Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

My dog has fresh blood in her stool again. Is it an emergency?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | American Staffordshire Terrier | Female | unspayed | 2 years and 10 months old | 18 lbs

My 3 yo staffy has just passed a little fresh blood in her stool. This has happened before about 7 months ago I was thinking those hook worm things but it seemed to go away after a week so I thought maybe she just split her anal lining when pooping. Is this common to happen again? Does she need urgent assistance or should I just keep an eye on it?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on November 11th, 2019

Blood is always concerning in the stool, but as long as Arah is eating and drinking normally, and otherwise behaving normally, it's not an emergency. That's not to say it shouldn't be checked out by a vet, it should, but you don't have to rush her in immediately. Have her seen in the next few days.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on July 4th, 2019
Maisie’s nose not being wet isn’t a sign of illness. A dog’s nose can go from wet to dry just by laying in the sun or near a heat source. The blood in her feces is a little concerning. As long as she is eating and drinking normally, and showing no other signs, you can wait to have her seen by a vet on Friday. If she starts vomiting, has diarrhea, stops eating, stops drinking water, continues to have blood in her feces, or becomes very lethargic, she will have to see a vet immediately.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

Health & Wellness

Dog's bloody stool after heartworm treatment. Is it an emergency?

Hello, depending on which medications she has, side effects may include GI signs such as the ones you saw this morning. If she continues to have blood her stool contact your veterinarian in the morning. However, if she develops profuse watery and bloody diarrhea with other GI signs such as vomiting and inappetence then she should be seen by an emergency veterinarian. Hope this helps and best of luck.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My dog has bloody stool but is acting normal. Is it an emergency?

If he’s otherwise normal you should be fine watching him tonight. He could have a ruptured anal abscess, or be passing a bone. He could also have a mass inside the rectum. Severe bloody diarrhea in a dog that is lethargic and not eating is a medical emergency but this sounds like he’s stable so bring him to your regular veterinarian in the morning so they can diagnose and treat his problem. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Watson.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My dog has diarrhea with spots in stool. Is it worms or an emergency?

It's definitely diarrhea and Betty may have tapeworms, but as long as she is eating, drinking, there isn't blood in her stool, she isn't vomiting, and she isn't lethargic, it's fine to wait until Friday. It's an emergency if there is blood in her stool, she's not eating, not drinking, vomiting, or is lethargic.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My puppy ate a plastic knife and has bloody stool. Is it an emergency?

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Ares. If he ate a plastic knife, yes this could be the cause of the blood. It could also be intestinal worms, which are common in puppies. As long as he's eating and drinking, and otherwise behaving normally, it's not an emergency. He should be seen by vet for it, but it can wait until the morning. I hope this helps!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My dog's poop has maroon splotches. Is this blood? Should I worry?

No, this isn't normal, and it sounds like Carmel may have some blood in her feces. It could be caused by intestinal worms, eating something rotten, trauma to her GI tract, or a foreign body among other causes. As long as Carmel is eating and drinking normally, and is behaving normally, you can wait to take her into the vet in the morning. If she's vomiting, having diarrhea, lethargic, and doesn't want to eat or drink, I would have her seen by a vet immediately. The vet can diagnose what is causing the blood in her feces, and can treat her for it.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My dog has diarrhea with a little blood. Is it an emergency?

Hi ! If the amount of fresh blood is little I would not recommend an emergency check up. Fresh blood is probably coming from the lower intestine, most likely the colon or from around the anus where these is some irritation from the diarrhoea. I would recommend a bland diet of chicken and rice , or fish and rice or Hill's GI prescription food and a good probiotic. Diarrhoea should settle in a few days, but if Val is not eating or she seems to pass a lot of diarrhoea, or if the blood increases, I would recommend a vet check up. Hope this helps !

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My dog has fresh blood in his stool but seems fine. Is it serious?

If he is eating, drinking and otherwise acting ok I would not be too concerned. However, if the stool continues to have blood in it for more than 1 or 2 days I would recommend taking Watson to the vet to be checked out.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share