My dog has bloody poop. When should I call the vet and what to do?

Related Answers from Veterinarians

• Answered By Dr. Macartney, BVet Med, MRCVS

  Veterinarian

  Published on November 10th, 2017

  I am very sorry to hear that Chopper is experiencing this issue, I am sure it is unsettling. From what you are describing, a normal bowel movement which has fresh blood in it, it sounds as though Chopper 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.
  
  Since you have only noticed one such episode I would continue to monitor Chopper at home. Provide a bland diet of boiled boneless chicken breast and white rice and plenty of fresh water.
  
  If the episodes continue, if Chopper becomes depressed, passes large amounts of blood, vomits, or seems very uncomfortable take Chopper to see his vet.
  
  I hope this answer was helpful and more importantly that Chopper feels better soon. Warmest regards to you both.

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

• Answered By Rodrigo Roca, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on November 9th, 2018

  Hello, I'm sorry to hear about Sonu.
  
  Blood in the stool can be a sign of straining/inflammation in the colon. There are small blood vessels in the colon wall and when a dog is experiencing any inflammation or straining to defecate these vessels can rupture. Possible causes of inflammation could include parasites or eating some kind of new food/foreign material.
  
  If Sonu is otherwise acting normally and continues to have a good attitude and appetite I think it is ok to continue monitoring him. You could offer him a bland home-cooked diet, such as boiled chicken and white rice, to allow his GI tract to rest. If Sonu's symptoms progress or he becomes lethargic or loses his appetite I would recommend having him seen by a veterinarian.
  
  Hope this helps, good luck!

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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

  Veterinarian

  Published on March 14th, 2018

  Most of these episodes, especially when not combined to any other clinical sign, are commonly caused by a colitis (inflammation of the last part of the intestine) usually secondary to dietary indiscretion.
  As a first general approach, I would suggest to withhold food for the next 8-12 hours and then 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.

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful