Why is my dog pooping blood? Before we get into the various causes of blood in a dog’s stool, let’s see if you know what a healthy dog poop should look like.
Healthy Dog Poop
- Firm ✔️
- Sausage or log-shaped ✔️
- Medium to dark brown ✔️
What Does Blood in Dog Poop Look Like?
„Why is my dog pooping blood?” first, let us ask you: are you sure it’s blood? This is what bloody poop looks like:
- red streaks in your dog’s stool;
- a tarry, black stool;
- or frank, bright red blood.
The amount of blood and its color can help your veterinarian determine the cause of the bleeding. For example, black, tarry stool is often a sign of gastrointestinal bleeding, while bright red blood is more likely to be caused by hemorrhoids or anal gland issues.
Why Is My Dog Pooping Blood? List of Reasons
Why is my dog pooping blood? He might be suffering from:
- hemorrhoids;
- parasites;
- infections;
- dietary issues;
- anal gland problems;
- cancer;
- injury;
- swallowed object, trauma;
- toxins;
- inflammatory bowel disease;
- hemorrhagic gastroenteritis;
- digested blood.
Foreign Object
One of the most common causes of blood in dog poop is a foreign object that your pup has swallowed. This could be anything from a toy to a piece of food that was not properly chewed.
Our Reader’s Story
I have two cats and a dog – Dinky. One day, I noticed one of the cat’s toys all chewed up; it was a fluffy tail with a bell inside. I knew it was Dinky’s doing, and it wasn’t his first victim. All seemed well until we went for a walk. Dinky was struggling with pooping and whimpering. When I saw his poop, it was all bloody. I took him to a vet, and it turns out he’d swallowed the bell. He had a surgery, and recovered quickly. So, let me warn you: always monitor what your dog is playing with!
What Can Cause Bloody Diarrhea in Dogs?
Now, bloody diarrhea is a bit different from a bloody poop. Reasons can be broadly grouped into three categories:
- infections;
- parasites;
- cancer.
Infections
Infections can be caused by a variety of bacteria, viruses, and parasites. The most common culprits are:
- parvovirus;
- giardia;
- salmonella.
These infections are usually accompanied by other symptoms, such as vomiting, fever, lethargy, and loss of appetite. Any of these signs require immediate veterinary intervention.
Parasites
Another common cause of bloody diarrhea in dogs is parasites, such as:
- hookworms;
- whipworms;
- roundworms.
These parasites live in the dog’s intestines and feed off their blood, which can cause anemia and bloody diarrhea. In severe cases, parasites can also lead to weight loss, lethargy, and vomiting.
Cancer
While not as common as infections or parasites, cancers are also possible causes of bloody diarrhea. Intestinal cancer, stomach cancer, liver cancer, and pancreatic cancer can all cause this condition.
Is Blood in Dog’s Stool Always Dangerous?
No, blood in a dog’s stool is not always dangerous. However, it can be a sign of a serious underlying condition, so it’s important to have your dog examined by a veterinarian as soon as possible. If the cause of the bleeding is not immediately apparent, your vet may recommend some diagnostic tests, such as a fecal exam, blood work, or x-rays.
Melena and Hematocheiza
The medical terms for bloody stool are melena and hematochezia. Melena is black, tarry stool that is caused by bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract. Hematochezia is bright red blood in the stool that is caused by bleeding in the lower gastrointestinal tract.
Bright Red Blood in Dog Poop
Why is my dog popping blood that is fresh and bright? If you see bright red blood in your dog’s stool, take them to the vet as soon as possible. It might be a sign of:
- hemorrhoids;
- anal gland issues;
- rectal polyps.
Hemorrhoids are a common problem in dogs and are caused by a variety of things, including constipation, diarrhea, and anal sac disease. Anal gland issues are another common cause of bright red blood in dog stool. These can be caused by infection, inflammation, or tumors. Rectal polyps are non-cancerous growths that can bleed, although they are not usually dangerous.
Black and Tarry Stool
Why is my dog pooping blood that is dark and tarry? Black, tarry stool can be a sign of gastrointestinal bleeding. This is usually caused by:
- ulcers;
- tumors;
- foreign bodies that damaged dog’s digestive tract (small intestine, colon, etc.)
Gastrointestinal bleeding can be a serious problem and can lead to anemia. It requires veterinary care and medication.
Vomiting and Pooping Blood – When Should I Go to the Vet?
Vomiting and pooping blood are very alarming conditions, so schedule an appointment right away. One bloody poop should be enough to raise your concern.
Treatments for Blood in a Dog’s Stool
The treatment for blood in a dog’s stool will depend on the underlying cause. For example, if the cause is an infection, the dog will likely be treated with antibiotics. If the cause is parasites, the dog may be given deworming medication. If the cause is cancer, the dog may need surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Should I Do if My Dog Poops Blood?
It is an urgent medical emergency, and you should take them to the vet as soon as possible. Blood in the stool can be indicative of many different potential health problems, so it is important to get an accurate diagnosis from a veterinary professional.
Can I Treat My Dog’s Bloody Stool At Home?
No, it is not recommended. An expert veterinarian can provide proper diagnosis and treatment to ensure the health and well-being of your pet.
Can a Dog Survive Bloody Diarrhea?
Yes, a dog can survive bloody diarrhea with proper care and treatment from a veterinarian. The vet will assess the severity of symptoms and, depending on their cause, may recommend any combination of antibiotics, fluids for hydration, dietary adjustments, medications to reduce inflammation or other treatments. If left untreated, however, the condition can become life-threatening.
Sarah Jameson is a journalist, reporter and a pet nutritionist. She is married to Peter, and they have two beautiful children, Zoey and Quinn. In her spare time, Sarah enjoys cooking for her family and playing snooker. She also loves spending time with her Scottish Terrier, Bobby.
