If you’ve ever dealt with bloody diarrhea in dogs, then you know how worrisome it can be. After all, nobody wants to see their furry friend suffer.
But many dog owners don’t realize that bloody diarrhea is quite common in dogs of all ages, and often, it’s not anything to worry about. With that said, there are some situations where bloody diarrhea can be a sign of a more serious underlying health condition.
So, how do you know when to seek an emergency vet visit for your dog? Read on to find out.
Causes For Your Dog’s Diarrhea
There are many different potential causes of diarrhea in dogs. Some reasons are minor and will resolve on their own, while others may require medical treatment.
Some of the most common causes of diarrhea in dogs include:
Diet
This is the most common cause of diarrhea in dogs and usually happens when they eat something they shouldn’t have, like garbage or a plant. This type of diarrhea is generally not severe and will resolve on its own within a day or two.
Infections
Viruses, bacteria, and parasites can all cause diarrhea in dogs. These types of infections are usually passed from dog to dog through contact with infected feces. Infectious diarrhea can range from mild to severe and may require medical treatment.
Intestinal Disorders
Disorders like inflammatory bowel disease, colitis, and tumors can all cause diarrhea in dogs. These types of conditions usually require ongoing medical treatment.
Food Allergies or Sensitivities
Just like people, some dogs are allergic or sensitive to certain foods. If your dog has food allergies or sensitivities, they may experience diarrhea after eating certain foods.
Stress
Dogs can also experience diarrhea as a result of stress or anxiety. If your dog is experiencing stress-related diarrhea, it’s important to talk to your veterinarian about ways to help them relax and feel more comfortable.
Diarrhea is a common illness in dogs that can have many different causes, some of which are more serious than others. Therefore, it’s essential to be aware of the various causes of diarrhea in dogs so that you can get your furry friend the treatment they need as soon as possible.
Should You Be Concerned?
In most cases, diarrhea is nothing to worry about and will go away on its own within a day or two. However, there are some instances where diarrhea can be a sign of a more serious problem.
For example, blood in the stool can indicate an underlying health issue, such as an infection or inflammatory bowel disease. If your dog has bloody diarrhea or diarrhea that lasts longer than a few days, it’s best to consult your veterinarian.
What Does Blood in My Dog’s Stool Look Like?
The appearance of blood in your dog’s bloody stool can vary depending on the underlying cause. For example, if the blood is coming from the large intestine or rectum, it will usually appear bright red. On the other hand, if the blood is coming from the small intestine, it will usually appear dark and tarry.
If you’re not sure what you’re seeing, it’s best to take a sample of your dog’s stool to your veterinarian so they can determine the cause.
What Steps Should You Take if Your Pup has Bloody Diarrhea?
If your dog has bloody diarrhea, it’s important to take them to the veterinarian as soon as possible. In some cases, severe bloody diarrhea can be a sign of a serious underlying health condition that requires immediate medical treatment.
At the vet, they will look at your dog’s medical history, and your pup will likely undergo a physical examination and have a stool sample taken for analysis. Routine diagnostic procedures, such as blood tests, may also be performed to check for signs of infection. Based on the results of these tests, your vet will be able to determine the best course of treatment for your dog.
In some cases, diarrhea can resolve on its own without any medical intervention. However, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and consult your veterinarian if your dog is experiencing any type of diarrhea. With prompt treatment, including specially formulated dog foods, most dogs recover quickly and without any complications.
Warning: Do not give your dog human medications!
Common Causes of Bloody Diarrhea in Your Dog
While some causes are nothing to worry about, others can be indicative of more serious concerns regarding your dog’s health. For example, if you notice that your dog has bloody diarrhea, it’s essential to take them to the vet so that they can determine the underlying cause and provide treatment accordingly.
Dietary Indiscretion
It’s important to be aware of what dog food you feed your pup, as even the most innocent-sounding food can cause problems. Dietary indiscretion, or the ingestion of something that’s not part of a dog’s normal diet, is a common cause of bloody diarrhea in dogs. The most common offenders are table scraps and garbage, but even something as innocuous as a change in food or treats can trigger an upset stomach.
If your dog has eaten something they shouldn’t have, watch for signs of diarrhea, including blood in the stool. Untreated dietary indiscretion can lead to dehydration and other serious health problems. So immediate veterinary care is essential for your pup. Your vet might put your dog on a specialized hypoallergenic medical diet or a bland diet.
Infectious Diseases
Did you know that some of the most common infectious diseases affecting dogs can cause bloody diarrhea? That’s right – conditions like parvovirus, distemper, and even e. coli can lead to bloody stools in your furry friend. And while it may not seem like a big deal, this can actually be a sign of a serious underlying condition.
Bloody diarrhea is often one of the first symptoms of an infection, and it can be a sign that your dog’s body is fighting off a serious illness. If you notice that your dog’s stool is tinged with blood, it’s important to take them to the vet right away. With prompt treatment, many infectious diseases are fully curable. But if left untreated, they can cause serious health complications – or even death.
Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis (HGE)
One condition that commonly affects dogs is hemorrhagic gastroenteritis (HGE). HGE is a sudden onset of bloody vomiting and bloody diarrhea. It can occur in any breed of dog, but it is most commonly seen in small breeds. While the exact cause of HGE is unknown, it is thought to be related to a viral or bacterial infection.
Regardless of the underlying cause, HGE is believed to trigger an immune system reaction that results in inflammation and increased permeability, and possible bacterial infection trauma of the upper intestinal tract lining. The dog’s upper digestive tract allows bacteria and toxins to enter the bloodstream, which can lead to vomiting and bloody diarrhea.
HGE can affect any breed of dog, but it is most commonly seen in small breeds like Yorkshire terriers, miniature schnauzers, Pomeranians, and Toy poodles. Male dogs between the ages of one and three years old are also at an increased risk for developing HGE.
So if your dog has bloody diarrhea, don’t delay – get them to the vet as soon as possible. It could save their life.
Intestinal Parasites
One condition that you may not be familiar with is intestinal parasites. These tiny organisms live in the intestines and can cause many problems, including bloody diarrhea and inflamed intestines.
There are several types of intestinal parasites that can affect dogs, including hookworms, whipworms, coccidia, and giardia. Each type of parasite has its own method of reproduction and life cycle, but all of them can cause bloody diarrhea in your dog. In some cases, the blood may be visible in the stool, while in others, it may only be present when the stool is tested microscopically.
Intestinal parasites are usually contracted from contaminated food or water. If your dog ingests infected feces, for example, they can become infected with hookworms. In addition, whipworms are often found in dirty surroundings, while coccidia and giardia can both be found in contaminated water.
Most dogs will show no obvious signs of intestinal infections until they start to experience bloody diarrhea. If you notice this symptom in your dog, it’s important to take them to the vet right away for treatment. In some cases, intestinal parasites can be deadly if left untreated.
Fortunately, there are a number of effective treatments available for intestinal parasites. Your vet will be able to prescribe the best course of treatment for your dog based on the type of parasite involved. With prompt treatment, most dogs make a full recovery and go on to lead healthy lives.
Poisoning and Toxins
While there are many potential causes of this condition, one of the most serious is poisoning or exposure to toxins. Therefore, if your dog has come into contact with any potentially harmful substances, it’s essential to watch for signs of illness and seek veterinary care as soon as possible.
Bloody diarrhea is often accompanied by other symptoms such as vomiting, lethargy, and loss of appetite. In severe cases, it can lead to dehydration and even death. If you suspect your dog has been poisoned, don’t delay getting them to the vet for treatment. With quick action, you can help them avoid serious health complications and return to being their usual playful self.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
One potential cause of bloody diarrhea in dogs is IBD. IBD is a condition that results in inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. This inflammation can lead to several symptoms, including weight loss, vomiting, loss of appetite, and—you guessed it—bloody diarrhea.
If your dog is displaying any of these symptoms, it’s essential to take them to the vet so that they can rule out IBD or any other potential causes.
Conclusion
Bloody diarrhea is a condition that can be caused by many different things. While some causes are nothing to worry about, others can be indicative of more serious health concerns. If you notice that your dog has bloody diarrhea, it’s important to take them to the vet so that they can determine the underlying cause and provide treatment accordingly.
Related topic: Toy aggression in dogs
*photo by Judithdz – depositphotos
