Blood in dog poop: Everything you need to know

Why is my dog pooing blood?

Common reasons for a dog pooing blood include food allergies, constipation, eating something unsuitable, bacterial or viral infection, colitis, or injury. It is possible that a dog’s bloody stools could also be a sign of something life-threatening such as cancer, toxicity (like eating rat poison), blockages, parvovirus or Acute Haemorrhagic Diarrhoea Syndrome (AHDS),  so you should always speak to a vet to rule out these serious conditions.

If you are concerned that your dog needs urgent treatment contact your vet or, out of hours, your nearest Vets Now pet emergency clinic.

What to do when your dog is pooping blood?

If your dog is pooing blood you should always contact a vet to rule out anything serious and ensure they receive any necessary treatment. While in some cases blood in your dog’s stool can indicate something serious, there are also many milder causes which can be treated. Be prepared to describe your dog’s poo (is it hard or soft, does it look more like poo with blood in it or blood with poo in it, is the blood bright red or dark?) and any details leading up to the bloody poo that could help diagnose the problem. If you can collect a sample of your dog’s poo to show the vet, even better.

What does blood in dog poop look like?

The blood in your dog’s poo can look bright red (and fresh) which is usually due to bleeding in the lower digestive tract, or dark/black and tar-like, indicating digested blood coming from the upper digestive tract. Sometimes the blood is throughout the poo, and sometimes it is just a streak at the end. You might also notice drops of blood dripping from your dog’s anus as they pass faeces. The appearance of your dog’s bloody poo can help indicate what is causing it, so be sure to tell the vet what it looks like to help them make a diagnosis.

Why is my dog pooping blood and vomiting?

A dog vomiting and passing blood can be a sign of Acute Haemorrhagic Diarrhoea Syndrome (AHDS)– a potentially life-threatening condition which occurs when large amounts of fluid seeps into the gut and your dog can dehydrate very quickly. While they could indicate another issue, you should contact a vet right away if your dog is displaying these symptoms as if your dog does have AHDS, they will need urgent treatment. Learn more about AHDS here..

Is blood in dog poo an emergency?

It depends. The possible causes vary so widely that a bout of bloody poo could be a minor issue or could be a sign of something that requires urgent treatment. That’s why you should speak to a vet as quickly as possible and, after discussing your dog’s symptoms and examining them, they will be able to advise you on what to do next.

If you think your dog’s condition might be life-threatening or require urgent treatment contact your vet to out of hours, your nearest Vets Now pet emergency clinic, so they can be treated as quickly as possible.

How do you treat blood in a dog's stool?

Your vet will advise on the best course of treatment depending on what is causing the blood in your dog’s poop. Possible treatments include eliminating or changing something in their diet, anti-parasite treatment, other medication, fluids to treat dehydration and performing surgery, among many other options. Your vet will have a better idea once they have examined your dog and diagnosed what’s causing them to pass blood in their stool.

Can dog food cause bloody diarrhoea?

It’s possible for the food your dog eats to cause stomach upset, particularly when switching from one diet to another, and this can cause bloody diarrhoea. That’s why it’s important to introduce new food gradually. It can also be caused by your dog eating other toxic human foods they find tasty. If you think the blood in your dog’s poop has been caused by eating something be sure to let the vet know as this could help them diagnose and treat the problem.

Can a dog poop blood due to stress?

Stress is a common cause of colitis in dogs which can cause blood in your dog’s poo. Stress colitis can be triggered by things like environmental changes (like moving house or boarding) and anxiety-inducing situations like thunderstorms or fireworks, as well as many other things. Symptoms tend to resolve within a few days, but you should still speak to a vet to be sure that stress colitis is what you are dealing with.

What about blood in puppy's stool?

If there is blood in your puppy’s stool it’s important to contact a vet right away. While this is the advice for dogs of any age, puppies are particularly vulnerable as their immune systems are less developed, making them more susceptible to infections and other environmental factors. If your puppy is less than two weeks old you must contact your nearest vet and take them to the clinic as soon as possible.

What home remedy is good for a dog with bloody diarrhoea?

You should never resort to home remedies for your dog’s bloody poo without consulting a vet first. Even if your dog has bloody diarrhoea but is acting normal, it is still possible that they might need urgent treatment. While it might end up being nothing to worry about, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and not take the risk.