When blood appears outside of a dog’s blood vessels—whether in their stool or elsewhere—it can cause concern, and rightly so. Blood in a dog’s stool signals various potential health issues, some more serious than others. Understanding what you’re seeing can help you better communicate with your vet.
Blood in Dog Stool
If you spot blood in your dog’s stool, whether it’s firm or loose like diarrhea, your first step should be to contact your veterinarian. Dogs can’t express discomfort verbally, so discovering blood in their poop is a clear indication of a problem.
There are two main types of bloody stool: hematochezia and melena.
- Hematochezia refers to bright red blood in the stool, which suggests bleeding in the lower digestive tract or colon.
- Melena is characterized by dark, sticky, tar-like stool, which indicates digested or swallowed blood, suggesting an issue in the upper digestive tract. You can confirm melena by wiping the stool with a paper towel to check for a reddish tint.
Bright Red Blood in Stool
Though alarming, bright red blood in a dog’s stool isn’t always a life-threatening sign. If you notice a single streak of red blood in otherwise normal stool, it could be a one-time occurrence, but you should still notify your vet. Persistent bleeding or large amounts of blood require immediate attention.
Common causes of bright red blood in stool include:
- Colitis (colon inflammation)
- Parasites (e.g., hookworms)
- Trauma
- Ingestion of toxins
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Anal sac infections or impactions
More severe conditions include bacterial and viral infections, such as parvovirus, hemorrhagic gastroenteritis, or even cancer. Diagnostic tests like fecal exams and blood work can help identify the cause. If you suspect parvovirus, especially in unvaccinated dogs, call your vet before visiting to prevent spreading the virus.
Dark, Tarry Stools
Dark stools are harder to spot but just as concerning. If your dog’s stool appears darker than usual or changes significantly in color or consistency, contact your vet.
Possible causes of melena include:
- Parasites
- Infections or inflammation
- Ulcers or tumors
- Foreign body ingestion or trauma
- Kidney failure
- Toxic exposure
- Addison’s disease
- Liver disease
- Pancreatitis
- Hormonal imbalances
- Clotting disorders
- Reactions to medications (e.g., anti-inflammatories)
Dogs with melena often exhibit other symptoms, such as appetite loss, lethargy, vomiting, weakness, blood in urine, or difficulty breathing. If your dog experiences these symptoms while on medication, stop the medication and call your vet immediately.
Treatment for Bloody Stool
Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may include:
- Dietary changes
- Rehydration therapy
- Anti-diarrheal medication
- Parasite treatment
- Surgery in severe cases
Now that you understand the types of bloody stool and the importance of timely intervention, it’s crucial to have your dog examined by a vet as soon as possible. Early diagnosis can lead to more effective treatment and better outcomes.
Here’s a great article from Trooper Veterinary Hospital that goes further into detail about blood being in your pup’s stool. If you still have concerns, please give us a shout at Oxford Veterinary Clinic at 662-234-3930.
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