My Dog Has Blood in Its Stool. What Should I Do 

My Dog Has Blood in Its Stool. What Should I Do? 

You may have discovered blood in your dog’s stool. We don’t want you to panic. However, we don’t want you to ignore it. Honestly, blood in a dog’s stool is more common than you think. The cause of blood in the stool can range from something mild to something more severe, requiring a trip to the emergency room. This article will discuss blood in dog stool in more detail.

First, take your dog to the veterinarian immediately if it is pooping large amounts of blood or having constant bloody diarrhea. On the other hand, if there is a small amount of blood in your dog’s stool, you can call your vet for advice on the next steps. It can often be hard to identify blood in your dog’s stool.

You will typically see two kinds of blood: bright red or black and tarry. Bright red blood is called hematochezia which can have several possible causes. If you notice black or tarry blood, this is called melena.

The common causes of bright red blood include:

  • Parasites
  • Parvovirus
  • Rectal Injuries and Intestinal Blockages
  • Tumors
  • Anal Gland Problems
  • Inflammation

The common causes of black and tarry blood include:

  • Ingesting Blood or Toxins
  • Blood Clotting Disorders
  • NSAIDs
  • Post-surgery Complications
  • Tumors or Cancer

Now that you know the common causes of blood in your dog’s stool, you must understand how to treat them properly. Keep in mind that the treatment your dog needs will depend on the causes of the blood in the stool. Your veterinarian will conduct diagnostic tests and exams. A physical exam, parasite tests, blood work, and x-rays may be common. Your veterinarian may recommend fluids for dehydration, oral medications for inflammation, pain medications, vitamins, or probiotics for additional care.

You should understand that there are various reasons why blood may be in your dog’s stool. One of the best things you can do is speak with your veterinarian as soon as you discover the blood. This will allow your four-legged friend to get the best treatment plan possible.