My Dog is Pooping Blood: What Do I Do?

Seeing blood in your dog’s stool can be alarming and leave you wondering what could be wrong. While this symptom can sometimes indicate a minor issue, it may also signal a serious health concern that requires immediate veterinary attention. If your dog is pooping blood, understanding the possible causes and when to seek emergency care is essential. In this blog, we’ll explore the reasons behind bloody stool in dogs and what steps you should take to protect your pet’s health.

Types of Blood in Dog Stool and What They Mean

Not all bloody stools look the same, and the appearance of the blood can provide clues about the underlying issue. The two main types of blood in a dog’s stool are hematochezia and melena.

Hematochezia: Bright Red Blood

Hematochezia is fresh, bright red blood in your dog’s stool, which typically indicates bleeding in the lower gastrointestinal tract, such as the colon or rectum. This type of bleeding may be caused by inflammation, infections, or even trauma to the area. Some potential causes of hematochezia include:

• Colitis: Inflammation of the colon due to infections, allergies, or dietary indiscretion.
• Parasites: Hookworms and whipworms can irritate the intestines, leading to blood in the stool.
• Dietary Issues: A sudden change in food or eating something harmful can upset your dog’s digestive system.
• Rectal Injuries: Straining due to constipation or passing hard stools may cause small tears.
• Polyps or Tumors: Growths in the lower digestive tract can lead to bleeding.

Melena: Dark, Tarry Stools

Melena refers to dark, tarry stools that indicate digested blood, meaning the bleeding is occurring higher up in the gastrointestinal tract, such as the stomach or small intestines. Some potential causes of melena include:

• Gastrointestinal Ulcers: Often caused by medications like NSAIDs or underlying diseases.
• Blood Clotting Disorders: Some medical conditions prevent normal blood clotting, leading to internal bleeding.
• Ingesting Toxins: Substances like rat poison or toxic foods can cause internal bleeding.
• Severe Infections: Bacterial or viral infections may lead to bleeding in the stomach or intestines.

When Blood in Stool Requires Emergency Veterinary Care

If your dog is pooping blood, it’s important to assess their overall condition and behavior. Some cases may not be an immediate emergency, but others require urgent veterinary attention. Call Happy Tails Emergency Veterinary Clinic at (336) 288-2688 if you notice any of the following:

• Large amounts of blood in the stool
• Bloody diarrhea that persists for more than 24 hours
• Weakness, lethargy, or pale gums
• Vomiting, especially if there is blood
• Signs of pain or discomfort
• Black, tarry stools (melena)
• Loss of appetite or extreme dehydration

Even if your dog seems otherwise healthy, any instance of bloody stool should be discussed with your veterinarian to determine the cause and appropriate treatment.

Common Causes of Bloody Stool in Dogs

Understanding why your dog is pooping blood can help you identify potential triggers and get the right care. Here are some of the most common causes:

Dietary Indiscretion and Gastrointestinal Upset

Dogs are known for eating things they shouldn’t, from table scraps to garbage. Consuming spoiled food, bones, or toxic substances can cause inflammation in the digestive tract, leading to bloody stools. Sudden diet changes can also disrupt their digestive system.

Parasites and Bacterial Infections

Intestinal parasites such as hookworms, whipworms, and giardia can cause irritation and bleeding in the intestines. Bacterial infections, including salmonella and E. coli, can also lead to severe diarrhea with blood.

Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis (HGE)

HGE is a sudden, severe condition characterized by profuse bloody diarrhea and vomiting. It is often accompanied by dehydration and lethargy. The exact cause is unknown, but it requires immediate veterinary treatment to prevent life-threatening complications.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

IBD occurs when a dog’s immune system overreacts to food or bacteria in the intestines, causing chronic inflammation. This condition can lead to persistent diarrhea, weight loss, and blood in the stool.

Tumors and Polyps

Cancerous and non-cancerous growths in the digestive tract can cause bleeding. While some tumors may be benign, others can be aggressive and require surgical removal or other treatments.

Trauma or Foreign Objects

Swallowing foreign objects like toys, bones, or sharp materials can injure the digestive tract, leading to internal bleeding. Straining due to constipation can also cause small rectal tears, resulting in bloody stool.

How Veterinarians Diagnose and Treat Bloody Stool in Dogs

When you bring your dog to Happy Tails Emergency Veterinary Clinic, your veterinarian will perform a thorough examination to determine the cause of the bleeding. Diagnostic tests may include:

• Fecal Analysis: Checking for parasites, bacteria, or abnormal cells.
• Blood Tests: Assessing for infections, anemia, or clotting disorders.
• X-rays or Ultrasound: Identifying obstructions, tumors, or other abnormalities.

Potential Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may include:

• Fluid Therapy: To address dehydration and restore electrolyte balance.
• Medications: Antibiotics, anti-parasitics, or anti-inflammatory drugs.
• Dietary Changes: Prescription diets for sensitive stomachs or inflammatory conditions.
• Surgery: In cases of tumors, foreign objects, or severe trauma.
• Supportive Care: Hospitalization for critical cases requiring intensive monitoring.

If your dog is pooping blood, don’t wait to seek veterinary care. While some causes may be mild, others can be serious or life-threatening. Early diagnosis and treatment can make all the difference in your pet’s recovery. Call Happy Tails Emergency Veterinary Clinic at (336) 288-2688 today to schedule an evaluation and ensure your dog gets the care they need.