Why is There Blood in My Dog's Poop?

Any pet parent would be concerned if their dog suddenly has blood in their stool, but it can be relieving to know that it can usually be easily treated by your veterinarian. Here, our Lacey vets share some of the reasons behind blood appearing in your dog's poop and when it may be considered an emergency.

My Dog is Pooping Blood! Why is This Happening?

There are several reasons why you may spot blood in your dog's poop. These reasons can range from trauma to parasites or exposure to toxins. It helps to know the signs of the different types of bleeding so you can be prepared to take the appropriate next steps in seeking treatment.

While taking note of all the different aspects of the bloody poop and describing everything to your vet is helpful, it may be simpler and easier if you can take a photo of the poop to show them.

Regardless of the type of blood that is present in your dog's stool, you should always speak with your vet. No matter the underlying cause, blood in your dog's poop is a sign that there is an underlying issue that needs to be treated.

If you are unable to take a photo and plan on describing the poop to your vet then it will be helpful to know the two types of blood that you may find. These are hematochezia and melena.

Hematochezia: This type of blood is bright red and occurs in the lower digestive tract or colon.

Melena: This blood is dark, sticky and sometimes jelly-like. This is blood that has been digested or swallowed, indicating a problem in the upper digestive tract. You can check for this blood by wiping the poop with a clean piece of paper towel and looking for blood on the paper towel.

Why is there blood in my dog's stool?

The answer to this depends on where the blood is originating from which can usually be determined by the color. Here we go into more detail about each type:

Stools That Have Bright Red Blood

This is known as hematochezia. While this type of bloody poop can look very concerning, it may sometimes be caused by a non-serious issue. If you've only just this one time noticed a streak of blood in your dog's poop then you may not have anything pressing to worry about. Even so, you should still contact your vet to schedule an examination. If you are consistently noticing bright red blood in your dog's poop then it may indicate a more serious concern.

Some of the most common reasons behind blood in your dog's poop can include:

Some of the more serious causes of hematochezia in your dog's stool include:

• Viral and bacterial infections
• Parvovirus
• Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis
• Cancer

If you see blood in your dog's stool and bring them in for an examination your vet will perform several diagnostic tests on your dog such as a fecal exam to help pinpoint the cause of the bleeding.

In the case that your dog is unvaccinated and you are concerned that they may have been exposed to canine parvovirus we ask that you let us know when booking your dog in so we can help plan to minimize the potential exposure to other dogs.

Stools That Are Dark and Tarry

This type is commonly called Melena. Melena in the stool can be quite difficult to spot as it takes on a dark appearance similar to the normal color of your dog's stool. This is because the melena is dark and tarry and can blend in with the stool. Because of this, it is a good idea to gain a good idea of what your dog's poop looks like normally so you can more easily spot any changes.

Some of the typical causes of melena in dogs are:

Many of the conditions listed above also have other common symptoms. Some of the other symptoms to watch for may include:

These symptoms can all indicate serious conditions that require immediate emergency veterinary care. If your dog shows these signs for the first time and is on any medication, stop the medication and call your veterinarian immediately.

How much is too much blood in my dog's poop?

While a minimal amount of blood in your dog's stool usually doesn't indicate a serious complication you should still bring them in for an examination.

However, If there are large amounts of blood in your dog's poop or they are suffering from bloody diarrhea, vomit or lethargy, you should take them to the nearest emergency vet right away.

What should I do if I see blood in my dog's stool often?

A sudden appearance of a small amount of blood a single time usually won't indicate a more serious situation at hand but your vet should always be informed when you see anything usual.

You should contact your vet right away if there is frequent blood in your dog's poop or if your dog shows serious signs of being sick, such as lethargy, vomiting, or diarrhea.

It is highly recommended to bring in a sample of the stool or a photo when possible.

Is my dog's bloody stool an emergency?

While large amounts of blood indicate a serious issue, there are also other symptoms that can tell you that something is wrong. If you note any of the following signs you should bring your dog to the nearest emergency vet clinic right away:

• Profuse bleeding from the anus
• Extreme lethargy
• Collapse or loss of consciousness
• Pale or white gums
• Possible toxin exposure
• Vomiting blood or a dark substance that looks like coffee grounds (digested blood)

Upon your arrival, the vet will talk about your dog's health history and recent behavior and activity to try to get an idea of what the cause may be. Any diagnostic tests that may be needed to diagnose your dog's condition will also be completed at this time. From here your vet will determine the cause of the bloody stool and offer a treatment plan or offer a referral to a veterinary internist for further diagnostics.

Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.