Help! My Dog is Pooping Blood!
If you notice blood in your dog's stool, you will likely feel some concern, as this can indicate a significant health issue for your pup. When you notice such symptoms, it's best to contact your veterinarian as soon as possible. You may want to take a photo and send it to your vet so they can begin to assess what may be causing the problem.
Always call your veterinarian to ask for advice on whether to book a physical exam or bring your dog in for emergency veterinary care if you see blood in your dog's poop.
What other symptoms accompany bloody stool in dogs?
Your dog may also be experiencing diarrhea, and be displaying signs of dehydration, weight loss, fluid loss, loss of appetite, and lethargy.
Where could the blood be coming from?
If your dog's stool contains fresh streaks of blood, it may be from the upper part of the small intestine or the stomach. If the blood has been partially digested, it will typically look like coffee grounds and may have originated in your dog's intestines.
Fresh blood may be coming from your dog's colon. However, if it's dark, tarry or sticky, it's likely from your dog's stomach or upper intestinal tract.
What could be causing blood in my dog's poop?
Common causes of bloody poop or diarrhea in dogs include:
- Stomach ulcers
- Viral or bacterial infection
- Parasites
- Clotting disorders
- Poisoning from toxins, like plants
- Tumors in the stomach or esophagus
- Sudden changes in diet that cause irritation or impact the immune system
- Foreign body ingestion (rocks, toys, fabric, etc.)
- Trauma to the gastrointestinal (GI) tract from eating bones or other materials
When should I bring my dog to the vet?
Regardless of the cause, bloody poop is an urgent matter, and you should not try to determine if it is an emergency yourself. Call your vet right away to find out whether you should schedule an exam or bring your pup in for emergency veterinary care.
If Your Puppy is Pooping Blood
If your puppy is producing bloody stool, this is a veterinary emergency as it can indicate parvovirus, which is common in puppies that haven't been fully vaccinated against the disease, which is fatal if not treated right away.
If Your Dog Seems Sick
If you've noticed blood in your dog's stool and your dog also vomiting, refusing to eat, and looking unwell, it's time to visit the vet right away. During normal business hours, contact your regular vet and book an emergency appointment, after hours you should call your emergency vet.
If Your Dog Seems Otherwise Healthy
If you've spotted blood in your dog's stool but they are behaving normally otherwise and eating and drinking the same as usual, it is still a good idea to contact your vet to ask for advice. Your regular vet will be able to assess the urgency of the situation and let you know whether it's a good idea to bring your pet into the office for an examination.
What will the vet do if I bring my dog in?
The underlying cause of your dog's bloody diarrhea can be difficult to identify. If routine diagnostic procedures fail to identify the source, more invasive diagnostic testing may be required to determine the problem.
When you take your dog to your veterinarian or the emergency vet due to bloody diarrhea, this is what you can expect:
Taking Your Dog's Medical History
Your dog's veterinarian will request a full medical history from you. The more information you can provide the veterinarian, the better. Important information in your dog's medical history may include:
- Whether they’ve had intestinal blockages, physical obstructions, ulcers, or tumors in the past
- Your dog's vaccination record (to rule out parvovirus)
- How severe has your pup's diarrhea been? Has it progressed since it began?
Physical Examination
- If you have brought a sample, your vet will do a visual observation of the stool
- Palpitation of the abdomen to check for signs of an abdominal obstruction or pain
- Check cardiovascular function to look for signs of blood loss or dehydration
- Dog skin test to find out if your dog is dehydrated
- Examination of your dog's mucus membranes to look for hemorrhagic losses
Will the vet run tests?
Depending on the results of the basic examination, your veterinarian may recommend further diagnostic testing. More advanced diagnostics, such as the following, are used to determine the cause of bloody diarrhea.
Routine biochemical/blood tests
- Biochemical tests (e.g. liver, blood sugar)
- Packed cell volume (hematocrit) data to confirm whether hemorrhagic gastroenteritis is the cause
Endoscopy or Radiographs
- To find any potential intestinal blockages, ulcers, tumors, or physical obstructions
Fecal Exam
- Microscopic examination of your dog's stool to look for parasites or microbiological organisms
How will the vet treat my dog's condition?
A custom treatment plan will be developed once your vet diagnoses the underlying reason for your dog's bloody stools. Treatment options may include:
- Medications to soothe your dog's intestines
- Anthelmintics for parasitic infections
- Antibiotic therapy for certain types of infections
- Electrolyte and fluid therapies for hemorrhagic gastroenteritis
- Surgical remedies for tumors, ulcers, or physical obstructions
Will my dog be okay?
Most dogs react positively to appropriate treatment and recover quickly. After your dog's underlying issue has been addressed, the primary focus will be reducing inflammation in the intestines. A modified diet can sometimes help treat gastrointestinal problems and infections.
Your veterinarian may advise you to withhold water and/or food for 24 hours to allow your dog's intestines to rest and start to recover. Following this 24-hour period, your dog should eat a bland diet for three to seven days before gradually transitioning back to his regular diet.
It is critical to monitor your dog's progress during his recovery because certain proteins or other elements may cause the problem to reoccur. In these cases, your dog may need a special hypoallergenic medical diet.
Is there a way to prevent bloody stools from recurring?
Following an infection, some veterinarians advise restoring intestinal microflora with food additives (such as synbiotics and probiotics) to improve gut function and prevent infection from recurring.
If you feed your dog a homemade diet, the formula should prioritize optimal nutrient profiles and energy density, depending on the issue at hand. These diets can be low in fat but high in easily digestible nutrients. Consult your veterinarian before making any dietary changes for your dog, especially if he has a history of bloody diarrhea.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.