Dog Vomiting Blood: Normal Symptoms, What to Do
Reasons for Dogs to Have Bloody Stools:
1. Intestinal Bleeding Caused by Hard Objects:
Bloody stools in dogs are often a result of blood being carried out from the intestines. Intestinal bleeding might occur if the dog has accidentally ingested hard objects that have punctured its intestines, such as nut shells, bones, or other hard items. This can lead to symptoms like vomiting and loss of appetite, as the foreign object can cause damage to the intestines, leading to a broken state where the object cannot be expelled.
Solution: It's important to monitor the dog's condition. If the foreign object remains inside, veterinary intervention, including Xrays and surgery, may be necessary. Postsurgery, antibiotics and probiotics should be administered to help with gut healing and infection prevention.
2. Damage to the Gastrointestinal Mucosa:
Regular diarrhea can also lead to bloody stools in dogs, as it can cause damage to the gastrointestinal mucosa, resulting in bleeding.
Solution: If your dog is experiencing diarrhea, it's crucial to stop it promptly. Products like Pancreatic Enzyme Complex can effectively treat diarrhea in dogs.
3. Parasitic Infection:
Bloody stools can also be a result of parasitic infections in the dog's intestines, such as roundworms, coccidia, or tapeworms. These parasites can damage the intestinal walls and cause blood vessels to rupture, leading to blood in the stool.
Solution: Take your dog to a veterinary clinic for a fecal examination to determine the type of parasites. Then, use targeted deworming medications to clear the parasites from the dog's intestines. It's also essential for pet owners to deworm their dogs regularly, ideally once a month, to ensure their health.
4. Hemorrhoids:
Bloody stools may not always be due to intestinal bleeding. Sometimes, the blood comes from external wounds near the anus, such as hemorrhoids. Dogs with hemorrhoids may experience bleeding during defecation, along with constipation and difficulty in passing stool.
Solution: Clean the dog's anal area regularly to prevent infection and inflammation. In severe cases, surgical removal of the hemorrhoids may be necessary.
5. Infectious Diseases:
During the middle stages of infections like parvovirus, canine distemper, or canine coronavirus, dogs may exhibit vomiting and diarrhea. In the later stages, diarrhea can become bloody, with the stool appearing coffee or tomatocolored and having a foul smell.
Solution: If the bloody stools are caused by infectious viruses, it's vital to seek veterinary care immediately. Treatment may include fluid replacement, antiinflammatory drugs, and antiviral medications to prevent the dog from becoming critically ill.
Dr. Oxygen Pet wants to remind pet owners that dogs cannot speak, so symptoms often go unnoticed until they become severe. Therefore, it's important to be proactive in preventing your dog from getting sick. Dogs are naturally playful and love to chew on things that can harm their intestines. Keep your home clean and free of such items.
What should you do if your dog suddenly has bloody stools? Analyze the situation and find the cause promptly to administer the appropriate treatment.