Causes
A bloody stool is never normal and often indicates such health problems as intestinal parasites (hookworms, whipworms, and coccidia), viral infections (parvovirus), bacterial infections (salmonellosis), fungal infections (histoplasmosis), colitis, anal sac disease, cancer, hemorrhagic gastroenteritis, bleeding disorders, and adverse drug reactions.
But a bloody stool doesn’t necessarily mean your dog is sick. If your dog munches on bones or sticks, sharp fragments may injure the delicate intestinal lining, causing it to bleed. The bleeding usually subsides after the fragments snake their way through the digestive tract. Occasionally these bony fragments or splinters become lodged in the intestines, requiring surgery.
What you can do at home
Although feces aren’t pleasant to look at, that’s exactly what you need to do. Note the color of the blood (bright red, dark red, or black) and whether it’s on the surface or mixed in the feces. Also, estimate the amount of blood in the feces—is it a small amount or a puddle? Save a fecal sample for the veterinarian to evaluate—the fresher the better, so get the sample to the hospital within 24 hours.
If your dog ate bones the day before you noticed the blood or you saw bone pieces in the feces, you may wait to call your veterinarian—but only if your pet doesn’t exhibit other symptoms, such as straining to defecate, scooting his bottom on the floor, or excessive rectal licking. Check your dog’s next bowel movement for blood. Until your dpg goes number two, feed him a bland, easily digestible diet, such as plain rice and cottage cheese or baby food—your dog will love strained beef or chicken.
When to call the veterinarian
In most cases, take your dog to the veterinarian as soon as you notice the problem. Call the doctor immediately if your dog has additional symptoms, including vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, fever, or appetite loss.
What your veterinarian will do
The doctor will likely ask you to describe the blood in the stool. (Aren’t you glad you looked?) Your response may indicate which part of the digestive tract is involved. The veterinarian will perform a complete physical examination and test a fecal sample for parasites and parvovirus. (Aren’t you glad you saved it? Your dog is!) Depending on the results, your veterinarian may recommend a bacterial fecal culture, blood tests, X-rays, endoscopy (using a special scope to look inside the digestive tract), and possibly an intestinal biopsy.
Some conditions that cause bloody stools are very serious, but fortunately most conditions respond well to treatment—and you can turn your attention back to the more pleasant aspects of dog ownership.
