There’s nothing like seeing a dog pooping blood to get a pet owner concerned and for a good reason at that. Even though it can be a case of some minor dietary issues, pet parents are likely to jump to the worst-case scenario, and understandably so. In this guide, we’ll break down the potential reasons, help you understand which symptoms to watch for, and explain when to call your vet.
What Causes Blood in a Dog Stool?
Whenever you notice blood in a dog’s stool, your next move should be to call a vet. The next one is to check out what type of blood there is. There are two types of blood: hematochezia, which is bright red blood typically from the lower digestive tract, and melena, which looks like dark, tarry stool and comes from bleeding higher up in the GI tract.
To the question of why is there blood in my dog’s poop, there can be several answers. Let’s go over them now.
Dietary Indiscretion (Eating Something They Shouldn’t)
Dogs are notorious for getting into the trash or munching on something spoiled or fatty, and that can cause severe irritation to their digestive tract. Bones and other objects, such as toys, can also be the culprits for bloody stools in dogs. The vets have a term for this situation – dietary indiscretion.
This can lead to inflammation, diarrhea, and sometimes fresh blood in the stool. Most mild cases can result in your dog pooping blood but acting normal, so you can resolve this quickly with supportive care, but persistent symptoms should be checked out by your vet.
Parasites, Infections, or Food Allergies
Intestinal parasites like hookworms, whipworms, or giardia can cause irritation and bleeding in the gut, leading to your dog pooping blood. Bacterial or viral infections can do just the same, especially in younger dogs.
We shouldn’t overlook potential food sensitivities and allergies as these can also trigger inflammation in the GI tract, again leading to mucus or blood in the stool.
Colitis and Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis (HGE)
Colitis is a medical term for inflammation of the colon. It causes hematochezia (remember the red blood in the stool). For colitis, it’s usually infections and stress that take the blame for hematochezia in dogs. Also, these conditions are followed by changes in appetite and behavior.
On the other hand, hemorrhagic gastroenteritis (HGE) is a far more severe condition. It can lead to sudden, bloody diarrhea, dehydration, and dog pooping blood. Moreover, it is code red for your dog’s health that warrants urgent veterinary care.
Cancer and Other Serious Illnesses
Even if you see blood in your dog’s stool, especially if the rest of the dog’s stool is normal, it could be something temporary that won’t affect pet wellness. However, consistent bleeding may point to something more serious, like tumors in the digestive tract or systemic illness. Melena (dark, tarry stool) is another indicator of potential internal bleeding, normally caused by ulcers, clotting disorders, or certain types of cancer.
Symptoms That Require Immediate Veterinary Attention
Some things can wait. Blood in your puppy’s stool and any of the following symptoms can’t. Let’s see what those symptoms are.
- Lethargy, vomiting, or not eating: If your dog seems low on energy, won’t touch their food, especially if it’s their favorite, or starts vomiting, it could mean something serious is in the works besides a tummy that’s rumbly.
- Bloody stool more than once: Sure, one instance might pass as a fluke, but repeated episodes of bloody stool are a red flag. It could point to infection, inflammation, or even internal bleeding.
- Pain or visible discomfort: Straining to poop, pacing, whining, or acting like their belly hurts? Don’t wait. These could be signs of something like colitis or a blockage. Those need immediate attention.
The bottom line is: if your gut says something’s wrong with your pet, trust it. Getting help early can make all the difference.
How Maven Pet Helps with Early Detection
When something’s off with your dog, they can’t always tell you. The Maven Pet smart collar can. This smart health monitor tracks your dog’s activity, rest patterns, and even respiratory rate 24/7, giving you a real-time view of their overall wellness.
Maven Pet
Health Monitor
#1 Vet-recommended pet monitor! Tracks activity, rest, respiratory rate, water intake, scratching and other health indicators 24/7
If your pup starts showing subtle signs like lethargy, restlessness at night, or reduced movement, Maven picks up on it. These small shifts are often early indicators of something more serious with the digestive tract, and getting alerted early gives you the chance to act before things escalate.
You can also log symptoms like vomiting, appetite changes, or bloody stool right in the app, creating a detailed record to share with your vet. It’s peace of mind in your pocket and a real difference-maker in how quickly and confidently you can respond to your dog’s health needs.
Conclusion
As a pet parent, bloody stool in dogs is something you never want to see. The important thing is knowing what can cause it, which symptoms need urgent attention, and when it’s okay to monitor things at home.
For example, lethargy or restlessness are some of the more subtle signs you can pick up at home, and can be related to dog poop like jelly with blood. Actually, that’s where something like Maven Pet can quietly support you in the background. It keeps an eye on your dog’s behavior and gives you a clearer picture when something feels off.
If you’re looking for an easier way to stay on top of your dog’s health, Maven Pet is definitely worth exploring.
Maven Pet focuses on improving the quality of life of our pets with technology, using artificial intelligence (AI) to enable proactive pet care. By accurately collecting and monitoring pet data 24/7 and flagging any irregularities, Maven Pet empowers pet parents and veterinarians to stay ahead of potential health issues, ensuring the well-being and longevity of our beloved companions.
