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Prepare a clearer note before you call the vet.

Copy this checklist, fill in what you know, and send or read it to your clinic. No account, upload, or storage is required.

Review checklist

Stool details

  • Pet type: dog or cat
  • Closest stool color: brown, green, yellow/orange, black/tarry, red streaks, or white/chalky
  • Closest texture: firm, hard pebbles, liquid/runny, or mucus/jelly-like
  • Whether this is the first episode or a repeat pattern

Timing

  • When you first noticed the change
  • How many abnormal stools you have seen
  • Whether stool is improving, repeating, or worsening
  • Any recent travel, boarding, stress, or routine changes

Symptoms

  • Vomiting, appetite loss, refusing water, low energy, hiding, or pain
  • Weakness, collapse, pale gums, bloated belly, or dehydration concerns
  • Blood, black/tarry stool, mucus, strong odor, or straining
  • Puppy, kitten, senior pet, or pet with known medical conditions

Recent exposures

  • Food, treats, bones, table scraps, grass, plants, trash, or toxin access
  • Medication, supplement, flea/tick, deworming, or allergy changes
  • Known allergies or previous digestive issues
  • Possible foreign-object chewing or swallowed items

What to prepare

  • Clear stool photo in natural light
  • Fresh stool sample if the clinic asks for one and you can collect it safely
  • Medication and supplement names
  • Food and treat notes from the last few days

Copy format

Use this as a clinic message template.

The copy button gives you a blank structure. Fill only what you know. Leave uncertain details blank instead of guessing. 

PetPoopColor vet call prep summary

Pet type:
Stool color:
Stool texture:
First noticed:
How many abnormal stools:
Improving, repeating, or worsening:

Symptoms noticed:
- Vomiting:
- Appetite or water changes:
- Low energy, hiding, pain, weakness, collapse, or pale gums:
- Blood, black/tarry stool, mucus, straining, or strong odor:

Recent changes or exposures:
- Food, treats, bones, table scraps, grass, plants, trash, or toxins:
- Medication, supplements, flea/tick, deworming, or allergies:
- Possible swallowed object:

Prepared for clinic:
- Stool photo:
- Fresh stool sample if requested/possible:
- Medication/supplement list:
- Food/treat notes:

This is an educational prep note, not a diagnosis. A veterinarian should decide care.

Helpful add-ons

Prepare photo, sample, and exact result details.

Stool photo checklist Stool sample guide Dog color and texture checker Cat color and texture checker

Reference checks

These sources were checked with both HEAD and GET requests before this page was added. The checklist is an educational prep aid, not a diagnosis.

FDA pet emergency contactsAVMA pet emergency planningCornell diarrhea guideMerck Veterinary Manual digestive system

Vet call FAQ

Common vet call prep questions

These FAQs are visible and match the structured data for this checklist page.

What should I tell a vet about dog or cat stool changes?

Tell the clinic the stool color, texture, when it started, how many abnormal stools you saw, whether it is worsening, and any symptoms such as vomiting, appetite loss, weakness, pain, pale gums, collapse, blood, black tar-like stool, or mucus.

Should I call before collecting a stool sample?

Yes if the signs seem urgent or you are unsure. Ask whether the clinic wants a sample, how fresh it should be, and whether a photo is enough until your appointment.

What signs mean I should not wait?

Do not wait if stool is black and tar-like, contains repeated blood, appears with vomiting, weakness, collapse, pain, pale gums, refusing water, or worsening diarrhea.

Can this checklist replace a vet visit?

No. This checklist only organizes information for a vet conversation. It cannot diagnose your pet or replace veterinary care.