Emergency: What to Do If Your Dog Suddenly Has Bloody D

If your dog suddenly starts to have blood in its stool, it's crucial to prioritize investigating hemorrhagic gastroenteritis. This gastrointestinal condition is typically caused by bacterial infections. When a dog's digestive system is infected, it may exhibit symptoms like diarrhea, blood in the stool, or feces that appear dark green or maroon. You can inspect your dog's feces for any strands of blood or clots, or even if the entire stool is red, which is a severe indication. In such cases, immediate veterinary care is necessary.

After ruling out hemorrhagic gastroenteritis, it's important to check for infectious enteritis, which is usually caused by viral infections such as canine parvovirus or canine coronavirus. Dogs with infectious enteritis might show signs of diarrhea, soft stools, decreased appetite, vomiting, and bloody stools. If you're unsure about the symptoms, consulting an online veterinary expert or taking your dog to a vet clinic for a proper assessment is advisable.

Once these two conditions have been checked and ruled out, if the issue persists, it may be worth examining your dog's diet. It's possible that the dog has ingested sharp animal bones or metallic objects, leading to intestinal lacerations. This can cause significant bleeding and, in severe cases, may lead to peritonitis due to bowel perforation.

Beyond these more serious diseases and intestinal injuries, there are also less severe conditions that can cause blood in the stool. For instance, parasitic infections can occur if your dog hasn't been dewormed regularly. The frequency of deworming can help determine if this is the cause.

If you notice your dog having blood in its stool, it's essential to seek veterinary advice promptly. The symptoms can indicate serious underlying conditions that require immediate attention. It's best not to administer any medication without a proper diagnosis, as the root cause of the bleeding needs to be identified accurately.