My dog’s stool is bloody. What should I do? 

When you’re scooping poop, blood in dog stool is the last thing you want to see. Before a panic attack sets in, know that blood in dog poop can mean a lot of different things. The best thing to do is to follow the steps below: 

Call Your Vet First

If your dog’s stool is bloody, call a veterinarian as soon as you can. They will be able to run tests, examine your dog, and diagnose the problem. Try not to worry about the potential causes until your pup sees the vet. 

Check On Your Dog 

If something is truly wrong with your pup, blood in dog stool usually isn’t the only symptom. Do a quick scan of your dog’s physical and emotional well-being. Do they seem to be in any pain? Has their appetite changed recently? Your vet may ask questions like this to identify the root cause of bloody stool. 

Take Pictures

As gross as it seems, taking pictures of the bloody stool can speed up the diagnosis. The color, consistency, and volume of blood in dog poop is a direct link to what’s going on with your dog. Bright red blood, known as hematochezia, may mean bleeding in the lower intestinal tract. Dark, tarry blood, or melena, can represent issues in the upper digestive tract. 

Bag the Stool

If possible, pick up the stool with a sealable plastic bag and take it to the vet with you. Some vets can test the poop for various health issues and diseases. This might speed up the diagnosis process. 

Why is my dog pooping blood?

Before we dive into the causes of blood in dog poop, take a deep breath and don’t panic. Bloody stool isn’t a guarantee that there’s something wrong with your dog. Call your vet, ask questions, and schedule a visit to get an expert opinion. 

You might wonder: why is my dog pooping blood in the first place? Finding blood in dog’s stool is often a telltale sign of health issues or trauma. Here are a few reasons why your pup might have bloody poop:

Eating Sticks, Bones, Toys, or Other Objects

When dogs eat things like bones or sticks, the object can damage their digestive system. This may result in bloody stools, diarrhea, or vomiting. If this is the case for your dog, treatment is relatively easy. Call your vet for the next steps. 

Infection

Blood in dog’s stool may be a sign of bacterial, parasitic, or viral infection. Parvo is a common virus that can be life-threatening if not treated quickly and thoroughly. If you suspect your dog has an infection, call your vet immediately. The faster you treat an infection, the better the outlook for your pup. 

Blood Clotting Diseases

Liver disease, kidney disease, cancer, and bleeding disorders are all associated with blood in dog’s stool. The culprit could also be exposure to toxins, hormonal disorders, or immunity issues.  

Digestive Disorders

Blood in dog poop is also linked to digestive disorders. Anal gland issues and rritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are both likely causes. 

Food Allergies

Dogs with severe food allergies may also experience bloody stools. To avoid more digestive upset, your vet can run a food allergy test and an elimination diet. We recommend trying Sundays for Dogs limited-ingredient turkey recipe. Sundays is the best dog food for allergies, whether seasonal or food-related. 

Treatment for Blood in Dog’s Stool

Once you get to the vet’s office, you might wonder what treatment looks like. The vet usually runs a few tests and conducts a physical exam on your dog. Your vet may require blood or stool samples for a proper diagnosis. 

Depending on test and exam results, medication may be given to address the root issue or treat pain. Some dogs may need an IV drip for rehydration. It’s unlikely that a pup needs surgery for blood in dog stool.

In severe cases, your dog may need to stay overnight or for a few days at the animal hospital. With milder cases, the issue may resolve in 24 to 48 hours. It’s all dependent on what’s causing the bloody poop. 

Avoid giving your dog any medication or food until you get to the vet’s office. You don’t want to make the situation worse before you know the cause. 

Final Thoughts

It’s jarring enough to find blood in your dog’s poop. Don’t add to the panic by overthinking all the information above. The best thing you can do for your dog is to call the vet or an emergency animal hospital. They know the right next steps for your pup.