It’s part of being a responsible pet owner to do things like checking on your dog’s feces, something you probably never imagined you’d do. Your dog’s feces may tell you a lot about its inside health. To give you an example, you can find out whether they have worms and if it was a good idea to share the snack you had with them the previous night.
If you want to know how your dog is doing health-wise, you should examine his or her feces on a daily basis. Alterations in hue, pattern, and texture are often the first warning indications of disease.
One of the most alarming things you may notice when your dog defecates is the presence of blood. If you see blood in your dog’s feces, you’ll want to know what’s causing it, how to treat it, and when to seek veterinary attention.
Unfortunately, there is a wide range of possible causes for blood in a dog’s feces, and the amount and kind of blood present might affect both the diagnosis and therapy.
If you see blood in your dog’s feces, you should have them checked out right away. Your veterinarian will check for a number of conditions known to produce bloody feces in pets so they can begin treatment right away. What causes blood in the toilet and what to do about it are topics we’ll cover in this post.
What To Look For
Most pet parents believe they’ll know bloody stool when they see it, but there are actually two types of blood in stool: hematochezia and melena.
- Hematochezia: Hematochezia is bright red, and you’ll know its blood when you see it. Bright red blood means that the bleeding is occurring in the lower digestive tract or colon.
- Melena: Melena’s black, tarry hue and consistency make it significantly more difficult for pet owners to see. If you have melanoma, the bleeding is most likely happening in your esophagus, stomach, or small intestine. Melena is not always obvious. A white paper towel may be used to determine whether the color of their feces is red if you are concerned about the odd hue.
Why Does My Dog Have Bloody Stools?
There are a few different causes of blood in a dog’s feces: intestinal bleeding (as in the case of canine parvovirus), intestinal damage (as in the case of worms), and external bleeding.
We’ve established that canine blood may be either brilliant red or deeper and tarry in color. Common causes of blood in a dog’s feces may be identified based on the color and consistency of the blood and stool.
Hematochezia
You can tell more quickly whether your dog had an accident inside or outdoors when the blood is a bright red color instead of the usual brown. While the sight of blood like this in your dog’s feces might be scary, it may not indicate that your pet is unwell. A single, isolated spot of bright red blood in otherwise healthy feces is not always a reason for instant panic, but it is still prudent to check with your vet just in case. But if your dog’s diarrhea or vomiting persists, or if you notice any other signs, including blood in the feces, you should contact your vet immediately.
Common causes of bright red blood in your dog’s poop include:
- Colitis
- Parasites
- Trauma
- Toxins
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Anal sac problems
Melena
Because they are the same color as the rest of the stool, tarry stools may be difficult for pet owners to see with the naked eye. Furthermore, certain canines may have naturally black feces. Melena in your dog’s feces indicates upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage, as we’ve previously discussed.
Common causes of dark tarry stools include:
- Parasites
- Infections
- Ulcers
- Tumors
- Trauma
- Foreign bodies
- Toxicity
- Pancreatitis
If you see blood in your dog’s feces, it’s crucial to take him to the vet right away so he may be identified and treated for whatever is causing the bleeding in his digestive system. In addition, if your dog exhibits additional symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, or lethargy, you should rush them to the doctor since these may be signs of a serious condition.
How to Deal with a Dog With Blood in Its Poop
Take careful notes on the color and consistency of the stool, as well as the sort of blood you detect, if you discover that your dog has blood in its feces. If your dog has diarrhea and the blood is bright red, your vet may suspect colitis and prescribe antibiotics. A picture may assist your vet to determine what’s causing the blood in your dog’s poop, so snap one if you can.
After you’ve looked at the feces, give your vet a call. In order to evaluate whether the issue warrants immediate attention, your veterinarian may ask you a series of questions. The frequency with which your dog has been passing bloody stool; the appearance of the blood; and the presence of additional symptoms including nausea, vomiting, lethargy, and dehydration should all be reported to the veterinarian.
There are times when passing blood in feces signals an immediate health crisis, but other times when it’s not that urgent. Ask your vet over the phone whether it’s an emergency, or just take Fido to the closest emergency clinic just in case. Talk to your vet as soon as you discover blood in your dog’s feces; this might be an indication of something serious that needs quick attention.
Blood in a dog’s feces may have a variety of causes, each of which requires a different approach to treatment. If your dog has bloody diarrhea in the aftermath of a stressful incident, for instance, this might be a sign of colitis. If your dog suffers from colitis, your veterinarian may also recommend anti-anxiety drugs to ensure that your pet remains healthy while experiencing stressful situations.
Blood in dog poop may be handled in a number of ways, each of which is dependent on the results of your vet’s physical exam and any diagnostic tests that were performed. Because they are as black as the rest of the stool, several treatments may involve the naked eye. Furthermore, certain canines may have naturally black feces. Melena in your dog’s feces indicates upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage, as we’ve previously discussed.
Dosage Form: Oral Drugs
Your veterinarian may recommend giving your dog oral medicine if they determine that this is the best course of treatment. By way of illustration, if they are passing blood in their feces, it’s possible that they are suffering from intestinal parasites. Most veterinarians may request a stool sample from your pet at their annual wellness check to assist identify intestinal worms at an early stage. Your veterinarian may prescribe deworming medicine to assist eradicate the parasites that are triggering the blood in your dog’s feces.
In addition, your vet may recommend medicine for the underlying infection since other viruses, including parvo, may produce blood in the stool. Anti-inflammatory drugs may be used to treat stomach cramps, diarrhea, and bloody stools. Naturally, the medicine used to cure blood in stool depends on the diagnosis of your pet.
Fluids
Dehydration occurs when a dog loses too much fluid via vomiting, diarrhea, or excessive bleeding due to digestive issues. In order to treat or prevent dehydration, your vet may provide intravenous fluids to your dog. In addition, if your dog is having diarrhea or vomiting at home, give it fresh water to drink so it may rehydrate if it is able to stand.
Probiotics
Probiotics are beneficial for the digestive tracts of both people and dogs. In order to promote digestion, probiotics may help maintain a healthy balance of good and harmful bacteria in your dog’s digestive tract.
Acid Reducing Medications or Over-The-Counter Meds
Some of the symptoms of the typical issues that produce blood in the stool may be alleviated with pain medicines and acid reducers. Diseases that result in bloody stools can bring along additional discomfort, such as bloating and cramps. A pain reliever may be prescribed by your veterinarian to make your dog more comfortable during treatment for an underlying ailment or to help them cope with pain while their body fights infection.
Surgery
Surgery to address your dog’s underlying cause of blood in the stool may be necessary, depending on the findings. Foreign items are the most common cause of intestinal blockages in dogs, although your vet may recommend surgery for diagnosis or treatment. During the procedure, a sample of your dog’s internal tissue will be taken. In the instance of bloat, which may be deadly to dogs, surgery can be utilized to realign organs that have been displaced.
Blood In Dog’s Stool: FAQs
What does it mean when a dog has blood in their stool?
There are several potential causes of blood in a dog’s feces, therefore if you ever see any blood in your dog’s feces, you should contact your vet immediately. Blood in the stool may be a symptom of a number of different diseases or parasites, therefore it’s advisable to see a vet determine the root cause and the most effective course of therapy.
Is bloody stool an emergency in dogs?
Having bloody diarrhea or vomiting for more than 12 hours is an emergency. Mild stomach upsets, such as those caused by feeding a dog too soon, are a common cause of temporary diarrhea and vomiting in dogs. However, blood in the poop suggests that your dog may be struggling with an underlying health condition.
When should I worry about blood in my dog’s stool?
A dog that has blood in its poop should not be considered healthy. There may be no need to hurry your dog to the doctor if he or she has a known medical issue that produces diarrhea or blood in the feces. For instance, if your dog develops stress-induced colitis, you may see bloody or loose feces after a stressful incident.
The presence or absence of blood in your dog’s feces shouldn’t prevent you from seeing a veterinarian if you observe any changes in your dog’s bowel movements.
Closing Remarks
Blood in the dog’s feces is not normal for a healthy canine. There are a number of possible causes for blood in your dog’s feces, but getting a professional diagnosis is essential for finding a solution. The presence of blood in the dog’s feces is often a symptom of a more serious health problem, and failure to address such a problem may lead to a worse quality of life for your pet.