disease. Monitoring your dog’s behavior and other symptoms is key to determining the cause.
When in doubt, it’s always best to consult your veterinarian. Early intervention can prevent minor issues from becoming major health concerns, ensuring your dog stays healthy and happy.
