When being a careful owner of a dog, sometimes it is necessary to pay attention to details that can affect the well-being of the dog, and one of these aspects is the poop. Exactly. You know that if you check the poop of your dog, you will be able to know a lot about the health of your dog. Its color, texture, and frequency could convey some alarming signs about an individual’s overall well-being.
Another clear warning that you may encounter is waking up to find blood in the bowel movements of your dog. If this occurs, it is vital that you find out what measures to take and when to consult your veterinarian.
This article will explain the most common reasons for bloody stools in dogs, what the different types of bloody poop might mean, and when you should see a vet.
Why Is My Dog Pooping Blood?
Sudden realization of blood in your dog’s stool is worrying, but knowing its possibilities can help with what is causing it.
Eating Something Bad or Switching to a New Food
Some common things which dogs might consume, which are dangerous to their health are; bones, animal feces, Garbage, toys, and so on these elements can lead to the embarrassing episode of bloody poop. This is called dietary indiscretion. Occasionally, even changing the type of the dog food or the treat that you are feeding your dog also results in this problem. Some common culprits include:
- Bones
- Sticks
- Toys
- Toxins
- Garbage
Infections, Parasites, or Cancer
Various infections or parasites can also lead to bloody poop. Some examples include:
- Bacterial infections like salmonella
- Viral infections like parvovirus
- Parasites like intestinal worms, coccidia, and giardia
These conditions can make your dog very sick and sometimes can be transmitted to humans.
Diseases or Issues That Affect Blood Clotting
Problems with blood clotting can cause bloody poop as well. These problems might include:
- Bleeding disorders
- Toxins, such as rodent poison
- Liver disease
- Kidney disease
- Immune system diseases
- Hormonal disorders
- Cancer
Other Causes
Other conditions that might cause your dog to poop blood include:
- Stress
- Addison’s disease
- Irritable bowel disease (IBD)
- Gastrointestinal (GI) ulcers
- Food allergies or intolerance
- Trauma
- Intestinal folding (intussusception)
- Anal gland problems
What if Your Dog Is Pooping Blood and Vomiting?
If your dog is pooping blood and also vomiting, you should see a vet immediately. Vomiting and losing blood can lead to serious dehydration and might indicate a more severe illness.
What Does It Look Like When There Is Blood in the Stool of a Dog?
The color and appearance of the blood in your dog’s stool can actually give you some clues about where the bleeding is coming from:
Bright Red Blood (Hematochezia)
Bright red blood in your dog’s poop is called as Hematochezia. This is generally the case when the blood is from the lower gastrointestinal tract or in the areas of colon, anus or rectum. It gets circulated in the body hence the relative fresh look as it has not been through the digestion process.
Black sticky bowel movement (Melena)
The blood that is coming from the upper part of the digestive tracts such as the stomach or small intestine will be dark near black and look tarry. Such a color of poop is called melena and it can be an indication of other severe issues such as inflammation, ulcers or cancer.
Pooping Pure Blood
In some cases, you might see your dog pass only blood with no poop. This can happen if the stool is very liquid or the gut is empty.
What To Do if Your Dog Is Pooping Blood
If your dog is pooping blood, the best thing to do is call a veterinarian. Sometimes, a vet can give advice over the phone to help you decide if your dog needs to be seen right away.
At-Home Care
In some cases, at-home care might be enough. For example, eating certain foods like beets can make poop look red, which might be mistaken for blood. Think about what your dog has eaten recently to help determine the next steps.
Should I See a Vet if My Dog Has Blood in Their Poop?
In most cases, it’s best to err on the side of caution and see a vet if your dog has blood in their stool. Here are some situations where a trip to the vet is especially important:
- Your dog is also vomiting.
- Your dog seems lethargic or weak.
- Your dog has pale gums.
- Your dog is refusing food or water.
- Your dog has a fever.
- The bloody stools are accompanied by diarrhea.
What Will the Vet Do to Diagnosing Blood in a Dog’s Stool?
The vet will likely start with a physical examination of your dog, including a rectal exam. They may also ask you about your dog’s recent diet and activities. Depending on what they find, they may recommend some of the following tests:
- Stool test: This can check for parasites, bacteria, or other signs of infection.
- Blood tests: These can assess your dog’s overall health and hydration status.
- X-rays or ultrasound: These imaging tests can help identify any abnormalities in your dog’s digestive system.
Treating Bloody Poop in Dogs
The remedy for bloody poop in dogs will depend on the cause of the issue.
Treating Digestive Tract Upset
If your dog has some gastrointestinal issues as a result of diet, inflammation or any other cause, your vet might prescribe you foods with low fat content and other drugs for buoying up the tummy of your dog. Such drugs may include probiotics, antibiotics and some antacids among others The medications could be probiotics, some types of antibiotics, antacids among others.
Treating Dehydration
If at all your dog is dehydrated, he will be provided with fluids by your veterinarian. In moderate and severe dehydration, fluids can be infused under the skin. In very severe cases, there may be a need to put the patient on intravenous fluids or even admit him/her to the hospital.
Recovery and Prevention
The duration it takes to heal bloody stool will depend on the cause and the intensity. Most of the times, once the condition has been diagnosed and the appropriate treatment has been administered, your dog should begin to improve within a couple of days.
Here are some tips to help prevent bloody stool in your dog:
- Give your dog premium quality dog food. This will assist in maintaining a healthy digestion system among the clients.
- Introduce new foods slowly.
- Either avoid exposure to garbage, and other dangerous items that may poison a dog.
- Practice good hygiene.
Can My Dog Die From Pooping Blood?
Yes, it is true that massive hemorrhage through the digestive tract particularly complicated by dehydration can be lethal. The outcomes include shock, respiratory problems, internal organ damage, and possibly death if the poison is not removed. If not sure your dog’s health always seek the services of vet.
FAQs About Dog Pooping Blood
What does it mean if there’s blood in my dog’s stool but he’s acting normal?
There are many reasons your dog might poop blood while still acting normal, from stress to diet to infections or cancer. Even if your dog seems fine, it’s best to have them checked by a vet because diseases can get worse over time.
Why is my dog pooping blood and mucus?
Bright red blood and mucus usually mean there’s a problem with the colon, like parasites, infections, or dietary issues.
Why is my dog bleeding from his butt?
If your dog is bleeding from their rectum, they should be seen by a vet immediately. The cause is often related to the colon or rectum and could be due to eating something unusual, a recent diet change, stress, or trauma. Additional tests might be needed for proper treatment.
Last Words
Finding blood in your dog’s stool can be scary, but it doesn’t necessarily mean there’s a serious problem. By understanding the possible causes of dog pooping blood and knowing when to seek veterinary attention, you can help your dog get the treatment they need and get back to feeling their best.
