This information does not replace your vet. If in doubt, if symptoms worsen, or in a real emergency, contact a professional immediately.
Possible common causes
- •May be related to acute colitis (colon inflammation)
- •May result from intestinal parasites
- •In some cases may be associated with ingestion of irritating food
- •May result from poisoning
- •In rare cases may indicate a more serious gastrointestinal problem
When to monitor at home
- Minimal traces of bright red blood in otherwise normal stools, single episode
- The dog is lively, eats and drinks normally
When to contact the vet
- The blood is abundant or recurs in multiple bowel movements
- Stools are very dark (digested blood, indicates upper bleeding)
- The dog is weak, not eating, or vomiting
- Blood appears after possible ingestion of something toxic
When it may be an emergency
- Abundant blood with weakness
- Suspected poisoning
- Dog in shock or collapse