Mar 17 2009
Orange Feces
Orange stool is not a normal finding, but not necessarily something to be extremely worried about at first. Feces turns shades of brown when it interacts with bile salts in the digestive tract. This could mean an absorption problem. If orange stools continued along with weight loss, that would be something to look into. Other symptoms of illness would definitely show up, as reasons for this to occur include things like diarrhea (moving too fast through the system to absorb enough), irritable bowel syndrome, or gallbladder blockages (which are also painful).
Stools can also be orange due to changes in diet. Certain table scraps or treats can cause this temporary problem, as can some supplements or medications. Certain foods that are orange may also cause this issue.
If any other symptoms coincide, I would have the dog looked at; if these orange stools only persist due to diarrhea but the dog is feeling well otherwise, then you can try to treat the diarrhea at home.
This is generally done by fasting from food for 12 hours, but allowing water if the pet will drink. (If not, they can always be offered some unflavored pedialyte or ensure to keep electrolytes in balance). Then when you do feed, give a bland diet like boiled chicken or boiled hamburger meat with white rice (1:1 ratio) for dogs, or baby food (chicken flavor) for cats and very small dogs. No treats, and don’t let them eat grass either. Continue this diet for a couple of days as the stool firms up. Once firmed up, gradually go back to the regular diet over the course of a few meals.
Christine, LVT
