Alex Seilis
Watching your dog’s stool might not be the most glamorous part of pet ownership ... but it’s super important for keeping tabs on her health.
Your dog’s poop can actually tell you a lot about what’s going on inside her body, so any changes—especially if you see blood—should definitely catch your attention.
Finding blood in your dog’s diarrhea or stool can be pretty scary, but it’s not always a reason to panic.
Below, we'll walk you through what the most common different types of bloody diarrhea mean ... so you can figure out if it’s something you can handle at home or if it’s time to head to the vet.
Understanding Bloody Diarrhea In Dogs
Bloody diarrhea in dogs can show up in a few different ways, and each one hints at different issues in your dog’s digestive system.
You might notice bright red streaks, which usually come from the lower part of the digestive tract, or black, tar-like stools, which suggest the blood is coming from higher up, like the stomach or small intestine.
Sometimes, the poop can look like it has a jelly-like texture, which could mean something more serious is going on, like hemorrhagic gastroenteritis (HGE).
Along with the blood, there are other things to keep an eye on when checking out your dog’s stool:
- Look for changes in texture, like if there’s mucus or it seems jelly-like, or if the color shifts.
- Also, pay attention to how your dog is acting overall—if she seems tired, aren’t interested in food, or are vomiting, these could be signs that what’s happening is more serious.
Types Of Bloody Diarrhea
Again, different kinds of stool can suggest different problems.
Here are a few of the most common types of bloody diarrhea in dogs, and what they mean.
Hematochezia (Red Bloody Diarrhea)
Hematochezia is when you see fresh, red blood in your dog’s poop. This usually comes from the lower part of the digestive system, like the colon or rectum.
Even though it looks alarming, it’s not always a huge deal.
But if the bleeding keeps happening or your dog seems off, it’s a good idea to check in with your vet just to be safe.
Melena (Black Tarry Diarrhea)
Melena is when the blood in your dog’s stool looks black and tarry, which means it’s been digested. This type of stool usually points to bleeding higher up in the digestive system, like the stomach or small intestine.
Melena is more serious than seeing fresh red blood and could mean something pretty urgent is going on. If you notice this, especially if your dog isn’t acting like themselves, you should get them to the vet ASAP.
“Strawberry Milkshake” Diarrhea
This type of stool looks like it has pink or red swirls in it, kind of like a strawberry milkshake. It means there’s bleeding in your dog’s small intestine, and the blood is mixing with partially digested food.
This can be a sign of something serious, so it’s important to get your dog to the vet right away to figure out what’s going on.
Dark Jelly-Like Diarrhea
If your dog’s stool looks dark and jelly-like, it could be a sign of hemorrhagic gastroenteritis (HGE), which is a condition that can lead to severe dehydration and might even be life-threatening if it’s not treated fast.
Dogs with HGE might also start vomiting or suddenly seem really low on energy. Because this condition can get serious quickly, it’s crucial to see a vet immediately if you notice these symptoms in your dog.
What Causes Bloody Diarrhea In Dogs?
When you notice fresh, red blood in your dog’s stool, it can be caused by several things that aren’t always a big deal. These situations will often resolve on their own ... but if the bleeding persists, it’s worth getting a vet’s opinion to rule out anything serious.
On the other hand, when the blood in your dog’s stool looks dark and tarry or has a “strawberry milkshake” appearance, it’s a sign that something more serious might be going on.
Let's take a closer look at the causes of these two different kinds of diarrhea in dogs: standard red bloody diarrhea and dark and tarry or "strawberry milkshake" diarrhea.
Causes Of Red Bloody Diarrhea
Stress-Related Bloody Stool
Sometimes, your dog’s environment can change suddenly, or they might experience a stressful event, like a new pet in the house or a trip to the boarding kennel. These kinds of stressors can lead to a temporary case of bloody stool, as stress can cause inflammation in the digestive tract.
Usually, this type of bloody stool is short-lived and resolves once your dog feels more at ease, but keeping an eye on them to make sure it doesn’t persist is always a good idea.
Rectal Injuries
Dogs are curious creatures, and sometimes their curiosity gets them into trouble, like when they decide to chew on or swallow something sharp. This can cause rectal injuries that lead to blood in their stool, ranging from minor scratches to more severe tears.
If you suspect your dog has ingested something sharp, it’s important to monitor their stool for blood and consider a vet visit, especially if they seem to be in pain or the bleeding doesn’t stop.
Parasites And Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis (HGE)
Parasites, like worms, can irritate your dog’s intestines, leading to bloody diarrhea. In more severe cases, your dog might develop hemorrhagic gastroenteritis (HGE), a condition that causes sudden, severe, and often jelly-like bloody diarrhea.
HGE can be life-threatening if not treated quickly, so if you see these symptoms, it’s essential to get your dog to the vet as soon as possible for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Causes Of Black Tarry Or Strawberry Milkshake Stool
If you notice your dog’s stool looking dark and tarry or resembling a “strawberry milkshake,” it’s often a sign that something serious is going on internally.
These types of stools can indicate conditions like tumors in the digestive tract, which may cause internal bleeding.
Post-surgery complications are another possibility, especially if the surgery involved the stomach or intestines, as these areas are prone to bleeding.
Medications, particularly those that affect blood clotting, can also lead to this type of stool. Even some over-the-counter medications that seem harmless can have these side effects if used improperly. Regular monitoring of your dog’s stool when they’re on such medications is essential, and any sign of dark, tarry stool should be a red flag to discontinue the medication and consult your vet immediately.
It’s crucial to recognize these symptoms early and consult a vet, as these conditions can quickly become life-threatening if not treated promptly.
When To Seek Veterinary Care
Knowing when to seek immediate veterinary care can be the difference between life and death for your dog. If you see blood in your dog’s stool and it’s accompanied by other signs of distress, such as lethargy, vomiting, loss of appetite, or other unusual behaviors, it’s time to act fast.
Persistent bloody stools, especially if they are dark, tarry, or resemble a strawberry milkshake, are a clear signal that something serious is wrong and needs urgent attention. Don’t wait it out—contact your vet right away to ensure your dog gets the care they need.
When you head to the vet, bringing a stool sample can be incredibly helpful for diagnosis. It might not be the most pleasant task, but a sample can provide your vet with critical information about what’s going on inside your dog’s digestive system. Whether it’s fresh blood, dark tarry stools, or something in between, having a sample can help your vet determine the cause more quickly and accurately, leading to faster and more effective treatment for your pup.
FAQ
Is bloody diarrhea in dogs an emergency? Bloody diarrhea in dogs can be an emergency, especially if it's accompanied by other symptoms like lethargy or vomiting. It's important to consult your vet immediately to determine the underlying cause and prevent serious complications like dehydration or severe infections.
Why is my dog pooping liquid diarrhea with blood? Liquid diarrhea with blood in dogs can be caused by several factors, including intestinal parasites or viral and bacterial infections. It's essential to identify the underlying cause to ensure your dog receives the proper treatment.
What should I give my dog for bloody diarrhea? For mild cases of bloody diarrhea, you can start by feeding your dog a bland diet, such as boiled chicken, while monitoring for other symptoms. However, if the dog's bloody diarrhea persists or worsens, consult your vet for specially formulated dog foods or medications that address the specific underlying issue.
Why is my dog pooping blood but acting fine? If your dog is pooping blood but acting fine, it could be due to mild intestinal distress or a minor injury in the lower digestive tract. While it may not seem urgent, it's still important to monitor the situation closely and consult your vet to rule out more serious conditions like bacterial infections or other underlying causes.
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