Any pet ownerâs heart will race when they see blood in the dog's stool. It is vital to identify the issue and determine if there is cause for concern. At times, it may result from a slight health problem that will resolve itself within a few days. Alternatively, it could also be a serious issue that requires immediate medical attention.
Types of Blood in Dog Stool
When it comes to dog pooping blood, there are two main types you might see.
Hematochezia (Fresh Blood)
This occurs when your dog's feces have fresh bright red blood. The blood loss in this situation is located in the lower segment of the gastrointestinal system. It could be either the colon or the rectum. You can picture it as a small scrape that is bleeding on the surface. Fresh blood could mean something simple like an upset tummy or something more concerning like an infection or parasites.
Melena (Dark, Tarry Stool)
Dark, tar-like stool is caused by digested blood. So the bleeding is happening at a higher location in the digestive system. There is a good chance it could be the stomach or small intestines. A messy, dark lump instead of the usual healthy brown poop is something that requires your attention. Melena is generally a grave issue and should not be taken lightly at all.
What Causes Blood in Dog Stool?
PetMD indicated in an article that there are several factors that can cause blood in stool. Digestive problems might be indicated but they are not always the instigator.Â
Dogs have the tendency to ingest bacteria or viruses, which give them an upset stomach, diarrhea or bleeding. They do love eating stuff from the ground and it can either injure them or give them an infection.
Parasites irritate a dogâs intestines and lead to blood in their stool.
Infections can mess with a dogâs stomach pretty badly. Bacterial infections or viruses can be serious business. Parvovirus is one such example. The VCA Animal Hospitals explains that otherwise healthy dogs can get acute diarrhea if they contract a bacterial infection. Â
When your dogâs intestines get inflamed for some reason, they cause all sorts of troubles, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and bleeding.
Tumors and cancer are a possibility when dogs start aging. This is a rather depressing prognosis and often leads to bleeding.
Symptoms to Watch For
Vomiting
Throwing up with blood is not a good sign. Your dog will have to see a vet right away so that the problem can be sorted.
Diarrhea
Bloody diarrhea in dogs can point out health issues. Digestive issues can often exacerbate and cause bleeding problems.Â
Lethargy
A pup that is usually playful and suddenly seems tired and sluggish means theyâre not feeling well.
Loss of appetite
Ignoring their food means there is trouble. Dogs come running when itâs food time. When they are not doing that, it is a sure sign that they might be sick.
Abdominal pain
Touch their belly and see if they act like they are in pain or uncomfortable. It might mean something is wrong.
How Veterinarians Diagnose Blood in Dog Stool
Dog pooping blood but acting normal does not mean all is well. It certainly doesnât mean that you can skip taking your pup to the vet. The dogâs symptoms and behavior are important so the vet will have questions. The time you first notice blood in stool is important. Keep a chart of the food that your dog has been eating. The vet will also take into account other signs that raise concerns.
A physical exam is the next step. Pain or discomfort when the vet touches your dogâs stomach will help with the diagnosis. Blood work or stool sample tests will help you get a clearer picture. X-rays or ultrasounds are also performed to get a better idea of the reason behind the blood in stool.
Treatment Options for Blood in Dog Stool
What happens when my dog is pooping blood? The next step depends on whatâs causing the blood. Here are a few potential treatment options:
Dietary changes: A bland diet can help settle their stomach in case the cause is diet related. However, dog diarrhea with blood needs immediate medical attention and diet changes can only be recommended by a vet as a supportive measure in addition to the main treatment.
Medications: If thereâs an infection, the vet might prescribe antibiotics. For parasites, deworming treatments are usually effective.
Surgery: In more serious cases, like tumors or significant injuries, surgery may be needed to fix the problem.
Supportive care: Sometimes, your dog might need extra help, like fluids or medications to ease their symptoms and get them back on track.
Conclusion
Blood in puppy stool is a big alarm. An understanding of its potential implications lets you deal with it properly. There are numerous explanations for it and the earlier its root is pinpointed, the better. Ensure that you are attentive to the food your dog consumes as a standard practice. It is also beneficial to bring them in regularly for vet check-ups to prevent any serious health issues.
