As a veterinarian, I’m no stranger to blood in a dog’s stool. Some days it may seem like that’s all I see! Show
While the sight of that bright red in your dog’s poop can be scary, it’s important to know that not all bloody dog poop is an emergency. Mild cases can even be treated at home with some not-so-secret remedies that we’ll let you in on. While some cases of bloody dog stool can be taken care of at home, it’s important to always consult your veterinarian before trying any treatment. They should be kept in the loop throughout the process should you need any additional advice or diagnostics.
Why Does My Dog Have Blood in His Stool?The cause of your dog’s bloody poop is going to make a huge difference in how it is treated and whether at-home treatments are even an option. Getting to the root of the problem, if possible, is an important first step. Feel free to take a more in depth look at bloody dog poop. Now, onto those potential causes. Less serious causes of blood stool in dogs may be attributed to:
More serious potential causes for bloody stool in dogs are:
Can Blood in a Dog’s Stool Sometimes be Resolved at Home, or Is a Trip to the Vet Always Necessary?Blood in a dog’s stool can be very frightening, especially if it’s accompanied by any other signs. Vomiting, diarrhea, and not eating lasting longer than 24 hours, dehydration, fever, lethargy or any signs that seem overly severe should all be seen by a vet. Of course, don’t hesitate to contact a professional anytime you feel uncomfortable or are concerned. Not every bloody bowel movement is going to require a trip to the vet. Some mild cases that only happen once or twice without any other symptoms will resolve in their own with a little home care. It’s still a good idea to consult with your vet when trying at-home remedies so that they can give you personalized advice and be aware of what is going on with your pup. If your dog’s bloody stool is just that and they’re not showing any other signs of lethargy, vomiting, fever, stomach pain, straining, or you don’t see any worm eggs in the feces, you may choose to watch, wait, and treat at home. Here are a few options of at-home treatments:
Most mild cases of bloody stools in dogs will resolve within 24-48 hours. You may want to continue feeding a bland diet for a couple of days past the last bloody bowel movement just to make sure everything is calmed down digestively. You can then gradually transition your dog back to their regular diet. If your dog is starting to make a habit out of occasional bloody stools, you may consider changing their dog food to a novel protein or more easily digestible diet. Your veterinarian can help you wade through the sea of possibilities to find the right one. If during your at-home treatment your dog starts to show any other signs or if the blood gets worse or doesn’t go away within a couple of days, it’s time to make the vet appointment. WATCH: 3 Important Tips To Care For an Old Dog [VET VIDEO] When Should You Call the Vet for Blood in Dog Stool?The occasional bloody bowel movement without other symptoms is usually no big deal. However, if that bloody stool also brings vomiting, lethargy, a decreased appetite, stomach pain, straining or a fever, see your veterinarian. If there is blood in the stool for longer than 48 hours even with trying the at-home treatments, see your veterinarian. Also, don’t hesitate to make an appointment anytime you’re worried or uncomfortable with bloody stools in your dog. How Will the Vet Treat Blood in My Dog’s Stool?Your vet’s going to start with a thorough exam. Hopefully you have kept them in the loop so that they know when the bloody stools started, how frequent they are and if your dog is showing any other signs. If possible, bring along a sample so that your vet can see the bloody stool and run tests to check for parasites and other issues. From there, your vet may want to run some blood work, do some imaging or express the anal glands. They may prescribe medications or a special diet depending on their findings. FAQsCan stress cause blood in a dog’s stool? Yes, stress can cause inflammation in the intestine that leads to leakiness which can put blood and excessive fluid or mucous in the stool. Dogs can experience stress from changes in their environment, anxiety from you leaving, or health issues. Will scrambled eggs help resolve blood in my dog’s stool? Scrambled eggs are a good protein source and are easily digestible so they can be a good choice for dogs with bloody stool. While they probably won’t help resolve the blood, they can be incorporated as part of a bland diet. Just make sure to leave out the seasonings. Is feeding my dog bananas a good idea to treat bloody stool? Bananas are high in fiber which can help with cases of bloody diarrhea. However, you don’t want to overdo it. Just mix a few slices in with the rest of their bland diet. Does yogurt provide relief for a dog with blood in his stool? Yogurt is full of probiotics which are good bacteria that live in the digestive tract and help with digestion. Issues that can cause bloody stool can also cause an upset in the normal bacterial balance. Giving foods that are high in probiotics, like yogurt, can help restore that balance. Make sure to give plain, unflavored yogurt to avoid too giving too much sugar. Should I feed my dog rice when his stool is bloody? A bland, easily digestible diet is recommended for bloody stools since it gives the digestive tract a break and allows it to heal. Rice is a good choice since it provides the carbohydrates that a dog needs for energy but is also easily digested.
Disclaimer: This website's content is not meant to be a substitute for veterinary care, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your veterinarian to determine the best course of action. Read More. What can I give my dog for bloody diarrhea?What is the treatment for severe or bloody diarrhea in dogs?. Electrolyte and fluid therapies for hemorrhagic gastroenteritis.. Medications to soothe intestines.. Surgical remedies for tumors, ulcers or physical obstructions.. Antibiotic therapy for certain types of infections.. Anthelmintics for parasitic infections.. What home remedy can I give my dog for diarrhea and blood?A bland diet for a day or two may help to resolve your dog's issue. Plain-cooked white rice with a little chicken and some canned plain pumpkin (not pie filling) may help to make your dog's tummy feel better. Once your dog feels better gradually reintroduce their regular food.
Can bloody diarrhea in dogs go away on its own?Sometimes, blood in your dog's stool is nothing to be worried about, and it's the result of a simple problem that will get better on its own in just a few days. However, in other instances, there may be a much more severe underlying problem that needs to be addressed.
What causes diarrhea with blood in dogs?Some of the most common causes for bloody vomit or diarrhea in dogs include: Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis (HGE) (severe bloody diarrhea and bloody vomiting, caused by infectious agents) Stomach ulcers. Viral or bacterial infection.
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