My dog strained and had bloody poop. Is this a serious concern?

I'm sorry that Azazel isn't feeling well! Bloody stools in a young dog can be caused by IBD (inflammatory bowel disease), Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis, dietary indiscretion, intestinal parasites, or much less commonly a growth or trauma. Eating a large amount of his normal food would not, by itself, cause bloody stools. If his stool looks like raspberry jam, I would recommend taking him to the vet or an emergency clinic right away. If there are just streaks of blood on the outside of his bowel movements, and he's actually totally normal (eating, drinking, good energy, has pink gums) it's not an emergency just yet. In that case, I would recommend feeding him a bland diet of boiled chicken and rice and giving him a day to see if it resolves. If after a second day (so 48 hours total) he's still have blood stool or is having diarrhea, it would be wise to have him checked out at your regular vet. Bring a fresh stool sample to any vet you end up seeing so they can check him for intestinal parasites. Wishing you and Azazel the best of luck! Let me know if this was helpful and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach

Hello, sorry to hear about Pookie. It sounds like he is having some hemorrhagic gastroenteritis (HGE). Occasionally this is self limiting and can be resolved with a bland diet for 3-5 days (plain white rice, skinless and boneless boiled chicken). However often, pets require medications and supportive care for the associated dehydration, vomiting, and diarrhea (with or without blood) that comes with this disease. If Pookie is not improving within a day, or if his diarrhea is worsening despite the bland diet, if he develops innapetence or vomiting, then he should be evaluated by his veterinarian promptly. Hope this helps and best of luck.

I would fast Charlie for 24 hours and then put him on bland food for two days, such as boiled white rice and boiled white boneless chicken meat, fed in small quantities over several feeds and then transition back to regular food slowly over a few days. You can also add canned pumpkin to help with retaining moisture in the feces and so soften them. The blood is likely caused by pushing hard poop scratching on the surface of the rectum. Make sure he drinks enough water. Should the constipation not improve within the next two or three days then you need to see your veterinarian for an exam and an enema.

This behavior is suspicious for not feeling well and blood in the stool further supports that. I recommend to take in a sample of the stool for testing and have Lacey checked for parasites or an infection. Based upon the physical exam and the medical history, the doctor may recommend other diagnostics as well. In the meantime feed her a bland diet as this can help to relieve inflammation in the gut. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.

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.

Hi there! I'm sorry to hear that Peanut isn't feeling well. It sounds like he has soft stool or diarrhea, which makes dogs strain to defecate as the irritation and inflammation of the rectal area makes them feel like they have to go. This can also cause the rupture of tiny blood vessels in the rectal area, which may cause the red liquid you are seeing. I don't recommend giving him anything over the counter, but if he is acting okay otherwise and not vomiting, you might consider withholding food for the evening and then try feeding him boiled chicken with rice to see if his stool will firm up. If he still has the soft stool and straining tomorrow, I highly recommend bringing him to the vet. At the vet's office, they will examine him, take his temperature, and likely check his stool for parasites, which can cause soft stool. They may also recommend an abdominal x-ray. I hope Peanut feels better soon!

If her feaces were hard, it could be that the blood is from straining to pass the poo. Maybe feaces were harder because of vomiting and being slightly dehydrated. As you say, she probably senses the move and the stress, I would recommend to monitor her for the time being but see a vet if blood persisting or if worried.