While you may not want to spend much time examining your pup’s poop, their faeces can impart a great deal of information about their overall health. A potential problem you may discover is bloody stool, which can indicate various health concerns. When picking up your dog’s stool, take a moment to note the colour, consistency, amount, and contents within the pile of faeces. Learn how to identify the different types of bloody stool in dogs and what to do if you spot blood in your pup’s poop.
Bloody stool in dogs
Knowing how to describe your dog’s bloody stool is important information for your veterinarian. While it may seem like “blood in the stool” is an adequate description, certain characteristics should be noted, such as colour, consistency, and amount.
Blood in the stool can appear fresh and bright red, or it can look dark and tarry. Hematochezia, or bright red blood, can be alarming to see. When the blood is bright red, it most likely originated in the lower gastrointestinal tract, colon, or rectum. Melena, or dark, tarry stool, generally indicates that the blood has been digested and has come from the upper gastrointestinal tract. Bloody stool can also have a mucus coating that looks similar to strawberry or raspberry jelly.
Causes of bloody stool in dogs
Multiple health conditions can lead to bloody stool in dogs, ranging in severity from self-limiting gastrointestinal upset to a potentially fatal problem. Some of the most common reasons your dog has bloody stool include:
Intestinal parasites
Intestinal parasite infections are one of the most common causes of bloody stool in dogs. Roundworms, whipworms, and hookworms can irritate your dog’s intestinal tract and generate bloody, mucoid stool. Protozoal organisms, like giardia and coccidia, can also create bloody faeces.
Bacterial or viral infections
Many bacterial and viral pathogens can cause gastrointestinal issues such as bloody stool. Parvovirus is the top culprit behind bloody faeces in dogs, particularly unvaccinated puppies. Distemper, coronavirus, Clostridium, Campylobacter jejuni, Salmonella, and other pathogens can cause foul-smelling, bloody, or mucoid stool.
Anal gland impaction
Dogs have two small anal glands that secrete a thin, malodorous fluid during defecation. However, these glands can become impacted or infected, potentially leading to an abscess that can create bloody stool.
Foreign objects
If your dog ingests everything from bones to socks, they may develop a gastrointestinal obstruction that can irritate and inflame the GI tract.
Colitis
Colitis occurs when the colon becomes inflamed, causing bright red blood and mucus in the faeces. This GI condition often develops because of stress, such as when a dog is boarded or moves to a new home.
Acute hemorrhagic diarrhoea syndrome
Previously referred to as hemorrhagic gastroenteritis, acute hemorrhagic diarrhoea syndrome is thought to be caused by clostridial overgrowth.
Ulcers
Gastric or intestinal ulcers can bleed and cause bright red or dark, tarry blood in the stool. Ulcers can be induced by a wide range of issues, including stress, trauma, medications, infections, and systemic diseases.
Kidney or liver disease
Organ dysfunction can result in diarrhoea, which may have blood in it.
Pancreatitis
Inflammation of the pancreas can cause severe abdominal pain, inappetence, vomiting, and bloody stool.
Trauma
A traumatic injury, such as being struck by a vehicle, can cause your dog to have bloody faeces.
Toxin exposure
Many toxins, from household cleaners to rodenticides, can cause bleeding issues that result in bloody stool.
Medication side effects
Certain medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can generate GI ulcers, especially if they are given with steroids.
Clotting disorders
Dogs with congenital or acquired bleeding disorders can develop bloody stool.
Masses
Malignant tumours or benign lumps within the gastrointestinal tract can bleed, causing hematochezia or melena.
What to do if your dog has bloody stool
If you spot blood in your dog’s stool, whether it is bright red or dark and tarry, collect a sample for your veterinarian to examine. A faecal sample can tell your vet if your dog has an intestinal parasite infection, bacterial overgrowth, or a viral infection like parvovirus. Keep the sample fresh in the refrigerator for up to 12 hours.
Additionally, keep a watchful eye on your pup for signs of other health concerns, such as vomiting, lethargy, fever, or inappetence, and come armed with this information and the faecal sample for your dog’s appointment.
If your dog appears perfectly healthy outside of their poop problems, give their gut a rest by withholding food for 12 to 24 hours. Then, reintroduce a small amount of a bland diet, such as a combination of boiled white rice and chicken breast. Small, frequent meals are easier for your dog to digest and can help get their GI tract back on track.
Keep in mind that a single occurrence of a bright bloody streak in your dog’s stool may not be cause for concern, but melena or ongoing hematochezia, especially when paired with other symptoms, requires urgent veterinary treatment.
Treatment for bloody stool in dogs
Your veterinarian will determine the cause of your dog’s bloody stool by performing a physical exam, faecal exam, and various diagnostic tests that may include parvovirus testing, abdominal imaging, and bloodwork.
Depending on the inciting factor behind your pup’s poop problems, they may receive:
- Deworming medication to eliminate intestinal parasites
- Antibiotics to treat a bacterial infection
- Anti-diarrheal or antiemetic drugs
- Bland or prescription diet
- Probiotics
- Gastroprotectant agents
- Fluid therapy
- Long-term medication for chronic diseases
How to prevent bloody stool in your dog
While you can’t prevent every health issue from befalling your pup, you can reduce their chance of developing bloody stool through regular preventive care, a healthy diet, and a safe environment. Protect your pooch from parasites and infectious diseases by administering year-round parasite prevention and scheduling regular wellness visits with your vet, where you can also discuss the optimal diet for your dog. Also, check your home for potential hazards, such as small items, toxins, and sharp objects, ensuring all dangers are disposed of or stored properly.
Although you may not want to, be sure to examine your dog’s stool to detect any changes in colour, consistency, or content early on so they can receive appropriate treatment as soon as possible. If you spot an issue, contact your vet for help before it turns into a major problem.