Last Updated on February 24, 2025 by Falcone Dulce
As a dog owner, witnessing your furry friend in distress can be alarming, especially when it comes to their health. One concerning symptom that can arise is when a dog poops blood. This blog will explore the potential causes, symptoms, and steps you should take if you find yourself in this situation.
What Does It Mean if Your Dog is Pooping Blood?
The unpleasant phrase “blood in the dog’s stool” is one that no pet owner should ever have to deal with. When speaking about “dog pooping blood,” we explain the conditions under which blood gets reported to be in dog’s stool. There are two major forms of blood such as fresh red, which is known as hematochezia, and darker, tarry stools which are referred to as melena. The type of blood defines several underlying health problems indicating it is important to note therapeutically.
Fresh Blood vs. Dark Blood
Fresh Blood (Hematochezia): The blood observed is bright red. This type of blood is commonly associated with lower intestinal bleeding that includes any region of the colon or the rectum. Hematochezia is the most common reason the owner will take the stool for examination. Monitoring your dog’s behaviour around this time becomes very important, as it can offer additional clues to the possible condition the animal might be suffering from.
Dark blood (Melena) – Like blood, it could indicate even greater trouble; tarry, dark stool suggests something serious is happening in the digestive system, be it the stomach or the small intestine. This type of blood is formed by the digestion of blood when it has already passed through a part of the intestine, so it is darker in colour. Along with bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract, melena can result from far more serious conditions like ulcers, cancers, or significant GI bleeding. It is very important to take your dog to the vet immediately because melena could be dangerously serious as far as health issues are concerned.
Recognizing the differences between fresh and dark blood in your dog’s stool is a crucial first step in addressing their health concerns and ensuring they receive the necessary care.
Common Causes of Blood in Dog Stool
Seeing blood in your dog’s stool can be frightening at first glance, but knowing what might be the reason can help you a lot when taking quick action. The causes behind this symptom can be as harmless as some irritation or as complicated as severe health problems. Below are common factors which may likely be the causes.
1. Dietary Indiscretion
Dogs are known for their peculiar appetite and they often devour anything and everything, regardless of whether it is safe or useful for them. Such reckless eating included rotten food, trashed food items, stuffed toys, bones, and even poisonous plants. These foods can lead to irritation which results in inflammation of the stomach and intestines, and eventually, can lead to blood in the stool of the dog. To prevent this, it is very important to control the dog’s diet and monitor eating habits.
2. Parasites
Internal parasites such as giardia, hookworms, and whipworms can be very damaging for your dog. These parasites live on the lining of the intestines, feeding off them and causing damage that can result in internal bleeding. To catch infection early, it is advisable to deworm regularly and conduct routine stool sample checks. Keep a look for other symptoms such as loss of weight, unusual tiredness, and reduced food intake.
3. Infections
Your dog’s health can be severely affected by bacterial and viral infections, which can result in your dog having bloody stools. Some of the common infections are parvovirus which is very contagious and causes severe distress in the gastrointestinal system. Another one is salmonella which can result from infected food and/or water. Generally, these infections also show other signs like vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and loss of appetite. The vet has to be seen as soon as possible to treat the infection properly.
4. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
IBD is a chronic medical condition which is observed over a long period of time and is often associated with inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. With anal fissures, IBD causes severe irritation in the intestines that results in diarrhea, vomiting, and blood in the stool. Food allergies and stress are some of the many causes of IBD. Because the symptoms of IBD are complex, it is important to contact your veterinarian and develop a diagnosis and treatment plan for your dog if you suspect that your dog suffers from IBD.
5. Tumors
Your dog can suffer from tumors in the gastrointestinal region which can cause severe bleeding. Either benign or malignant, these tumors can block or penetrate the wall of the intestine which causes the puppy to poop blood. Weight loss, dip in the appetite, and stomach swelling are other signs of tumors. Dogs can suffer from these tumors as they get older resulting in the dying of tissues. Regular visits to the vet help to identify the issue early and aid in addressing it.
6. Trauma
Whether from foreign objects, accidents, or any other trauma, injuries to the gastrointestinal tract can cause severe bleeding. There is a possibility of internal bleeding that can lead to the need of timely intervention from a vet. If you observe your dog experiencing distressing symptoms like pain in the abdomen or loss of appetite after a recent injury, you must consult a medical professional without any undue delay.
Understanding these common causes of blood in your dog’s stool can help you take appropriate action. For example, as a responsible pet owner, it’s essential to be aware of what foods are safe for your furry friends. Just like the eggshells, raw chicken and cherries we’ve discussed in our blog articles.
Symptoms to Monitor
If you notice that your dog is pooping blood, it is crucial to keep an eye out for other symptoms that can add more context to this worrying symptom. This information can aid further understanding regarding your dog’s health and provide the veterinarian with better information to understand the issue’s severity. Let’s highlight some symptoms to monitor closely:
Vomiting
Vomiting is one of the more serious symptoms that can indicate trouble with the gastrointestinal tract. Blood when copulating and vomiting at the same time could be a more complicated and serious issue, possibly an infection or, worse, some form of poisoning. If your dog has vomited, watch how frequently they do so and what actually comes out, since that will help the veterinarian identify the issue at hand.
Diarrhea
Severe or bloody diarrhea does substantiate that there might be some form of inflammation with the intestines or possibly an infection with the digestive system. Make sure you check the stool’s frequency, consistency, and color along with how frequently your dog goes outside. Watch out for your dog’s incessant diarrhea as that can lead to dehydration, making your dog’s water intake equally something to look out for.
Lethargy
A dip in a dog’s energy level could be represented by many things, all of which can be concerning. If your dog is seemingly less playful than they usually are or is seemingly resting more, it could suggest that they are not feeling well. If left unchecked, lethargy can signal many different health concerns, be it infections or pain. It is, therefore, essential that such matters be addressed as soon as possible.
Loss of Appetite
Take note, though, that a sudden disinterest in food can signal myriad of health-related issues so try to note how long your dog has stopped eating. Loss of appetite may signal the presence of many other symptoms in addition to the previously mentioned nausea or pain. Tracking the duration your dog has gone without food will assist your veterinarian gauge the severity of the condition and act accordingly.
Abdominal Pain
Dog’s showing sign of abdominal pain may exhibit dozens of different set of symptoms, with some of the more common ones being whining or even having a change in appetite. If such abdominal uneasiness is suspected, the dog must be rushed to the veterinarian posthaste to let them check for anything more sinister that could lead to needing immediate treatment.
By monitoring these additional symptoms, you can provide your veterinarian with valuable information that may assist in diagnosing the underlying cause of your dog’s bloody stool. Early detection and intervention are key to ensuring your dog receives the best possible care.
What Should You Do?
Seeing blood in a dog’s stool can be alarming. But knowing how to deal with it will ease a lot of worry in regards to your dog’s health. Consider the following:
1. Stay Calm
Feeling worried upon seeing problems in your pet is completely fair. But panicking will do more harm to them than help, as dogs are very sensitive to stress. Rational thinking makes the whole process significantly easier. Make sure to breathe and focus on what you need to tell the veterinarian.
2. Contact Your Veterinarian
Each case is unique, so based on your dog’s symptoms, a veterinarian will be able to suggest helpful first steps, and this is why you need to provide the right information; how long have you noticed blood in their stool? What was their diet like? Do they have any new behavioral changes? Providing this information will enable the veterinarian to determine how serious the problem is.
3. Gather Information
Prior to meeting your veterinarian, make sure you record several details regards to your dog’s health. Try to remember when you first saw the blood, how old was the stool, any signs of vomiting, excessive sleepiness, etc. Also, think about any recent changes to their diet or surroundings as those may be crucial. Writing down this information will be helpful for the vet and enhance the chances of accurate and speedy diagnosis.
4. Follow Veterinary Advice
Upon consulting your vet, make sure you follow what they say to the letter. They will likely recommend blood tests, stool tests, or imaging studies to figure out why exactly the patient is bleeding. Following what they say about treatment options, reevaluation, or diet and exercise changes is very important. That is how your dog will get the best help. If medication or special diet is prescribed, follow it precisely as directed.
Conclusion
Seeing your dog poop blood is undoubtedly distressing, but understanding the potential causes and knowing how to respond can make a significant difference. Regular veterinary check-ups, a balanced diet, and being aware of changes in your dog’s behavior are essential for maintaining their health. Remember, timely intervention can often lead to a full recovery.
If you find yourself in this situation, don’t hesitate to reach out to your veterinarian. Your furry friend deserves the best care possible!
