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Dogs are known for being one of the most beloved household pets. They are loyal and affectionate and provide companionship for their owners. Sadly, these angels can also be susceptible to illnesses and health problems just like any other living creature.
One such issue that dog owners may encounter is when their dog starts to poop blood. When a dog is pooping blood, it is certainly a sign that something is wrong. The color of the blood can vary, but typically it is either red or black. There are many potential causes of bloody stool in dogs, some of which are serious and require treatment. It is important to take your dog to the vet as soon as possible for a diagnosis. By getting to the bottom of the issue, your veterinarian can help get your dog back on track as quickly as possible.
Before You Start
While it may seem disgusting, you need to look at your dogs’ poop regularly as it’s possible to learn a lot about a dog’s health by looking at their poop. One of the first signs of illness in your dog can be changes in color, consistency, and frequency of their poo. There are many potential reasons why a dog might have bloody stools, some of which are quite serious.
Conditions that can cause bloody stool in dogs include intestinal parasites, tumors, colitis, and other infections or inflammation of the intestines. If a dog is experiencing bloody stool, it is important to take them to the veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible. The more information you can give your vet, the quicker they can form a hypothesis and the faster they can make a diagnosis.
The 5 Reasons Why Your Dog Could Be Pooping Blood
1. New Foods & Bad Foods
If your dog has bloody stools, it is most likely due to them eating something bad. Your dog could have a gastrointestinal foreign body such as a chicken bone that is puncturing the intestinal wall and causing bleeding. Alternatively, your dog could have a bacterial or viral infection from spoiled food causing bloody diarrhea. It’s also possible your dog is allergic to a new food you’ve given them. Dogs’ digestive tracts are often affected by inflammation called gastroenteritis or hemorrhagic gastroenteritis when blood is present. Treatment depends on the underlying cause. If there is a foreign body, it may need to be surgically removed.
2. Infections & Parasites
Seeing blood in your dog’s stool could be the result of several different parasites or infections. Infections may be caused by bacteria, viruses, or other pathogens, while parasites may include worms, protozoa, or other organisms. Infections or parasites may cause inflammation and bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract, which can lead to bloody stools. As always, remember that bloody stools can be a sign of serious illness in dogs and should be promptly investigated by a veterinarian.
3. Cancer
Another possible reason for a dog having bloody stools is cancer. Cancer can cause tumors to grow in the intestines, or it may have spread from the liver or another part of the body. Cancer causes the dog to bleed internally, which results in bloody stools. Other signs of cancer in dogs include weight loss, decreased appetite, and lethargy. If your dog has any of these signs, it is important to take them to the veterinarian for an evaluation.
4. Blood Clotting Issues
A dog with bloody stools from blood clotting issues is likely suffering from a health condition that causes the blood to thin or thicken abnormally. This could be due to a variety of factors, such as genetic disorders, autoimmune diseases, or infections. If left untreated, the blood clotting could cause serious health complications for the dog, including internal bleeding, stroke, or cardiac arrest.
Blood clots can form in the intestines or break apart and release blood into the intestines, which will be expelled in the dog’s stool. This can be a serious problem as it can lead to excessive bleeding and even death. Treatment for this condition typically involves medication to dissolve the clots and treat the underlying cause.
5. Poison
There are a variety of reasons why a dog might poop blood, but one of the most common is poison ingestion. This can lead to bloody diarrhea and, in some cases, death.
The four types of poisons that are most dangerous to dogs are rodenticides, insecticides, human medications, and plants. These poisons can cause serious health problems in dogs, including internal bleeding, liver and kidney damage, and seizures. Dogs that ingest these poisons often require emergency veterinary care.
What Should I Do If My Dog Poops Blood?
There are a few things that you should do if your dog is pooping blood. The first is to take them to the vet as soon as possible. The vet will be able to examine your dog and determine what is causing the bleeding. They will likely need to run some tests or perform surgery to determine and fix the problem. Additionally, you should keep track of how often your dog is pooping blood and how much blood there is in each instance. Knowing how to describe your dog’s bloody stool can save you and your veterinarian time.
What Is Hematochezia?
Hematochezia is the presence of fresh blood in the stool. Seeing bright red, fresh blood has passed through the rectum and anus generally means that the issue is in the lower intestine, rectum, or anus.
Hematochezia in dogs can be caused by a variety of medical conditions, including intestinal parasites, bacterial infections, tumors, anal fissures, colorectal cancer, and diverticulitis. Treatment for hematochezia depends on the underlying cause. It is a sign that something is wrong with your pet’s intestinal tract, and it should be evaluated by a veterinarian.
What Is Melena?
Melena is a medical condition characterized by the presence of black, tarry stools. The condition is caused by the presence of blood in the gastrointestinal tract, which is often due to bleeding from the stomach or small intestines. The blood turns black as it mixes with digestive juices, and the resulting stools can be quite foul-smelling and can be an indication that the dog is suffering from a health issue that requires immediate medical attention.
It suggests a problem with the upper digestive tract since the blood has already been digested. Melena can be a sign of several different medical conditions, including parasites, ulcers, gastrointestinal bleeding, and liver cancer, or could be caused by something your dog has swallowed.
Depending on your dog’s diet and other factors, they may naturally have darker stools than others. However, you should always contact your veterinarian if your dog’s stools appear darker than normal or show any major darkening of appearance or color from day to day.
When Should I Worry About Blood in My Dog’s Stool?
The presence of blood in a dog’s stool can be an indication of various health problems, some of which are quite serious. Accordingly, dog owners should take any blood in their dog’s stool seriously and consult with a veterinarian as soon as possible. Depending on your dog’s condition, a phone conversation may help you determine whether they need to see the vet.
What Other Signs Should I Watch Out for If My Dog Has Bloody Stools?
If your dog is experiencing bloody stools, you should also watch for other signs such as weight loss, dehydration, fever, abdominal pain, vomiting, lethargy, blood in urine, and a lack of appetite. Bloody stools can be a sign of many different diseases or conditions, so it’s important to take your dog to the veterinarian for a diagnosis if you notice any of these other signs.
Why Is My Dog Pooping Red Jelly?
There are a variety of potential reasons why a dog might be excreting red jelly-like material, including ingesting blood parasites such as hookworms, ingesting a foreign object that has become lodged in the digestive tract, experiencing hemorrhagic gastroenteritis (a condition that results in the vomiting of blood), or having an underlying medical condition such as liver disease or pancreatitis. If your dog has red stools you should take them to the vet immediately.
Is Bloody Diarrhea in Dogs an Emergency?
There is no one answer to this question as the severity of bloody diarrhea in dogs will vary depending on the underlying cause. However, generally speaking, bloody diarrhea can be a sign of a serious health issue and should be evaluated by a veterinarian as soon as possible. Some of the causes of bloody diarrhea that may require emergency treatment include severe infections, poisoning, and injuries to the gastrointestinal tract.
Some pet owners might consider bloody diarrhea in their dogs to be an emergency, while others might not. The consensus seems to be that if the bloody diarrhea is accompanied by other worrying signs, such as vomiting, lethargy, or loss of appetite, then it is definitely worth seeking veterinary care. Otherwise, it may be possible to wait and see if the condition resolves itself within a day or two.
If in doubt, it is better to err on the side of caution, rather than cause your pet irreparable damage and unnecessary suffering.
Can You Treat Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis in Dogs at Home?
Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis (HGE) is a serious condition that affects the gastrointestinal tract. The most common signs include vomiting and diarrhea, which may contain blood. HGE can be a life-threatening condition and requires prompt veterinary treatment. There is no specific cure for HGE, but the condition can be managed with supportive care. Treatment may include fluids, antibiotics, and other medications as needed. Don’t try to treat this at home. Take your dog for the care they need.
Can a Dog Recover From Blood in Their Stool?
There is no simple answer to this question as it depends on several factors, such as the severity of the blood in the stool and the underlying cause. In general, however, dogs can recover from blood in their stool if the underlying cause is identified and treated. For example, if the blood is caused by an infection, antibiotics may be prescribed to clear up the infection, and supportive care may help the dog heal and stay hydrated. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to correct an underlying issue.
What Is Parvo? What Are Signs of Parvo?
Parvo is a highly contagious virus that affects dogs, causing bloody diarrhea and vomiting. The virus is often spread through contact with an infected dog’s feces and can be deadly to puppies and unvaccinated dogs. Signs usually begin about 5 days after exposure to the virus and can include severe dehydration, loss of appetite, and lethargy. Treatment typically includes antibiotics to fight infection, IV fluids to replace lost fluids, and in some cases, surgery.
The appearance of Parvo feces can vary depending on the severity of the infection, but it is most commonly described as being black, tarry, and foul-smelling. In more severe cases, it can also be bloody.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is scary when your dog is pooping blood. There are many reasons why a dog might poop blood and if your dog is exhibiting any of the signs and symptoms of gastrointestinal bleeding, please take them to the veterinarian as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for a positive outcome. In this instance, it’s best to act quickly and prevent your best friend from needless suffering.
Featured Image Credit: SasaStock, Shutterstock
