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Blood belongs in blood vessels, so when it makes an appearance anywhere else on or around our pets, we worry — and with good reason. Blood in dog stool is a symptom of a wide range of conditions. Some are more serious than others, but knowing what you’re looking at can help you communicate more clearly with your veterinarian.

Blood in Dog Stool

The first thing you should do if you find blood in your dog’s stool, whether the stool is formed or loose (like diarrhea), is call your veterinarian. Dogs can’t verbalize when they aren’t feeling well. Finding blood in dog poop is alarming. It’s also a clear sign that something is going on with your dog.

You can save yourself and your veterinarian time by knowing how to describe your dog’s bloody stool. There are two types: hematochezia and melena.

Hematochezia is bright red blood. This type of bleeding occurs in the lower digestive tract or colon and indicates a specific set of conditions.

Melena is a dark, sticky, tarry stool, almost jelly-like. This blood has been digested or swallowed, indicating a problem in the upper digestive tract. You can check whether your dog’s stool contains this kind of blood by wiping it on a paper towel to see if the color is reddish.

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Bright Red Blood in Your Dog’s Stool

Bright red blood looks dramatic, but it isn’t always a sign of a life-threatening illness. If you notice a single streak of red blood in your dog’s stool, and the rest of their poop is normal, it might be a fluke. But you should still call your veterinarian. Consistent bleeding or large amounts of blood, on the other hand, indicate a more serious problem.

Here are some of the more common causes of bloody stool in dogs:

• Colitis (inflammation of the colon)
• Parasites, such as hookworms
• Trauma
• Toxins
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Anal sac infections or impactions

Severe conditions that can cause bloody stool or bloody diarrhea include viral and bacterial infections, parvovirus, , and possibly cancer. Your veterinarian may perform a series of diagnostic tests, such as a fecal examination or blood work, to help determine the cause of the bleeding. However, if you think your unvaccinated dog may have been exposed to parvovirus, call ahead before you bring them into the emergency room to help the staff limit the spread of infection.

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Dark, Tarry Stools

Dark, tarry stools are often more difficult to notice than bright red blood. Some dogs have darker stool than others, depending on diet and other factors. You know your dog’s poop. If it looks darker than normal or shows any major changes in color or appearance, contact your veterinarian.

Possible causes of melena in dogs include:

• Parasites
• Inflammatory disorders
• Infections
• Ulcers
• Tumors
• and trauma
• Kidney failure
• Exposure to toxins
• Addison’s disease
• Liver disease
• Pancreatitis
• Hormonal imbalances
• Clotting disorders
• Reaction to certain medications, such as anti-inflammatory medications

If your dog is suffering from one of these conditions, they might also show other symptoms. Keep an eye out for changes in your dog’s appetite, activity levels, and attitude. Vomiting, diarrhea, appetite loss, weakness, blood in the urine, and difficulty breathing can all indicate serious conditions that require immediate veterinary intervention. If your dog shows these signs for the first time and is on any medication, stop the medication at once and call your veterinarian immediately.

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Treatment Options for Bloody Dog Poop

If your dog is suffering from bloody stool, your veterinarian treatments may include:

• Change in diet
• Fluids to treat dehydration
• Medication
• Anti-parasite treatment
• Surgery

Now that you have a basic understanding of the possible causes of bloody stool and how to describe your dog’s condition, contact your veterinarian. As with all other medical conditions, the sooner you get your dog examined, the better.