Dog Diarrhea with Blood: Causes, Severity, and Concerns
1. Chronic Diarrhea in Dogs
When a dog experiences chronic diarrhea, initially without blood, but later on, the stool starts to contain blood, it could indicate that repeated irritation and damage to the intestines are causing bleeding. As the dog continues to have diarrhea, it may inadvertently expel blood from the damaged stomach and intestinal mucosa. This condition is not severe and can usually be cured with prompt treatment to stop the diarrhea.
Solutions: Administering an absorbent diarrhea medication or a formulation that protects the intestinal mucosa, such as Bismuth Subgallate Tablets, can be effective. The bismuth ions in the ingredient form a protective layer over the intestines, reducing damage from harmful substances and promoting mucosal repair.
2. Dog Hemorrhoids
Observing bright red blood in a dog's stool during diarrhea may suggest conditions like anal fissures, external anal wounds, or hemorrhoids. Pet owners should first give the dog gastrointestinal medication to stop the diarrhea and monitor for a day to see if the blood in the stool persists. If the diarrhea improves but the bleeding continues, a veterinary checkup is necessary.
In cases where hemorrhoids are the cause of the bleeding, prompt veterinary treatment is essential. It's also important to avoid feeding the dog foods that are too spicy to prevent recurring hemorrhoids.
3. Intestinal Obstruction by Foreign Objects
If a foreign object has passed and there is no blockage, parents can simply give the dog an antiinflammatory medication like Amoxicillin, and the dog should recover within a few days.
If the dog exhibits symptoms like vomiting, lack of energy, and loss of appetite along with bloody diarrhea, it might indicate that the dog has ingested a foreign object, which has caused intestinal injury and obstruction. Pet owners should take the dog to a veterinary clinic for an Xray to check for any intestinal foreign bodies. If surgery is needed to remove the object, followup with a course of Pulex's Vipda Amoxicillin powder for inflammation and infection control.
4. Intestinal Parasites
Regular episodes of bloody diarrhea in dogs can be attributed to internal parasites, such as roundworms, tapeworms, and hookworms, which feed on the dog's blood and nutrients in the intestines, eventually damaging the intestinal mucosa and leading to bleeding and dysfunction. Dogs with parasites often eat more but lose weight, and may exhibit a bloated abdomen when there are many parasites.
It's crucial to deworm the dog promptly using Praziquantel tablets, and also to replenish blood, especially if there's significant bleeding. Pet owners should also focus on gut health, offering probiotics and intestinal repair medications.
5. Viral Infectious Diseases
Dogs infected with canine distemper, parvovirus, canine coronavirus, and canine influenza will exhibit not only bloody diarrhea but also symptoms like fever, loss of appetite, and depression. Canine distemper and coronavirus can be lifethreatening, so if there's a suspicion of distemper, it's vital to seek veterinary care immediately to avoid missing the best treatment window.
For more questions, consult an online veterinary doctor or learn more about "Dog Diarrhea and Diarrhea" for additional information.