GREEN STOOL
WHAT THIS SYMPTOM USUALLY MEANS
Green stool can result from dietary changes, grass ingestion, rapid GI transit, or bile issues. Very dark green stool may indicate old blood being digested.
MOST COMMON CAUSES
MILD CAUSES
• Eating grass
• Green food dyes
• Sudden diet change
MEDICAL CAUSES
• Rapid intestinal transit
• Parasites
• Infection
• Malabsorption
• Bile duct problems
EMERGENCY CAUSES
• Green stool + vomiting
• Green-black stool (possible internal bleeding)
• Severe dehydration
RED FLAGS: WHEN THIS IS AN EMERGENCY
• Very dark green or tar-like stool
• Green diarrhea + lethargy
• Repeated vomiting
• Senior pet with new green stool
AT-HOME CARE YOU CAN START NOW
• Feed bland diet
• Prevent grass consumption
• Hydration support
• Avoid dyed treats or foods
WHAT A VETERINARIAN WILL CHECK
• Fecal test
• Parasite screening
• Bloodwork
• Imaging if severe
• Diet review
MOST LIKELY DIAGNOSES
• Grass ingestion
• Parasites
• Mild infection
• Malabsorption
• Rapid GI transit
BREEDS OR AGES AT HIGHER RISK
• Puppies (parasites)
• Senior pets
WHEN YOU SHOULD SCHEDULE A VETERINARY VISIT
• If lasting >48 hours
• Immediately if dark green/black stool
EXPECTED RECOVERY TIME
• Mild cases: 24–48 hours
• Parasites/infections: days–weeks
HOW THIS SYMPTOM RELATES TO LONGEVITY
Green stool from malabsorption or infection indicates GI instability — a key longevity concern.
WHEN TO CONSIDER A LONGEVITY CONSULT
• Recurrent color changes
• Senior pets
• Parasite/infection history