Dog poop health guide.
The Purina faecal scoring chart, translated into plain English. Tap a score to see what it means and when to worry. Also: colour flags that warrant a vet call.
Score 3: Ideal
Looks like: Sausage-shaped, log-like, with cracks on the surface. Holds shape, easy to pick up.
What it means: Healthy. Aim for this consistency.
Colour red flags.
Texture is only half the story — colour can point to specific issues.
Chocolate brownNormal — the gold standard.
Dark brownNormal.
Pale / clayPossible liver or bile-duct issue. Book a vet check.
Yellow or orangeFast transit, possible liver/gallbladder issue. Vet if persistent.
GreenUsually just grass or green treats. Persistent green = bile issue → vet.
Black or tar-likeDigested blood from upper GI — urgent vet call.
Red streaksFresh blood from lower GI — vet call today.
White spots/grainsOften worm segments. Worming treatment + vet check.
Mucus coatingSome mucus is normal. Excess = colitis, stress, or infection. Vet if ongoing.
When to call the vet.
- Diarrhoea lasting over 24 hours — or any diarrhoea in a puppy, senior, or small breed.
- Blood of any kind — fresh red streaks, tar-black stool, or blood-and-mucus mix.
- Vomiting plus loose stool — especially if your dog is also lethargic.
- Pale / clay-coloured stool for more than a day.
- Worms visible — segments like white rice grains.
- Straining for more than a day — could be obstruction.
Bring a sample to the vet appointment in a sealed container — it speeds up diagnosis enormously and saves a second visit.
Something looks off?
Ask CRO Describe what you're seeing and CRO can help you decide if it's monitor-at-home or vet-now.