It must have been a terrible experience for you when you were about to clean your dog’s poop and noticed blood. Naturally, many unsettling thoughts might have flooded your mind, making you wonder if your furry companion is nearing its end or if you neglected its care. However, before jumping to such alarming conclusions, we encourage you to take a breath. According to Pooch and Mutt, the redness can be frightening, but it’s not always a reason to panic, as it often occurs due to minor changes in their daily diet or slight irritation in their stomach. You might observe this with puppies, who sometimes have blood in their poop as well. Additionally, the Kennel Club states that specks of fresh blood might indicate some damage within your dog’s large intestine.
Were you searching for blogs to offer you complete information regarding blood in your dog’s poop? Then, consider it your lucky day as we will discuss the number of causes responsible for this appearance of blood in your dog’s stool, how the vet diagnoses and in what ways you need to take care of your dog.
What Does A Healthy Dog Poop Look Like?
We understand that you are super curious to know the causes behind the blood in your dog’s poop. But it is equally important for you to know about what healthy poop looks like. Therefore, your furry friend’s poop should be in a rich chocolate brown colour, with a solid texture, that is not very hard and easier for you to pick up, without messing up the area. It has to be consistent, meaning neither too dry or runny. Otherwise, any of the unusual texture can be an indication that there is something wrong.
Did you know that in medical terms blood is known as “hematochezia” as in fresh blood or “melena” meaning digested blood? Yes, and none of them are normal. The thing is that the blood’s appearance can offer you with some clarity related to its origin in the following ways:
Hematochezia
Hematochezia means bright red blood in the stool. This condition usually tells that there is bleeding in your dog’s lower digestive tract: colon or rectum. You can say that it is like a fresh cut, where the blood does not get enough time to be digested.
Melena
On the other hand, you have Melena. How is it different from Hematochezia? Instead of being bright red, it is dark, tarry, or kind of black blood in your dog’s stool. Why such a dark colour? The reason is that it explains that the blood is digested, meaning that your pup is experiencing bleeding somewhere higher in the digestive tract. For instance, inside their stomach or maybe small intestines. And yes, it is often a more serious condition, demanding your attention.
What Are The Possible Causes?
There is not one or two causes behind this issue, but plenty of them. These vary in intensity as they can be really minor to something extremely serious, and maybe life-threatening too. Plus, their causes are further broken down based on Melena and Hematochezia, so let’s take a look at them individually as well:
Hematochezia: Common Causes
The common causes of Hematochezia are as follows:
Anal Gland Issues
If your dog is dealing with infected or impacted anal glands, then that is one of the most common causes. How? The thing is that these glands are present just inside your anus and can easily become swollen, causing pain and bleeding.
Colitis
Hematochezia is also caused by the swelling of your dog’s colon. How does that happen? Well, it happens due to several reasons in the shape of stress, allergies, if you made any changes in your dog’s diet, existing allergies, or infections. These usually make your dog’s stool full of mucus and fresh blood.
Rectal Tumors
These are tumours or polyps that grow in your dog’s rectum and bleed, especially during bowel movements.
Parasites
Some parasites in the shape of whipworms are known to annoy your dog’s intestinal lining at such an extreme level that it can cause bleeding as well.
Trauma
It is possible for your dog to go through a traumatic experience such as a dog fight or escaping an accident, leaving their rectal area or anal lining injured, resulting in blood in their stool.
Dietary Indiscretion
One of the most common causes is dietary indiscretion. This occurs when your dog usually eats something which they shouldn't have. For instance, stale food, plastic toys, or branches. Because these can create problems in your dog’s gastrointestinal tract and cause blood to show in their poop.
Melena: Common Causes
After that comes Melena, meaning digested blood, and their common causes exist in the following ways:
Ulcers
Ulcers can also form in your dog’s intestines. These are sores in the lining of the stomach or even the small intestine that can leave blood in your dog’s poop. Hence, be careful at your end if you think your dog has ulcers, then immediately take them to the vet.
Obstruction In Intestines
You never know if your dog’s intestines are experiencing some obstruction. This is merely a blockage in their intestines. How are they caused? Consuming a foreign object usually causes such an interruption, leading to acute complications and bleeding in their poop.
Parvovirus
Are you familiar with parvovirus? If not, then allow us to tell you that it is a very dangerous viral infection that quickly spreads through infected dogs, attacking your pup’s gastrointestinal tract. The viral disease can further cause your puppy some discomfort in the form of extreme bloody diarrhoea. Hence, parvovirus can be one of the reasons why you saw blood in your dog’s poop, so take the necessary precautions immediately.
Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis
In the list of Melena causes, you will find Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis as well. What is it? Here, your dog will go through sudden episodes of extreme vomiting and bloody diarrhoea. Plus, this is more likely to occur in small breeds. Hence, see in which breed your dog falls and if you witness your dog vomiting, then consult your vet.
Kidney or Liver Disease
Did you know that even kidney or liver disease can sometimes trigger melena? Yes, if these organs fail to function in the way they are supposed to, then that results in digested bleeding in your dog’s intestines. Hence, it might be possible that because these organs are not able to perform normally, your dog’s poop consists of blood.
Blood Clotting Disorders
Can your dog’s body clot blood? Yes, it plays a role in this process. If your dog has trouble doing so, it could lead to bleeding in their digestive tract, causing them to pass blood in their stool
A Few Medicines
Do you give your pal NSAIDs? If yes, then this medicine is another cause behind your dog’s blood in poop. You will be amazed to know that some medications, such as NSAIDs, boost the risk of bleeding in your dog’s gastrointestinal path.
When Should You Visit The Vet?
Yes, you must call the vet on noticing blood in your dog’s poop. However, there are some situations when you should immediately run to the vet. What are those conditions? Let’s take a look:
Too Much Blood In Poop
If you notice too much blood in your dog’s poop, then it's a major red flag that you must not ignore at any cost. Otherwise, a small dot or just patches are normal.
Bloody Diarrhoea
Did you catch your dog passing runny stool and vomiting? Then, instead of coming up with your own solutions, make your way to the vet. Because your delay will only allow this thing to elevate, and as a result, your dog might dehydrate or encounter other serious issues as well.
Exhaustion
Has your dog stopped taking an interest in playing their favourite games, like chasing you or fetching the ball? And are they always showing you exhaustion signs while pooping blood? If that is the case, then without delaying another moment, hurry them to the vet so they can address the issue.
Pale Gums
Did you notice your dog’s pale gums while brushing their teeth? Then, kindly don’t take that sign for granted. Having pale gums means that your dog is having blood loss and you need to take them instantly to the vet.
Collapse
Were you calling your dog to eat, and you saw them collapse while coming to you or panting to catch their breath? If yes, then carry them to the vet as you may never know they might be suffering from something, including blood in their poop.
Swollen Belly
Did you casually touch your dog’s belly and feel like there was some kind of swelling? Then, that swelling can lead to dangerous consequences such as blockage in the intestine. Hence, instead of waiting, rush to the vet as they can tell you whether there is anything concerning or was it a minor swelling.
How Will The Vet Diagnose The Problem?
The vet will diagnose the problems through a detailed physical, historical examination, and other diagnostic tests. What are those? Let's spill the beans:
Physical Examination
In the physical examination, the vet will do the following:
Thorough Examination
First of all, be prepared for a physical examination. Let your vet check your dog’s overall health. This includes temperature, pulse, and hydration levels as well.
Rectal Exam
Your vet may proceed to perform a rectal exam on your dog. Why is this test necessary? Well, a rectal exam helps in checking and telling whether there are any abnormalities in the anal area or rectum. For instance, you may never know your dog might be having tumours, gland issues, or consuming foreign objects.
Abdominal Palpation
The vet will use their stethoscope to feel your dog’s abdomen. The instrument will help them in checking any pain, abnormal organs, or swelling as well. And if they find something concerning, they will immediately let you know.
Questions Related To Your Dog's History
After the physical examination is done, then the vet will ask you questions related to your pet’s history in the following ways:
Detailed History
Now, your vet will ask detailed questions surrounding your dog’s health and whether you have recently noticed any kind of changes in their usual behaviour. Did you add or remove something from their diet, and are they playful or not?
Describe Their Stool
Your vet will ask you to describe your dog’s stool as in the exact appearance of the poop- is it dark or bright red? Is it only on the surface or mixed inside the stool?
Diagnostic Tests
Once you have fully cooperated with the vet’s examination, they might suggest you to proceed with the following diagnostic tests:
Stool Exam
You will need to go for a stool exam, where they ask you to get your dog’s stool. With the help of their microscope, they will place the stool to check for worms, coccidia, and any abnormal bacteria.
Blood Work
In these lists of tests, your vet may also ask you to get a complete blood count. This helps in confirming whether there is any internal bleeding or infection going inside your body. Furthermore, it can also examine your dog’s entire health and functioning of the organs.
X-rays or Ultrasound
Your vet can easily access images of your dog’s internal organs through ultrasound or X-rays, identifying possible issues. These can include blockages in the intestines, tumours, and foreign objects. Hence, the imaging tests will clear doubts, and your vet can tell whether everything is fine or not.
Faecal Culture
Then, be prepared for a stool culture as well. This test can identify specific types of bacteria that may be the underlying cause of blood appearing in your dog’s stool
Endoscopy or Colonoscopy
There are some cases where the vet might ask you to run an endoscopy and colonoscopy tests on your dog. Through these tests, the doctor can watch closely what is happening inside your dog’s digestive tract. And take tissue samples for deeper analysis.
How Is It Treated?
The kind of treatment depends on the reason that caused the bleeding. Some of the common treatments are as follows:
Medications
Your vet might suggest you buy different medications for a variety of causes. For instance, antibiotics for infections, anti-inflammatories for colitis, medicines to control vomiting and diarrhoea, and deworming for medications for parasites.
Fluid Therapy
If your dog passed stool with blood due to dehydration, then your vet will recommend fluid therapy. The intravenous fluids will help restore the water levels so your dog can quickly recover.
Dietary Changes
Were you used to giving heavy meals to your furry fellow? If so, then your vet might ask you to switch to a bland diet for your dog’s digestive tract to heal faster. However, in some severe cases, the doctor might hand over a special prescription diet as well. Therefore, follow their instructions.
Surgery
Then, if your dog has swallowed foreign objects, tumours, or structural issues, the vet may recommend that you admit it for surgery.
How To Take Care Of Your Dog At Home?
After the diagnosis is done and treatment begins, you will need to follow your vet’s instructions regarding your dog’s diet, medication, and tracking stool very carefully. How? Let’s discuss:
Track Stool Changes
You need to closely monitor your dog’s stool changes. For example, observe the color of their poop, the texture, frequency, and whether there is any blood present. If everything is fine, that’s great, but if you notice anything unusual, please call your vet.
Provide Lots Of Fresh Water
If dehydration was one of the main problems for the blood to emerge in poop, then as a responsible dog owner, provide your dog with lots of fresh water. Keep their water bowl full all the time to keep them hydrated. Consuming plenty of fresh water will prevent vomiting or diarrhoea.
Give A Bland Diet
Your vet might ask you to give your dog a bland diet. Therefore, prepare boiled chicken and mix them with rice so the digestive tract gets enough time to heal. Keep offering the same food for a few weeks, and then gradually introduce heavier meals.
Limited Activity
Was your dog super active? Then you will have to make use of limited activity. Avoid any kind of hard-core activities like fast running, jumping in the air to catch a frisbee, or fetching balls. As that will make them exhausted and they might not be able to recover in the expected duration.
Create A Stress-Free Environment
If you want to see your dog peacefully and sleep comfortably, then we suggest you create a stress-free environment for them. It is said that stress serves to be one of the key players in boosting gastrointestinal issues. Hence, make sure to maintain a trouble-free zone for your dog away from sudden and loud noises, letting them have complete rest.
Conclusion
The next time you see blood in your dog’s poop, you know how you should tackle the situation and follow the vet’s instructions in taking care of your furry friend.
