If you notice blood in your dog’s stools, it can raise an alarm in your mind. It will also lead you to ask the question “why is my dog pooping blood”. The concerns are quite valid and rightfully so. It could be a sign of a minor issue or a major health concern that requires immediate attention.
Nonetheless, knowing the potential causes and how to respond will be critical to your dog’s well being. This guide will help you understand why such a thing is occurring including common causes and when to take action accordingly. Let’s take a look now at everything you need to do in a situation where your dog may be pooping blood.
Understanding the Types of Bloody Stool in Dogs
To begin, it is important to learn the distinct differences between bloody stools. There are two different types in particular that will help you make differentiating one from the other much easier. As such, here are the following types of bloody stools:
- Hematochezia: The blood will appear bright red. It will be more of an appearance of fresh blood. This will likely originate from your dog’s lower digestive tract.
- Melena: The stool will appear in a dark, tar-like matter. This will indicate digested blood that originates from the upper digestive tract.
With this in mind, you have taken a step towards figuring out the answer to “why is my dog pooping blood”. We are just getting started as we may determine what underlying issues might exist.
What Are the Common Causes of Blood in Dog Stool
There are several different common causes that could lead to blood in a dog’s stool. However, if in doubt, it is always important to seek assistance from a veterinarian that will determine the actual cause. Please note that knowing such common causes, do not risk performing your own diagnosis - further reinforcing that immediate attention may still need to be required. Here are the common causes:
Dietary Indiscretion
There are situations where some dogs eat things they shouldn’t. They include but are not limited to spoiled foods or even foreign objects. As such, it can cause the gastrointestinal tract to become irritated, leading to inflammation and bloody stools. Never feed your dog spoiled foods and make sure that your floor is free of any foreign objects that may be small enough for your dog to eat.
Additionally, do not allow your dog on any tables or pieces of furniture - especially if they appear to be in search of something they might want to chew or eat. They may use such furniture to access areas where they can eat small objects that could cause dietary indiscretion.
Parasites and Infections
Parasitic infections like hookworm, whipworm, or giardia are known for causing bleeding in the intestines along with digestive irritation. On the other hand, bleeding stools can also be linked to bacterial infections or viral infections such as parvovirus - which can be found in puppies.
Colitis and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Colitis is defined as chronic inflammation of the colon. Typically, it can be associated with causes such as food allergies or autoimmune disorders. If such conditions are properly diagnosed, you will be made aware of intermittent episodes of bloody stools. Nevertheless, if your dog has frequent bloody diarrhea, this will be a possible sign of an underlying inflammatory condition. Your dog's medical history may also be useful in deciding when to take immediate action or notifying your vet of any potential treatment plans to handle bloody stools.
Anal Gland Issues
Anal glands that are impacted or infected can lead to discomfort and bleeding. This will be noticeable during moments when your dog is defecating or has finished doing so. To remedy such issues, a regular gland expression by your dog’s veterinarian or even a groomer will be needed. An expression can help prevent further complications.
Trauma or Injury
If your dog swallows a sharp object like bones or sticks, it can increase the potential for gastrointestinal tears. As such, bloody stools can confirm its existence. If your dog experiences episodes of constipation, excessive straining can lead to minor bleeding in their rectum. In the event of constipation issues, you can monitor their condition accordingly while feeding them soft foods such as pumpkin to help loosen the stools.
Tumors or Polyps
This will be a common condition in older dogs since they are more susceptible to growths in the digestive tract that are either benign or malignant. In turn, these can cause bleeding in the stool. If the blood in the stool is persistent, you will need to schedule a vet evaluation as soon as possible to determine the next steps in terms of treatment.
When Is It Appropriate for Veterinary Care?
It can be hard to determine the severity of the situation when asking “why is my dog pooping blood”. Nevertheless, assessing the level of severity is crucial. However, taking immediate action to see a vet is highly recommended if you spot the following signs:
- Large amounts of blood or prolonged bleeding
- Melena (stools that are dark and tar-like)
- Signs of pain or discomfort - especially while defecating
- Vomiting
- Lethargy
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
Even one singular sign like malena can be enough to warrant an emergency vet evaluation. The sooner you act, the better. Do not put off a vet visit that is needed beyond the usual checkup appointments.
What Are the Best Diagnosis and Treatment Options for Bloody Stools in Dogs?
Knowing the right diagnosis and treatment options for bloody stools in dogs will be critical. Again, it is important to leave this into the hands of a veterinarian that will perform a physical exam and a series of diagnostic tests including fecal analysis, blood work, and imagining to help uncover the root cause and provide an accurate diagnosis. It is also to know about the treatment approaches (depending on the diagnosis) that you can also follow at including:
- Deworming medication (parasites)
- Antibiotics or antivirals (infections)
- Dietary changes or medical diets (for IBD, colitis, and similar issues)
- Surgical intervention in severe cases (tumors or blockages)
- Probiotics and fiber supplements such as Under The Weather’s Probiotic Soft Chews for Dogs
Home care and monitoring
If you are awaiting veterinarian care or need post-treatment home care options, you’ll want to follow these necessary steps that will help with your dog’s treatment and recovery. Such things to consider include:
- Proper hydration: Your dog should have clean water at all times to prevent dehydration. If necessary, consider purchasing bottles of purified drinking water (especially if you have concerns with your tap water and what it might contain). Fluid therapy like regular hydration can be the best medical advice a vet can give you for your dog.
- Bland diet: This includes foods that are easily digestible like boiled chicken or rice. Under The Weather also has bland diet food options as well to help accommodate your dog’s diet. One of our best options is the Chicken, Rice, and Bone Broth Bland Diet for Dogs that will be great for normal digestion and boosting immunity.
- Rest and regular observation: It is important to make sure that your dog gets an adequate amount of rest while you observe their condition. This includes monitoring stool consistency as well. During the recovery process for most issues, it should be recommended to limit any strenuous activity your dog may normally participate in.
- Adhere to vet’s treatment advice: This includes the prescribed treatment. Make sure that you follow the dosage schedule according to the plan.
If the symptoms persist or get worse, a further evaluation will be needed immediately by contacting your vet. Do not delay anything as it can be a race against the clock.
What Are Some Preventative Measures to Take For Bloody Stool in Dogs?
It is important to make sure you consider taking preventative measures to ensure your dog’s stools are not bloody. Staying a step ahead of the game will be important with these recommendations. They include but are not limited to the following:
- Consider a balanced, high-quality diet that is based on your dog’s needs. It is important to determine their level of activity, their breed, and body size so you can make such adjustments according to these factors.
- Do not feed your dog any foods that contain harmful ingredients such as spices. Spices in particular can upset your dog's stomach to the point where it may lead to bloody stools if there is some damage done.
- If your dog is known for taking foreign objects to chew on them or eat, make sure they have no access to them. Pick up any objects off the floor if they are not supposed to be there in the first place. Also, limit or completely restrict access to furniture they might jump on - especially if it’s close to any tables or shelves where there may be small objects they can access.
- Stay up to date with deworming and necessary vaccinations that are designed to protect your dog against infections and parasites.
- Schedule regular vet check-ups. This will be key in detecting any early signs of gastrointestinal disorders (if any are possible).
Final Thoughts
When a dog is pooping blood, you might have an idea of what could be the cause. However, only a veterinarian will be able to determine the specific cause and apply the appropriate treatment plan. It never hurts to notify your vet as soon as possible about any concerns regarding your dog pooping blood. The sooner you can get them in to determine the real issue, the more peace of mind you will have knowing what it might be.
