Blood in dog stool: What to do next?

For dog owners, picking up poop is second nature. But it can be concerning if you spot something different, such as blood in your dog’s stool. This can happen for all sorts of reasons, from minor constipation or allergies to parasites or serious illness.

Below, we cover everything you need to know about blood in dog stool, including the different types, common causes and other symptoms to look out for.

There’s a range of factors that can cause blood in a dog’s stool. Here’s a quick rundown of the most common explanations.

Digestive issues

If they've eaten something they shouldn’t have, blood in your dog’s poo can be an after-effect. Eating non-food items such as bones, sticks, toys or something toxic can cause inflammation in your dog’s digestive system, which may result in them passing blood.

Dietary changes, constipation, food allergies and irritable bowel disease can also sometimes cause blood in dog stool.

Infections

Bacterial and viral infections, such as parvovirus or salmonella, can cause bloody stool. Parvovirus is highly contagious and relatively common in puppies. If you’re concerned your puppy may have parvovirus, they’ll need immediate vet attention.

Parasites

Internal parasites such as worms and giardia can cause bloody stool.

Some other health conditions can cause blood in your dog’s poo, including:

• Colitis
• Pancreatitis
• Liver disease
• Immune system diseases
• Blood clotting disorders
• Cancerous tumours
• Trauma (from a road traffic accident, for example)
• Anal gland issues

Stress can be a common trigger for blood in a dog’s stool. Known as stress colitis, this can be brought on by changes such as moving house, as well as anxiety-inducing events such as thunderstorms or fireworks. While symptoms often clear up within a few days, it’s important to consult your vet to rule out other causes.

Depending on the cause, the blood in your dog’s stool can have different appearances, including:

• Bright red blood: Known as hematochezia, this usually indicates that the blood originates from the colon, anus or rectum.
• Dark, tarry stool: Known as melena, the stool may also look black, sticky and shiny. Darker blood usually means it’s been digested, so it originates from bleeding in the stomach or small intestine.
• Streaks of blood and a jelly-like mucus: Stool covered in a slimy mucus, which may be combined with streaks or blobs of red blood. It typically indicates inflammation of the colon

The appearance of your dog’s poop can give clues to their overall health, so while scooping it up on walks, take a moment to check if it looks normal. If you notice any signs of blood in your dog’s stool, it’s worth saving a sample, as this may help your vet determine the cause.

If you have dog insurance with Petplan, use our free Pet Expert Chat feature to connect with vet professionals, 24/7. They’ll be able to help you work out if what you’re seeing is normal, or needs further investigation. Just log into your My Petplan account and head to the My Support area.

• Vomiting
• Lethargy
• Pale gums
• Eating less than normal
• Drinking more or less than normal

If you’re worried about any blood in dog stool, it’s always best to speak to your vet for advice. They’ll be able to run tests, check your dog’s overall health and determine the cause.

Use this breakdown to help decide if it’s an emergency or not:

Dark, tarry stool: Treat this as an emergency, especially if combined with vomiting, pale gums or lethargy.

Bright red blood: Small amounts are usually not urgent but keep an eye on your dog and contact your vet if it persists. Larger amounts of bright red blood, especially when combined with diarrhoea, should be treated as an emergency.

Streaks of blood and a jelly-like mucus: Usually not urgent unless it’s frequent and paired with other symptoms, but you should schedule a vet exam as soon as possible.

You know your dog best, so if you’re worried, it’s always a good idea to speak with your vet for tailored advice.