Blood In Dog Stool: What To Do And How To Proceed Safely

Noticing blood in your dog’s stool can be alarming and it’s easy to start thinking the worst. Sometimes, blood in your dog’s stool is nothing to be worried about, and it’s the result of a simple problem that will get better on its own in just a few days. However, in other instances, there may be a much more severe underlying problem that needs to be addressed, especially if your dog also has diarrhea, or is vomiting.
This article will help you understand why your pet has this problem, when to be concerned, and what you can do about it.

It’s normal for dog stool to have a slight red or brownish tint to it. But If you’re seeing bright red, then there’s no doubt about it, your dog has a bloody stool, and needs help.

Why Is My Dog Pooping Blood?

Gastrointestinal

The first cause of blood in a dog’s stool is gastrointestinal blood loss. Sometimes, for reasons veterinarians cannot explain, a small amount of bleeding occurs in the upper part of the small intestine. It may be due to a minor injury or perhaps an ulcer. The bleeding causes red blood cells to pass into the feces, resulting in the bloody stool.

Gastrointestinal Ulcer Disease

The second most common cause of blood in a dog’s feces is ulcer disease. In this condition, irritation to the lining of the stomach or small intestine causes damage, resulting in bleeding. The most common form of gastrointestinal ulcer disease is called gastric or duodenal ulcers. Dogs with this condition typically vomit, have an appetite loss, and may have abdominal pain.

Obstruction of the Bowel

The most serious cause for blood in the stool of a dog is an obstruction of the intestine. Since feces are made up largely of digested blood, it follows that if there is no place for the digested blood to go, it will come out in a dog’s stool. Obstruction of the bowel is a surgical emergency as the dog’s life is at risk.

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What Does Blood in a Dog's Stool Look Like?

Bloody stools can have different appearances. The color aids in vividly determining the part of the dog’s tract where the blood is popping from. There are two types of appearances: melena and hematochezia.

Melena:

Black, tarry color, digested blood is difficult for bile to change. In other words, the dog’s feces is black and looks like mud or tar. The blood comes from the stomach or the upper part of the small intestine. This is generally due to ulcer disease in these two areas, but it could also be due to cancer or another serious disease.

Hematochezia:

Red, fresh blood is free from bile and comes from the lower part of the intestine. This is generally due to a gastrointestinal ulcer or obstruction, such as an intestinal stricture or foreign body.

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What to Do When Your Dog Has Bloody Stool?

The first thing you should do if you find blood in your dog’s stool, whether the stool is formed or loose (like diarrhea), is to call your veterinarian, or out of hours, a 24/7 telehealth helpline for pets. It’s better to be safe than sorry. You can save yourself and your veterinarian time by knowing how to describe your dog’s bloody stool.

You can also give your dog some special food for constipation or hemorrhoids. Just make sure you use the right amount for your dog’s size, or else it can cause health problems, too.

Keep an eye out for changes in your dog’s appetite, activity levels, and attitude. Vomiting, diarrhea, appetite loss, weakness, blood in the urine, and difficulty breathing can all indicate serious conditions that require immediate veterinary intervention.

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What if Your Dog Also Has Diarrhea or Is Vomiting?

If your dog is also vomiting or has diarrhea, it may be hemorrhagic gastroenteritis. This serious condition is most common in small and toy breed dogs (Young Miniature Poodles, Miniature Schnauzers, Yorkshire Terriers, Dachshunds, and Maltese seem to be more commonly affected) and requires prompt veterinary care.

Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis is a life-threatening disease. Dogs with this condition will appear severely ill and, if left untreated, may die. If your dog has this condition, it will need to be hospitalized and go under intensive treatment. If you are unsure, it’s strongly recommended to call your vet or, out of hours, a 24/7 telehealth helpline, they will guide you step by step.

Can My Dog Die From Pooping Blood?

Well, it depends on the situation. Bloody stool in your dog may just be caused by some irritation or rectal injury. However, it can be a sign of serious conditions like hemorrhagic gastroenteritis or colitis. It’s best to take your dog to the vet as soon as you notice blood in his stool, or at least talk to your vet or an online 24/7 vet service to put your mind at ease. It may be nothing. However, it can also be a symptom of serious illness. You should ensure you can take all the precautions before it’s too late.

Blood in Your Dog Stool? Here is What to Do and How to Act Safely And Quickly

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