The color chart
Color depends on diet, bile and how fast food moves through the gut. One odd stool after a new treat is usually nothing. A change that lasts, or comes with other signs, deserves attention.
| Color | What it can mean | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Chocolate brown | Normal, healthy digestion | Nothing. This is the goal. |
| Green | Eating grass, food moving through too fast, or a gallbladder problem. Some rodent poisons are dyed green or blue. | Watch for a day. Call a vet now if poison is possible. |
| Yellow or orange | Food intolerance, a sudden diet change, or a liver, bile or pancreas issue | Call a vet if it lasts more than a day or two. |
| Black and tarry | Digested blood from the stomach or upper gut | Call a vet today. This is not one to watch. |
| Red streaks or blood | Bleeding in the lower gut, colitis, or an anal gland problem | Call a vet. Go now if there is a lot of blood or your dog seems unwell. |
| Grey or greasy | Fat is not being digested, which can point to the pancreas or bile ducts | Call a vet, especially if stools are large and pale. |
| White specks | Rice-like specks are often tapeworm segments. Chalky white stool can follow too much bone or calcium. | Ask your vet about deworming. Bring a photo. |
Consistency matters as much as color
- Firm and segmented, easy to pick up: normal.
- Hard, dry pellets: possible dehydration or constipation.
- Soft with no shape: a mild upset, often diet-related.
- Watery diarrhea: fluid is being lost. Puppies and small dogs dehydrate quickly.
- Coated in mucus: often a sign of large-bowel inflammation.
When to call a vet instead of waiting
- Black, tarry stool, or more than a streak of red blood.
- Diarrhea together with vomiting, weakness or refusing food.
- Any change in a puppy, a senior dog or a dog with a known illness.
- A change that lasts longer than 24 to 48 hours.
- A chance your dog ate something toxic or a foreign object.
How Miyu helps with stool checks
Photograph the stool and Miyu reads the visible color and consistency, then gives one of four care levels: watch, keep an eye, see a vet today, or see a vet now. It keeps the history, so you can show your vet how things changed over several days.
Miyu never says all clear. A photo cannot rule everything out, and the list of red flags above is always free in the app.
Frequently asked questions
What color should healthy dog poop be?
Chocolate brown, firm, and easy to pick up. The exact shade varies with diet.
Is green dog poop an emergency?
Usually not. It often follows eating grass. It is urgent if your dog could have reached rodent poison, or if it comes with vomiting or lethargy.
Why is my dog's poop black?
Black, tarry stool can mean digested blood from the stomach or upper intestine. Call a vet the same day. Some medicines and supplements also darken stool, so mention anything your dog is taking.
Can an app diagnose my dog from a poop photo?
No. Miyu is not a veterinarian and does not diagnose. It reads what is visible in a photo and suggests whether to watch or call a vet.
This guide is general information, not veterinary advice. Miyu is not a veterinarian and does not diagnose. If your pet seems unwell or you are worried, contact your vet.
