Dog Pooping Blood: Common Causes and What To Do

Finding blood in your dog’s stool can be alarming for any pet owner. While it’s natural to worry, understanding the potential causes and knowing when to seek veterinary care is essential for your dog’s health and wellbeing. Bloody stools in dogs can result from various conditions, ranging from minor digestive upset to more serious health issues that require immediate attention.

The presence of blood in your dog’s stool, known medically as hematochezia or melena depending on the type of bleeding, should never be ignored. This article will help you understand why your dog might be pooping blood, how to identify the condition, and what steps you should take if you notice this concerning symptom.

Types of Bloody Stool in Dogs

Before diving into the causes, it’s important to understand the different types of bloody stool you might observe in your dog. The appearance of the blood can provide important clues about where the bleeding is occurring in your dog’s digestive tract:

Hematochezia (Bright Red Blood)

Hematochezia refers to bright red, fresh blood in the stool. This typically indicates bleeding in the lower digestive tract, such as the colon or rectum. The blood appears bright red because it hasn’t been digested and may be seen as streaks on the outside of formed stool or mixed with diarrhea.

Melena (Dark, Tarry Stool)

Melena describes dark, tarry, or black stools that occur when blood has been digested. This typically indicates bleeding in the upper digestive tract, such as the stomach or small intestine. The dark color results from blood being partially digested as it moves through the intestinal tract.

Common Causes of Blood in Dog Stool

There are numerous reasons why your dog might have blood in their stool. Understanding these potential causes can help you communicate effectively with your veterinarian and ensure your dog receives appropriate care.

Dietary Issues and Digestive Upset

One of the most common causes of bloody stool in dogs is dietary indiscretion or changes in diet:

• Sudden Diet Changes: Abruptly switching your dog’s food can cause digestive upset, inflammation, and potentially bloody stool.
• Food Intolerances or Allergies: Some dogs develop sensitivities to certain ingredients in their food, which can lead to inflammation of the digestive tract and bloody stool.
• Eating Something Unsuitable: Dogs who consume trash, spoiled food, or non-food items (a condition known as pica) may develop gastrointestinal irritation that results in bloody stool.

Infections

Various infections can cause inflammation and bleeding in a dog’s digestive tract:

• Viral Infections: Viruses such as parvovirus can cause severe bloody diarrhea. Parvovirus is particularly dangerous, especially in puppies and unvaccinated dogs.
• Bacterial Infections: Bacteria like Salmonella, Clostridium, and Campylobacter can cause intestinal inflammation and bloody diarrhea.
• Fungal Infections: Though less common, certain fungal infections can affect the digestive tract and cause bloody stool.

Parasites

Internal parasites are a frequent cause of bloody stool in dogs:

• Hookworms: These parasites attach to the intestinal lining and feed on blood, potentially causing anemia and bloody stool.
• Whipworms: These can cause irritation and inflammation of the intestinal lining, resulting in bloody diarrhea.
• Giardia: This microscopic parasite can cause severe diarrhea that may contain blood or mucus.
• Coccidia: These single-celled parasites can cause bloody diarrhea, particularly in puppies.

Inflammatory Conditions

Various inflammatory conditions can affect the digestive tract:

• Colitis: Inflammation of the colon can result in bloody diarrhea, often with mucus.
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): This chronic condition involves ongoing inflammation in the digestive tract and can cause recurring episodes of bloody stool.
• Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis (HGE)/Acute Hemorrhagic Diarrhea Syndrome (AHDS): This potentially life-threatening condition causes severe bloody diarrhea and vomiting, leading to rapid dehydration.

Trauma and Injuries

Physical injuries to the digestive tract can cause bleeding:

• Foreign Objects: Sharp objects that a dog ingests can damage the digestive tract lining.
• Rectal Injuries: Injuries to the rectum or anal area can cause bright red blood in the stool.
• Constipation: Straining due to constipation can cause small tears in the rectum or anus, resulting in bright red blood on the stool surface.

Toxins

Exposure to certain toxins can damage the digestive tract lining:

• Medications: Some medications, particularly non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can cause stomach ulcers that lead to bloody stool.
• Household Chemicals: Ingestion of household chemicals or toxins can irritate or damage the digestive tract.

More Serious Conditions

Blood in the stool can sometimes indicate more serious underlying conditions:

• Tumors or Cancer: Cancerous growths in the digestive tract can bleed and cause bloody stool.
• Blood Clotting Disorders: Problems with blood clotting can lead to bleeding throughout the body, including in the digestive tract.
• Liver or Kidney Disease: These conditions can sometimes manifest with gastrointestinal bleeding.

When to See a Veterinarian

If you notice blood in your dog’s stool, it’s important to monitor their overall condition and know when to seek veterinary care. Here are situations that warrant immediate veterinary attention:

Emergency Situations

• Large Amounts of Blood: If there’s a significant amount of blood in your dog’s stool.
• Blood With Vomiting: The combination of bloody stool and vomiting could indicate AHDS, which requires immediate treatment.
• Signs of Pain: If your dog appears to be in pain, especially abdominal pain (hunched posture, whining when touched).
• Lethargy or Weakness: If your dog seems unusually tired or weak.
• Pale Gums: This can indicate anemia from blood loss.
• Puppies or Senior Dogs: These age groups can deteriorate quickly and should be seen promptly.
• Continued Bleeding: If the bleeding persists for more than one or two bowel movements.

Non-Emergency But Concerning Situations

Even if your dog isn’t showing emergency signs, you should still contact your veterinarian if:

• There’s a small amount of blood in an otherwise normal stool.
• Your dog is acting normally but has had a single episode of bloody stool.
• You’ve noticed blood in the stool intermittently over time.

Diagnosis of Bloody Stool in Dogs

When you take your dog to the veterinarian for bloody stool, they will likely perform several diagnostic tests to determine the underlying cause:

Physical Examination

The vet will conduct a thorough physical examination, checking your dog’s vital signs, palpating the abdomen, and examining the rectum and anus for visible issues.

Fecal Analysis

A sample of your dog’s stool will be examined for:

• Parasites or their eggs
• Bacterial cultures
• Blood content

Blood Tests

Blood work may include:

• Complete blood count to check for anemia or signs of infection
• Chemistry panel to assess organ function
• Clotting tests if a bleeding disorder is suspected

Imaging

In some cases, your vet may recommend:

• X-rays to check for foreign objects, obstructions, or masses
• Ultrasound to examine internal organs and intestinal walls
• Endoscopy to visualize the inside of the digestive tract directly

Treating Bloody Poop in Dogs

Treatment for bloody stool in dogs depends on the underlying cause. Your veterinarian will develop a treatment plan specific to your dog’s needs:

Treating Digestive Tract Upset

For simple digestive upset due to dietary changes or mild inflammation, treatment may include:

• Bland Diet: Your vet may prescribe an easily digestible diet such as boiled chicken and rice or a prescription gastrointestinal formula.
• Probiotics and Prebiotics: These support healthy gut bacteria and intestinal function.
• Antibiotics: If bacterial infection is suspected or to prevent secondary infections.
• Antacids: To reduce stomach acid production if ulcers are present or suspected.
• Anti-diarrheal Medications: To slow intestinal motility and reduce diarrhea.

Treating Dehydration

Bloody diarrhea often leads to dehydration, which may require:

• Subcutaneous Fluids: For mild dehydration, your vet may administer fluids under the skin and send your dog home.
• Intravenous (IV) Fluids: More severe cases require IV fluid therapy and hospitalization for monitoring.

Treating Specific Conditions

• Parasite Treatment: Appropriate deworming medications for the specific parasites identified.
• Surgery: May be necessary to remove foreign objects or tumors, or to repair injuries.
• Cancer Treatment: If cancer is diagnosed, options may include surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy.
• Anti-inflammatory Medications: For conditions like IBD or colitis.

Preventing Bloody Stool in Dogs

While not all causes of bloody stool can be prevented, these measures can reduce the risk:

• Gradual Diet Changes: Always transition to new foods slowly over 7-10 days.
• Regular Parasite Prevention: Maintain a consistent deworming schedule as recommended by your veterinarian.
• Vaccination: Keep your dog up-to-date on vaccinations, especially for parvovirus.
• Supervise Chewing: Monitor your dog with chew toys and avoid items that can splinter or break into sharp pieces.
• Prevent Access to Trash: Secure garbage cans and prevent dietary indiscretion.
• Regular Veterinary Check-ups: Annual or bi-annual wellness exams can catch issues before they become serious.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Is a small amount of blood in my dog’s stool an emergency?

A: While a small amount of blood might not require emergency care, you should still contact your veterinarian. They can help determine if an immediate visit is necessary based on your dog’s overall condition and symptoms.

Q: Why is my dog pooping blood and vomiting?

A: The combination of bloody stool and vomiting could indicate Acute Hemorrhagic Diarrhea Syndrome (AHDS), which is potentially life-threatening. This condition causes large amounts of fluid to seep into the gut, leading to rapid dehydration. Contact your veterinarian immediately if your dog is showing these symptoms.

Q: Can stress cause bloody stool in dogs?

A: Yes, severe stress can contribute to colitis (inflammation of the colon), which may result in bloody stool. However, it’s important to have your veterinarian rule out other more serious causes.

Q: How do vets treat blood in a dog’s stool?

A: Treatment depends on the underlying cause. It may include dietary changes, medications for parasites or infections, anti-inflammatory drugs, fluid therapy for dehydration, or even surgery in some cases. Your vet will develop a treatment plan specific to your dog’s condition.

Q: Can certain dog foods cause bloody stool?

A: Yes, food allergies or intolerances can cause inflammation in the digestive tract that may lead to bloody stool. Sudden changes in diet can also cause digestive upset that might result in bloody diarrhea.

Q: How long does it take for bloody stool to resolve in dogs?

A: Recovery time varies depending on the cause. Minor issues might resolve in 2-3 days with appropriate treatment, while more serious conditions may take weeks or require ongoing management.

Conclusion

Blood in your dog’s stool is a symptom that should never be ignored. While it can result from relatively minor issues like dietary indiscretion, it can also indicate serious conditions that require prompt veterinary attention. By understanding the potential causes and knowing when to seek help, you can ensure your dog receives the care they need.

If you notice blood in your dog’s stool, monitor their overall condition and contact your veterinarian for guidance. They can help determine the severity of the situation and provide appropriate treatment to address the underlying cause and help your dog recover.

Remember that early intervention often leads to better outcomes, so don’t hesitate to seek professional advice when you observe this concerning symptom in your canine companion.

Author

Shinta

 

Shinta is a biotechnologist turned writer. She holds a master's degree in Biotechnology from Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences and a PG Diploma in cellular and molecular diagnostics from Manipal University. Shinta realised her love for content while working as an editor for a scientific journal.

Read full bio of Shinta