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My dog ate human hair and is pooping blood. When to see a vet?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 1 year and 6 months old

My dog seems to have eaten some human hair which he has now began to let go of via stool; however earlier this evening he pooped blood? Please help

5 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Published on July 20th, 2016

Depending on his size and the amount of hair ingested, it is unlikely that it is creating a gastrointestinal obstruction. I would suggest to give some mineral oil (3mls twice daily up to 10 kg, 5mls if over 15kg) and soft food. Monitor his defecation for the next 24 hours.

If it is a small amount of fresh blood a veterinary check up is not needed for the moment.

I would definitively recommend a veterinary check up if the signs persist or you notice diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy or inappetence.

5Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Blood in the stools is usually a sign of a gastrointestinal infection, I would strongly recommend taking him to the vet as he will need a short course of antibiotics in order to make it better.
3Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Jessica Keay, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on June 15th, 2019
There are many different things that can cause some blood in the stool. Intestinal parasites are one possiblity, others include dietary sensitivity, bacterial infection, and inflammation in the intestinal tract. For a small amount of blood in a normal stool, if your dog is otherwsie normal, you can monitor his stools for several days. If the blood continues or increased in amount I would recommend bringing your dog into the vet for an exam along with a recent stool sample so they can test for intestinal parasites likes worms, coccidia and giardia.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Maria DVM
Veterinarian
Published on March 24th, 2019
There can be many reasons for blood in stool in dogs. It can be a mild gastrointestinal upset to something called hemorrhagic gastroenteritis. I would recommend bringing Jax to the veterinarian so they can evaluate his stool and provide medication and hydration to help resolve it. Depending on how severe the blood in his stool is they may recommend blood work. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Laura Johnson VMD
Veterinarian
Published on June 10th, 2018
Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Rowdy!

Blood in the stool indicates inflammation in the colon usually though since Rowdy is older a tumor in the rectum is also possible. Cause could be: intestinal parasites, viral or bacterial infections, he ate something gross outside upsetting his GI tract, reaction to a new treat/food/table scraps, food allergy/reaction, pancreatitis, clotting or platelet disorders.

You can start a probiotic like Purina Fortiflora and get him on a bland diet of boiled chicken or hamburger with rice until the stool normalizes then gradually get him back on his dog food. If the blood persists then he should be examined by your Vet.

I wish Rowdy the best!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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