Blood in Dog's Stool: Is It an Emergency?

As dog owners, we spend a large amount of time picking up after our pets, which means that we have a firsthand look at one of the easiest ways to tell if our pet is feeling well or not. Here our Fairhaven vets talk about why you might see blood in your dog or puppy's stool and when you should be concerned and seek emergency veterinary care.

I Spotted Blood in my Dog's Stool, Should I be Worried?

If you spot blood in your dog's stool then you may experience a wave of concern, and you have every right to worry. While not all causes of blood in the stool requires emergency veterinary care, it is not a symptoms that you ever want to ignore.

Whenever you see blood in your pet's stool it's a good idea to call your regular vet. The bigger question is whether blood in your dog's stool is actually an emergency that requires a trip to the closest emergency veterinary hospital.

How Your Dog's Stool Along With Behavior Can Help Determine Health

If Your Dog Seems Normal

If your dog has blood in their stool but otherwise seems happy, is eating well and behaving normally, it's a good idea to call your regular vet to let them know, and ask for advice. Your regular vet will be able to assess the urgency of the situation and let you know whether it's a good idea to bring your pet into the office for an examination.

If Your Dog Seems Unwell

If you've noticed blood in your dog's stool and your dog also vomiting, refusing to eat, and looking unwell, it's time for an immediate trip to the vet. During normal business hours contact your regular vet and book an emergency appointment, after hours you should call your nearest Fairhaven emergency vet.

What To Look For When Examining The Stool

Take a moment to examine your dog's stool before heading to the vet. Your vet will be able to diagnose your dog's condition more quickly if you are able to provide an accurate description of your dog's stool. When it comes to blood in your dog's stool, there are two distinct types:

Hematochezia in Your Dog's Stool

Hematochezia is bright red blood or fresh-looking blood in dog stool that stems from the lower digestive tract or colon. Hematochezia may appear on a firm-formed stool or in diarrhea. The distinctive bright red color of hematochezia indicates that the blood comes from the lower part of the digestive tract and has only traveled a short distance through the dog's body. 

Common causes of hematochezia include viral diarrhea, colitis, inflammatory bowel disease, and cancer.

Melena in Your Dog's Stool

This blood has been digested or swallowed, typically indicating a problem in the upper digestive tract. Melena results in a black inky stool that can be jelly-like in consistency. Diarrhea is not common with melena, the stool is usually formed. 

Common causes of melena include stomach inflammation, stomach ulcers, and cancer.

Some of the Possible Causes of Blood in Your Dog's Stool

It's important to note that a red stool may not indicate blood at all. If your dog has eaten a red nonfood item such as a crayon or lipstick, they could pass a red stool. Red icing and cakes may also have this effect on your dog's stool,

Streaks of bright red blood in your dog's stool could be caused by an infection or injury to your dog's sensitive rectal area, such as a ruptured anal sac. 

Other causes of blood in stool include:

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.