What To Do About Bloody Diarrhea In Dogs
By Katelyn Son | Updated December 02, 2022
- Formulated to deliver digestive support, promote healthy yeast production, and encourage a normal immune response.
- Contains healthy ingredients and 8 strains of beneficial bacteria that work as a digestive aid, optimize skin health, and support coat comfort.
- Is easy to use on either young puppies or senior dogs.
- Made using high-quality ingredients from the US and prime locations worldwide
- Aids in your dogs occasional itchy skin, yeast production, or loose stools.
Potential Treatments For Blood In Dog Stool
Depending on the cause, there may be a variety of treatments you can expect when dealing with blood in your dogs stool. However, before a treatment plan can be determined, your pet must be seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible so they can find the underlying cause of why this is happening to your pet. Some of the tests a veterinarian might conduct to find out why your dog has blood in their stool include, but are not limited to:
How Do You Treat Blood In A Dogs Stool
What is the treatment for severe or bloody diarrhea in dogs?
Also Check: Can Dogs Develop Allergies To Their Food
Recommended Reading: How Accurate Are Herpes Blood Test
What Is Bloody Diarrhea In Dogs
Diarrhea is characterized by frequent bowel movements, with loose and liquidy fecal matter.
A bout of diarrhea isnt unheard of and can occur from something as simple as a change to your dogs diet. It may also happen if he has eaten something that he shouldnt have.
A small case of diarrhea is nothing to worry about. But, when blood begins to appear there could be something more sinister afoot.
First, let me run through some of the causes, symptoms, and treatments of bloody diarrhea in dogs.
What Is The Treatment For Severe Or Bloody Diarrhea In Dogs
The course of treatment prescribed for your pooch will depend on the underlying cause of your pup’s worrisome stool, but may include:
- Electrolyte and fluid therapies for hemorrhagic gastroenteritis
- Medications to soothe intestines
- Surgical remedies for tumors, ulcers or physical obstructions
- Antibiotic therapy for certain types of infections
- Anthelmintics for parasitic infections
- Corticosteroid therapy for cases of hypovolemic shock
Read Also: How High Can Your Blood Sugar Go
When Should I Be Worried
When you notice your dog has developed diarrhea, keep an eye on their behavior and the consistency of their stool over the course of the next day or two. If their bowel movements don’t return to normal or if they seem lethargic, skittish or otherwise “off,” then it’s time to bring them in to your Plains vet’s office. One of the most worrying signs that something is wrong with your dog is if you notice blood in their stool while they are experiencing diarrhea.
Can A Dog Poop Blood From Stress
Stress is a common cause of colitis in dogs which can cause blood in your dogs poo. Stress colitis can be triggered by things like environmental changes and anxiety-inducing situations like thunderstorms or fireworks, as well as many other things. Symptoms tend to resolve within a few days but you should still speak to a vet to be sure that stress colitis is what you are dealing with.
You May Like: How To Pronounce Iams Dog Food
Read Also: Get Paid To Donate Blood
Blood And Mucus In Dog Stool
Learn about our Editorial Policy.
The presence of blood and mucus in dog stool usually indicates some sort of infection, parasitic infestation, or other health condition. Although you should always consult your veterinarian if a situation like this arises, it’s helpful to understand what can cause this problem and what you should do for your dog.
Bloody Diarrhea In Dogs: Final Thoughts
It can be scary to see your dog pooping blood and vomiting. You may not know what to do at first. Some dog owners would wait it out and see what happens the next time their dog poops.
However, always remember that bloody diarrhea in dogs is a serious condition, and it shouldnt be taken lightly. If the problem continues along with vomiting and low energy levels, you ought to rush your pooch to the nearest vet.
Once treated, the vet will tell you how to treat bloody diarrhea in dogs continuously at home. Our dogs have less control over what they put into their mouths. The best way to prevent any of this from happening is to simply monitor what your pooch eats.
Also Check: True Metrix Self Monitoring Blood Glucose Meter
Why Does My Dog Have Diarrhea But Is Acting Normal
Sometimes, your dog may have bloody diarrhea or just diarrhea but still act normal. In this case, the stomach problems are likely due to a less serious issue.
Diarrhea with red blood may be from one of several underlying cause options. Your dog may have eaten something he should not, or maybe you changed his food too abruptly.
Red blood in diarrhea may also be from an underlying cause like antibiotics or other medicines.
Some medications disrupt your dog’s gastric flora. Blood in your dog’s stool can also be due to stomach ulcers or infectious agents. Parvovirus is particularly common in dogs.
Identify When Theyre Not Ready
Your dog may not seem to tolerate the new food, no matter how slowly you go, and thats OK too. Slowly shift them back to the old food and start again with something else after giving his tummy a break. It could be that the new dog food contains ingredients to which your dog has an intolerance or allergy. If you continue to have trouble changing dog food, or if his stools contain blood or an unusual color, you should consult a veterinarian.
Read Also: Blood Test For Uterine Cancer
Eating Something Bad Or A Switching To A New Food
Bloody poop can be a consequence of something affecting your dogs digestive tract .
Common conditions affecting the digestive tract include inflammation thats called gastroenteritis, or hemorrhagic gastroenteritis when blood is also present.
Either of these can occur when your dog has eaten something he or she should not have. This can include non-food items, such as:
What Home Remedy Is Good For A Dog With Bloody Diarrhoea
You should never resort to home remedies for your dogs bloody poo without consulting a vet first. Even if your dog has bloody diarrhoea but is acting normal, it is still possible that they might need urgent treatment. While it might end up being nothing to worry about, its always best to err on the side of caution and not take the risk.
Recommended Reading: Blood Clot After Venaseal Procedure
Hematochezia: Bright Red Blood In A Dogs Poop
Hematochezia is the term used to describe when there is bright red blood in a dogs poop. In this case, the blood is bright red because it is coming from the lower part of the digestive tract .
It is also bright red because it has not gone through the entire digestive process and typically looks fresh when it exits the body.
When hematochezia is seen, it often accompanies diarrhea and will have a red-tinged appearance. The dog will likely go to the bathroom with increased frequency and may have a larger volume of stool. The consistency can range from a soft, formed texture to complete liquid.
Sometimes formed stool will also be covered in mucus, and the blood will appear to be on the outside of the poop. This also indicates an issue with the lower part of the digestive tract, such as the colon.
Preventing Diarrhea In Dogs
Some cases of diarrhea are preventable. Vaccinations exist for viral conditions like distemper and parvovirus. Preventing your dog from consuming toxic substances like garbage, salt water, and human food can reduce their risk of diarrhea from toxicity and indigestion. Keeping your dog up to date on parasite prevention will help reduce the risks of parasites, too.
Other causes of diarrhea, like cancer, immune conditions, or bacterial infections may not be preventable. In these cases, early intervention at the first sign of infection is the best way to prevent major complications.
Don’t Miss: Does Plan B Cause Blood Clots
What Does It Mean When A Dog Has Diarrhea With Blood
Bloody diarrhea in dogs means bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract.
The presence of bright red blood or fresh blood indicates bleeding in the upper digestive tract, while dark, tarry or digested blood indicates bleeding in the lower parts of the digestive tract.
Bloody diarrhea in dogs can be the symptom of serious health issues such as a stomach ulcer or even GI tract cancer. However, there are many underlying causes of bloody diarrhea.
If your dog is experiencing bloody diarrhea, observe the overall situation. If showing additional signs and symptoms , you need to see an emergency vet.
Diagnosing Diarrhea In Dogs
Of course, its not hard to tell when your dog has diarrheabut diagnosing its cause requires you to give your veterinarian some information. Vets diagnose diarrhea in dogs based on medical history, the owners description of symptoms, a physical exam, blood work, and diagnostic tests like fecal exams , radiographs, ultrasounds, and anything else they deem necessary based on your particular dogs situation.
Getting detailed information from the owner is especially important for cases where a toxin or foreign substance may have been consumed. Knowing that a dog had access to a potentially dangerous substance can save timeand the dogs life.
Read Also: Can Pancreatic Cancer Be Detected By Blood Test
How Can I Help My Dog Through A Food Transition
So, you switched your dogs food to a fresh food diet to give them a healthier and happier life. Great work.
That said, dietary changes of any type can cause temporary digestive distress to your dog, even when youre switching to a healthier option. The good news is that with an appropriate transition and some patience, your dog will be over the hump in no time.
Read Also: How To Cook Homemade Food For Dogs
What Are The Symptoms Of Hge In Dogs
Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis manifests as a sudden onset of watery, bloody diarrhea in dogs and sometimes vomiting. Itâs a shedding of the intestinal lining due to severe inflammation and is often identified by âchunksâ of tissue in otherwise watery stool.
We describe those chunks as âraspberry jamâ or jelly-like bloody diarrhea. When this happens, it is extremely dehydrating for the dog â much more than you would think from the amount of diarrhea observed â and dogs can go from near-normal to near-death in a frighteningly short amount of time.
Thankfully, when HGE is fully treated, there are usually no long-term health impacts. However, some dogs with sensitive GI tracts can have the syndrome recur in the future.
Also Check: Blood In Urine After Prostatectomy
The Six Most Common Causes Of Bloody Diarrhea In Dogs
Bloody Diarrhea in Dogs | If your dog has been diagnosed with bloody diarrhea, youre probably concerned about the potential severity of the problem and seeking guidance on what you can do to help your furry friend. Fortunately, there are many possible causes of bloody diarrhea in dogs, some of which can be treated at home with medications and dietary adjustments, and others that require immediate veterinary care. In order to make the best decisions about your dogs health and wellbeing, its important to know all about these six most common causes of bloody diarrhea in dogs.
Bloody Diarrhea In Dogs: Is It An Emergency
When our canine companions clearly aren’t feeling great, it is only natural to feel alarmed. This is in no small part why it is stressful when your dog is experiencing unexplained diarrhea. Today, our Springfield vets examine some common causes of diarrhea, what to do if your dog’s stool is bloody, and when an emergency vet visit is warranted.
Read Also: What Blood Test Shows Kidney Function
What Is Gastroenteritis In Dogs
Gastroenteritis in dogs is defined as an inflammation of a dogs stomach and small intestine . In simple terms, gastroenteritis is an upset stomach. Pet parents might use the term dog stomach bug to describe this kind of illness, but the possible causes go beyond a viral infection.
If your dog has bloody diarrhea or vomit, go to the emergency vet immediately, as these are signs of acute hemorrhagic diarrhea syndrome .
How Can I Tell If It’s Actually Blood
Before calling your emergency vet, you may find yourself wondering if it is actually blood you are seeing in your dog’s stool. Blood in the stool of our canine companions loooks different depending on its place of origin.
If your pup’s stool is streaked with distinctive fresh blood, this could be a sign that its from either the upper part of their small intestine or from your dog’s stomach. If the blood is partially digested it will look a bit like coffee grounds and may have originated from lower in your dog’s intestines.
If the blood is fresh it may be from your pet’s colon, but if its dark, tarry or sticky, it’s likely from your pup’s stomach or upper intestinal tract.
Don’t Miss: Low Blood Sugar Weight Loss
Can You Treat Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis In Dogs At Home
If your dog has bright red blood in his stool from hemorrhagic gastroenteritis, follow your veterinarian’s advice about treatment.
He may want to observe and monitor your dog in the vet hospital for at least 24 hours.
He may also suggest some at-home treatment once your pet is past the most dangerous stages. Your veterinarian will suggest giving your dog a bland diet.
Your vet may also recommend canned pumpkin, rice, or lean protein. These are also easy on your dog’s stomach. Canned pumpkin also provides easily digestible fiber.
Can Eating The Wrong Dog Food Cause Bloody Diarrhea In Puppies
In and of itself, a bout of diarrhea isnt necessarily an immediate cause for concern in a puppy. The presence of blood in diarrhea, however, warrants a visit to the vet if only to rule out any serious issues. Dietary changes can cause your pup to have an upset stomach. This is a fairly common issue with feeding. The presence of absence of other symptoms will guide you in judging the severity of the situation.
Read Also: Blood Sugar Levels For Hypoglycemia
Bright Red Blood In Your Dogs Stool
Bright red blood looks dramatic, but it isnt always a sign of a life-threatening illness. If you notice a single streak of red blood in your dogs stool, and the rest of his poop is normal, it might be a fluke. But you should still call your veterinarian. Consistent bleeding or large amounts of blood, on the other hand, indicate a more serious problem.
Here are some of the more common causes of bloody stool in dogs:
- Parasites, such as hookworms
How To Prevent Bloody Diarrhea In Dogs
The best way to avoid your dog from pooping blood and vomiting is to keep them away from toxins, scraps, and any foreign objects. If you are switching between dog foods, make sure to have a gradual transition for better adjustment.
You also need to monitor what they are eating and ensure that its packed with nutrients. Another way to prevent bloody diarrhea is to stick with your regular vet visits.
Also Check: Blood Pressure High Top Number
Dog Blood In Stool Jelly
Seeing your dog pass stool that has fresh blood and is jelly-like is a good indicator that your pet is having an inflammation, also known as colitis in its lower section of the intestines or the colon.
Typically, blood in dog feces diarrhea signals the possibility that the pets colon is irritated leading to more bleeding. This is contrary to the common mucus production in the colon.
In the event that the dogs colon is inflamed, its likely to produce more mucus, leading to the discharge of fresh blood and jelly-looking poop. You should be alarmed upon seeing such as a stool.
This condition in the pets colon frequently occurs and is mostly connected to ingesting an unusual diet, parasites, stress, and an unexpected change in the dogs diet.
Although rare, it could be possible that your animal is having a severe stomach condition including a certain type of toxin exposure, cancer, or infection.
If you are sure that your dogs diet could not be having any toxicities recently such as rat bait, then there is no need to get alarmed.
It is normal that your pet may not want to drink or eat for some time when the gut is off.
Why Is My Dog Pooping Blood And Vomiting
A dog vomiting and passing blood can be a sign of haemorrhagic gastroenteritis or HGE a potentially life-threatening condition which occurs when large amounts of fluid seeps into the gut and your dog can dehydrate very quickly. While they could indicate another issue, you should contact a vet right away if your dog is displaying these symptoms as if your dog does have HGE, they will need urgent treatment. Learn more about hemorrhagic gastroenteritis here.
Also Check: Plt Meaning In Blood Test
Diarrhea Symptoms In Dogs
Making notes and being able to describe your dogs condition thoroughly will help you and your veterinarian find a solution as quickly as possible. While it may seem unpleasant to examine your dogs feces, stool provides valuable clues about your dogs health. Here are some symptoms and descriptions you may want to refer to when speaking with your vet:
-
Loose, liquid stool
Bloody diarrhea, whether the blood is bright red or black and tarry, is always cause for concern. Red blood in the stool, or hematochezia, is usually due to bleeding or irritation lower down in the intestinal tract. Black, tarry stool, or melena, is often due to bleeding in the stomach or upper small intestines. If you see blood of any kind in your dogs stool, call your vet immediately.