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A dog's digestive system is a complex network of organs working together to process food, extract nutrients, and eliminate waste. So, what does it mean when a dog poops blood?
Bloody stool in dogs indicates that something within this system is damaged or isn't functioning as it should. Although occasional irregular stools can occur, blood in a dog's stool is a concerning symptom that warrants attention.
Let's dive in the learn about the eight possible reasons your dog is pooping blood.
1. Dietary Indiscretion
The presence of blood in your dog's poop could be due to them eating a harmful food. These include foods that are spoiled, contaminated, or upsetting to their digestive system. This irritates the gastrointestinal tract, leading to inflammation and damage to the intestinal lining, which can manifest as bloody stool.
2. Internal Parasites
Hookworms, whipworms, coccidia, and giardia are common intestinal parasites in dogs that cause inflammation and irritation, leading to bloody stool. Other signs your dog has internal parasites include weight loss, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
3. Anal Sac Infections or Impactions
When a dog's anal sac is infected, inflamed, or blocked, it may cause discomfort, pain, irritation, and bloody dog stool. Your fur baby will have difficulty passing stool and may be seen straining and licking at the anal area, which can in turn bleed and become mixed with your dog’s feces.
4. Gastrointestinal Inflammation
Another possible reason for your dog pooping blood is inflammatory bowel disease. Bright red blood could mean your dog has large bowel or lower digestive tract bleeding, which can cause blood in their stool that appears bright red or jelly-like with streaks of blood.
This points to bleeding in the lower digestive tract. This is commonly seen with hemorrhagic gastroenteritis (HGE, also known as AHDS, acute hemorrhagic diarrhea syndrome).
Common causes for black or tarry dog poop can be digested blood from the upper digestive tract such as the small intestine. Gastric ulcers, liver cancer, dental disease, intestinal tumors, or trauma to the upper GI tract.
5. Ingested Toxic Substances
Ingested toxic substances, such as certain plants, chemicals, or medications, can irritate the lining of the stomach and intestines. This irritation triggers an inflammatory response, causing the tissues to become swollen and bleed. Other toxins, such as rat poison, disrupt a dog's blood clotting system, leading to gastrointestinal bleeding.
If your dog swallows a poisonous substance, immediately contact your veterinarian and poison control.
6. Trauma or Injuries
Trauma or injuries from being hit, kicked, or falling from a height can lead to internal damage within the dog's abdomen and gastrointestinal bleeding. Pet parents should seek immediate veterinary attention to assess the extent of the injuries and obtain appropriate care.
7. Viral and Bacterial Infections
Viral and bacterial infections, such as parvovirus or bacterial gastroenteritis, can lead to blood in a dog's stool by inflicting damage to the intestinal lining. These infections can lead to inflammation, ulcers, and bleeding within the digestive tract, giving your dog bloody diarrhea.
8. Tumors or Polyps
These are abnormal growths of tissue that can develop in various parts of the body, including the gastrointestinal tract. When polyps occur near the anus, they can lead to symptoms like straining during bowel movements, diarrhea, and dog rectal bleeding.
The larger the polyp, the greater the potential for malignancy, making it important to seek veterinary evaluation to determine the nature of the growth and appropriate management.
What Should I Do if My Dog is Pooping Blood?
If you're wondering, what the reason it could be that your dog is pooping blood it's usually time to consult a veterinarian. You should also seek immediate veterinary care if you notice the following additional signs:
- Your dog's bloody stool persists for more than a day or two.
- Your dog shows other signs like vomiting, lethargy, loss of appetite, or abdominal pain along with bloody stool.
- You notice your senior dog or puppy pooping blood. These age groups are more vulnerable and should be taken to a veterinarian immediately.
- Your dog appears to be in pain or discomfort.
- There are additional signs of illness or behavioral changes.
- You suspect your pet dog might have ingested poison.
Conclusion
As a pet parent, you should proactively monitor your dog's well-being and promptly seek professional veterinary advice if you notice your dog pooping blood. Take note of any changes in behavior, signs of distress, or significant bleeding. Seeking prompt veterinary care will address causes of blood in the dog's stool.
For the utmost convenience and care, consider booking a home vet visit today to ensure your dog's health and well-being.
Should My Pet Be Seen by a Veterinarian?
1. Have you noticed changes in your pet’s appetite?
2. Does your pet have diarrhea or loose stools?
3. Have you noticed changes in your pet’s thirst/water consumption?
4. Is your pet having accidents in the house?
5. Is your pet pacing and unable to settle?
6. Is your pet panting more than usual?
7. Is your pet whining or vocalizing more than usual?
8. Is your pet shaking more than usual?
9. Is your pet hiding or avoiding physical contact more than usual?
10. Is your pet more lethargic and sleeping more than usual?
11. Are you concerned about changes in your pet’s behavior?
12. Is your pet scratching their ears?
13. Is your pet licking their paws more than usual?
14. Does your pet have a rash?
15. Is your pet moving more slowly than usual or having a harder time getting up or down?
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Should My Pet Be Seen by a Veterinarian?
1. Have you noticed changes in your pet’s appetite?
2. Does your pet have diarrhea or loose stools?
3. Have you noticed changes in your pet’s thirst/water consumption?
4. Is your pet having accidents in the house?
5. Is your pet pacing and unable to settle?
6. Is your pet panting more than usual?
7. Is your pet whining or vocalizing more than usual?
8. Is your pet shaking more than usual?
9. Is your pet hiding or avoiding physical contact more than usual?
10. Is your pet more lethargic and sleeping more than usual?
11. Are you concerned about changes in your pet’s behavior?
12. Is your pet scratching their ears?
13. Is your pet licking their paws more than usual?
14. Does your pet have a rash?
15. Is your pet moving more slowly than usual or having a harder time getting up or down?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is blood in a dog's stool an emergency?
Given the many causes of bloody dog stool and the importance of getting an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment, contacting a veterinarian is highly recommended.
How do veterinarians diagnose bloody stool causes?
Veterinarians diagnose causes of bloody stool in dogs by assessing the animal's overall health, fecal examination, blood tests, endoscopy, imaging, or biopsy.
How are dogs with bloody stools treated?
Depending on the cause, treatment can include appropriate medication, managing dietary issues with diet changes, deworming for parasites, and providing supportive care, such as fluids and medications to relieve dehydration, inflammation, or discomfort. The dog may also get steroid injections, probiotics, or surgery to remove an object they may have swallowed.
How to prevent bloody stools in dogs?
To prevent bloody dog stool, ensure a balanced, appropriate diet, maintain a parasite prevention program, keep up with vaccinations, minimize exposure to toxins and hazardous substances, and promptly address any gastrointestinal bleeding issues by consulting a veterinarian.
