Dog Health--Blood in Stool
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Why Do Dogs Get Bloody Stool?
If your dog has bloody stool he could have a serious medical condition or he may be suffering from a mild intestinal disturbance. Usually the severity of the condition can be compared to the amount of blood in the stool.
Low blood volume --> less serious
High blood volume --> more serious
What Should I Do About My Dog's Bloody Stool?
While you can often treat mild cases of bloody stool at home you should always consult with a veterinarian if you're worried.
Melena is the appearance of dark, tarry stools containing blood and is usually associated with hemorrhage or bleeding in the stomach or upper intestinal tract.
Colitis (inflammation of the colon or large intestine) is responsible for about 50% of cases of chronic diarrhea in dogs and cats and is often less serious.
Signs of colitis include painful defecation, prolonged squatting and straining, passing gas, and passing many small stools mixed with blood and mucous. Be sure to monitor your pet closely because these signs can often be mistaken for constipation.
Other causes of diarrhea or blood-tinged stool include:
You should also check the color of your dog's gums. If they appear pale or white--you need to seek veterinary attention immediately.
Melena is the appearance of dark, tarry stools containing blood and is usually associated with hemorrhage or bleeding in the stomach or upper intestinal tract.
Colitis (inflammation of the colon or large intestine) is responsible for about 50% of cases of chronic diarrhea in dogs and cats and is often less serious.
Signs of colitis include painful defecation, prolonged squatting and straining, passing gas, and passing many small stools mixed with blood and mucous. Be sure to monitor your pet closely because these signs can often be mistaken for constipation.
Other causes of diarrhea or blood-tinged stool include:
- intestinal parasites
- irritable bowel syndrome
- anal gland problems
- stomach ulcer
- cancer in any organ
- infectious disease relating to bacteria, virus, or fungus
- dietary problems
- organ failure (liver, kidney)
- pancreatitis
- stomach or intestinal tumor
- stress
- toxin or drug reaction
You should also check the color of your dog's gums. If they appear pale or white--you need to seek veterinary attention immediately.
Veterinary Approved Home Remedies for Diarrhea or Mild Blood-Tinged Stool

Page 89 of Dr. Andrew Jones' ebook, Veterinary Secerts Revealed, describes several home remedies you can use to cure your dog's diarrhea in addition to over 100 other remedies for common dog health problems.
As a concerned dog parent, Veterinary Secrets Revealed will allow you to:
- Make instant decisions when your dog is sick so you can provide immediate relief and comfort.
- Save money using natural and effective home remedies. Don't let your dog go without treatment just because you think you can't afford it.
- Quickly evaluate your dog's condition to determine if you can treat the problem at home or if you should seek the help of a local veterinarian.
- Empower yourself with the knowledge that you CAN make your dog feel better and live longer using methods that have been proven to work!
Click here to learn more information about Veterinary Secrets Revealed.
Dog Health--Blood in Stool Treatment Options
The most common cause of sudden diarrhea or mild cases of bloody stool in dogs is dietary indiscretion or "garbage-gut syndrome", such as eating something improper or unusual, including table scraps, garbage or road kill. A change in regular diet or intolerance to a previously fed food is also common in dogs.
You can make a bland diet at home or purchase special food available from your veterinarian. This usually includes a combination of boiled meat and rice. For the meat I prefer boiled chicken breasts or boiled ground turkey but you can also use boiled ground beef if it's easier on the budget. Whatever meat you choose, make sure that it's BOILED, not fried.

Most vets, including Dr. Andrew Jones, recommend feeding two parts rice to one part meat, fed in small amounts every four hours for two days. Other foods that are easy on your dog's digestive tract are cooked macaroni and oatmeal.
After two days on the bland diet you can begin to feed your pet his regular food. Your best bet is to mix a little bit of his regular food in with the bland diet at first. During a period of 1-2 days gradually increase the amount of his regular food while you decrease the amount of the bland diet.
--> Stop cleaning up messes and help your dog feel better starting now! For more dog diarrhea treatment options and home remedies you can start using today, visit Veterinary Secrets Revealed.
You can make a bland diet at home or purchase special food available from your veterinarian. This usually includes a combination of boiled meat and rice. For the meat I prefer boiled chicken breasts or boiled ground turkey but you can also use boiled ground beef if it's easier on the budget. Whatever meat you choose, make sure that it's BOILED, not fried.

Most vets, including Dr. Andrew Jones, recommend feeding two parts rice to one part meat, fed in small amounts every four hours for two days. Other foods that are easy on your dog's digestive tract are cooked macaroni and oatmeal.
After two days on the bland diet you can begin to feed your pet his regular food. Your best bet is to mix a little bit of his regular food in with the bland diet at first. During a period of 1-2 days gradually increase the amount of his regular food while you decrease the amount of the bland diet.
--> Stop cleaning up messes and help your dog feel better starting now! For more dog diarrhea treatment options and home remedies you can start using today, visit Veterinary Secrets Revealed.
Important Information!
You alone are responsible for maintaining your dog's health.
This lens is intended to be used for reference only, not complete medical advice. The information given here is designed to help you make informed decisions about your dog's health. It is not intended as a substitute for any treatment that may have been prescribed by your veterinarian.
If you suspect that your dog has a medical problem, I urge you to seek competent medical help. You agree to consult your veterinarian before beginning any course of treatment.
This lens is intended to be used for reference only, not complete medical advice. The information given here is designed to help you make informed decisions about your dog's health. It is not intended as a substitute for any treatment that may have been prescribed by your veterinarian.
If you suspect that your dog has a medical problem, I urge you to seek competent medical help. You agree to consult your veterinarian before beginning any course of treatment.
by vetsecrets
As a licensed veterinary technician I know that it can be scary to see signs of blood in your dog's stool. If you're worried--just pick up the phone a... more »
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