My dog has bloody diarrhea and can't control his bowels. What to do?

I am very sorry to hear that your dogs are experiencing these problems, I am sure it is very unsettling for you both. There are a number of potential causes of such clinical signs, including dietary indiscretion, pancreatitis, parasite infestation, infection, and ingestion of a toxin or poison. Because you have only noticed these signs over the course of a few days I would continue to monitor them at home. Rest their gastrointestinal tracts by holding back food for a few hours. Then you can continue with a bland and easily digested food of the boiled chicken breast and white rice diet and provide plenty of fresh water. I also find that boiled, mashed skinless sweet potato is helpful for diarrhea. If they do not improve, has profuse vomiting or diarrhea, you notice fresh blood, they seems lethargic, in pain or depressed I would advise a trip to the veterinarian. I would also consider a worming treatment if you have not done so in the last 4 months; http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=35694 Here are some links to helpful resources for you; https://www.petcoach.co/article/most-common-causes-of-diarrhea-in-dogs/ https://www.petcoach.co/article/6-things-you-can-do-at-home-if-your-pet-has-diarrhea/ I hope that answer was helpful and more importantly that they feel better soon. Warmest regards to you both.

I am very sorry to hear that Theodore is experiencing these problems, I am sure it is very unsettling for you both. There are a number of potential causes of such clinical signs, including dietary indiscretion, pancreatitis, parasite infestation, infection, and ingestion of a toxin or poison. In young puppies eating something they shouldn’t have and gastrointestinal worms are very common. If you haven’t done a de-worming treatment with Theodore yet it would be a good idea to. Broad spectrum puppy safe dewormers are available at most pet stores and at your local veterinarian. Because you have only noticed these signs over the course of a few hours I would continue to monitor Theordore at home. Here is what you can do for him; Rest his gastrointestinal tract by holding back food for a few hours. Then you can continue with a bland and easily digested food of the boiled chicken breast and white rice diet and provide plenty of fresh water. I also find that boiled, mashed skinless sweet potato is helpful for diarrhoea. If Theodore does not improve, has profuse vomiting or diarrhoea, you notice more fresh blood, He seems lethargic, in pain or depressed I would advise a trip to the veterinarian immediately. Here are some links to helpful resources for you; https://www.petcoach.co/article/most-common-causes-of-diarrhea-in-dogs/ https://www.petcoach.co/article/6-things-you-can-do-at-home-if-your-pet-has-diarrhea/ I hope that answer was helpful and more importantly that Theodore feels better soon. Warmest regards to you both.

These signs could be compatible with a colitis, which is an inflammation of the last part of the colon, usually related to dietary indiscretion. As a first approach, I would suggest to start feeding with a bland diet based on boiled chicken and rice in small portion every 6 hours for the following 48hours. Then gradually reintroduce the normal diet over 5 days. I would definitively recommend a veterinary check up if the signs persist or you notice vomiting, lethargy or inappetence. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!

Blood in the stool, even if it seems to "go away" and come back later, is never normal. The fact that it's accompanied by diarrhea suggests colitis, or inflammation of the colon, as opposed to some type of bleeding mass in the rectum or colon. Colitis can have a number of causes, including dietary indiscretion (eating something rotten or non-food), parasites, food allergies/food sensitivities, inflammatory bowel disease, or infection. Leah may improve with a diet change, perhaps a more digestible diet specifically for gastrointestinal problems. To assume it's a "tummy issue" could be to ignore causes that are treatable, and at this point she's not only having diarrhea but she also lost her appetite. It's been three days and she's not improving, so I recommend having her seen by her vet for labwork to include parasite testing, blood work, and urinalysis for starters. If all is normal consider a bland diet (as recommended above), and a probiotic supplement. Ultimately, she may need to have biopsies taken to diagnose the exact cause.

I am very sorry to hear that Shadow is experiencing this issue, I am sure it is unsettling. From what you are describing, a normal bowel movement which fresh blood in it, it sounds as though Shadow has colitis, or inflammation of the last portion of the large intestines. There are several causes of colitis in dogs, ranging from bacterial infections, parasite infestations, IBD, or ingestion of contaminated food. If Shadow is on medication for his epilepsy it may also be a reaction to this medication, and its long term use. Do not stop the medication or alter the dosage, however, do call the prescribing veterinarian to discuss an alternative or adjustment. Since you have only noticed a few episodes I would continue to monitor Shadow at home. Provide a bland diet of boiled boneless chicken breast and white rice and plenty of fresh water. For your convenience you could also try this gastrointestinal health diet http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=31583 And/ or these probiotic health chews; http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=24772 If the episodes continue, if Shadow becomes depressed, passes large amounts of blood, vomits, or seems very uncomfortable take Shadow to see his vet. I hope this answer was helpful and more importantly that Shadow feels better soon. Warmest regards to you both.

This problem is likely to be related to a colitis (inflammation of the last part of the intestine). It is quite common and usually dietary related. It is nothing to be extremely worried about unless signs of lethargy and vomiting are noticed. Hydration is usually not an big concern at this stage as there may be a mild dehydration but not clinically significant at this stage. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. Please find the time to give us a feedback about the consultation as that will be used to improve our service.

If he is acting normal then you can withhold food for 12 hours and then offer him a small amount of a bland diet, like boiled chicken and white rice, and see how he does with that. You could also add a probiotic to his food. If the diarrhea continues, he starts vomiting, and/or becomes lethargic then he needs to be examined by a vet for treatment. He could have an infection, parasite, colitis, HGE, etc. and your vet can run lab-work to help diagnose and treat. Hope he feels better soon!