How do you know if there’s blood in your dog’s stool? If it’s bright red, then it’s pretty obvious to detect the blood. But if the stools are black and look more like tar than your dog’s usual feces, then that is also a sign of blood in the stool. Either bight red or tarry black, this is not normal and the dog needs to be taken to the vet as soon as possible. Bright red blood in the stool is called hematochezia, while stools with digested blood is called melena.
Take note also of any other peculiar symptoms your dog has. Anything that deviates from the norm should be a warning sign. This includes constipation, vomiting, change in appetite, whether he seems very tired, if he has gotten into any garbage or carrion and if he has just started any new medications. The vet will need to know this information in order to make a proper diagnosis.
Internal Injury
One of the most serious reasons for blood in a dog’s stool is from an injury to an internal organ. This usually happens when a dog has swallowed something she shouldn’t have, like a stone, small toy, stick or just about anything else. The dog would need an X-ray to locate the offending object. Sometimes, the dog can just vomit up the offending object, but often it needs to be surgically removed.
Poisoning
Diarrhea is a usual symptom of poisoning but bloody diarrhea is a sign that the dog is going down fast. Rat poisoning may cause bright red diarrhea. The dog will also show other signs of poisoning like vomiting, seizures or coordination problems.
Dark blood in stools can also be a bad reaction to new medication.
Cancer
This usually happens to older dogs and can be a sign of cancer anywhere in the dog’s digestive tract or urinary tracts in unneutered dogs. If the dog is neutered, then the cause is most likely stomach cancer, liver cancer, pancreatic cancer, colo-rectal cancer or a cancer of another kind. This is not a good sign.
In order to get a proper diagnosis, the dog will need X-rays, maybe ultrasounds, a complete blood cell count and possibly a rectal examination. Check with your vet to see if a stool sample is needed prior to the visit. Canine cancer is not always a death sentence, especially if caught early enough.
Whipworms
This happens mostly in younger dogs with tarry stools, but dogs can be infected by worms all throughout their lives. You may even see worms in the dog’s stool. The dog needs immediate treatment, but the chances of saving the dog are incredibly good. Routine worming can prevent whipworms, as well as tapeworms and roundworms.
Constipation
If the dog has been straining to have a bowel movement and the stools are smaller than usual, the blood could be from injuries to the rectum from constipation. The blood is usually bright red in color. If the dog is also very gassy and passes mucus in the stools, then he or she may have colitis. This is a chronic but treatable condition.
References:
Dog Owner’s Home Veterinary Handbook.” Debra M. Eldredge, DVM, et al. Howell Book House; 2007.
“The Veterinarian’s Guide to Your Dog’s Symptoms.” Michael S. garvey, DVM, et al. Villard; 1999.
Pet Place. “Melna (Blood in Stool) in Dogs.” Dr. Bari Spielman. http://www.petplace.com/dogs/melena-blood-in-stool-in-dogs/page1.aspx
eHow. “Bloody Stools in Dogs.” Rena Sherwood http://www.ehow.com/about_5427251_bloody-stools-dogs.html
Veterinary Partner.com. “Rat Poison.” Wendy C. Brooks, DVM. http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&A;=1765&S;=1&SourceID;=42
