Blood In Dog Stool - Types Of Blood To Look For As Well As Various Signs And Symptoms

Monitoring your dog's health is an important part of being a dog owner. It's always a good feeling when your dog is in tip-top shape. Being able to notice when he isn't feeling like his usual self will enable you to get help right away. An example of when it might be necessary to seek the advice of a veterinarian would be if you notice red darken spots in your dog's feces. Blood in dog stool samples can mean a number of things; some being less critical than others.

Hematochezia and Melena:

The medical term for when red spots is present in a stool is 'melena' or 'hematochezia', depending on the color of the spots. Dark red spots usually comes from the upper intestinal tract, while brightly colored blood comes from the lower intestines. The dark and tarry red spots in stools, or melena, tends to cause more worry than when brighter blood is present.

Common causes of melena include complications from a recent surgery, tumors, cancer, blood that has been ingested, a clotting disorder, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Causes of hematochezia include parasites, Parvo, issues with diet (overeating or intolerance to specific foods), rectal injuries, or a condition resulting in reddish spots stools that accompany diarrhea and vomiting.

Signs and Symptoms to Look for:

If your dog has recently had surgery or is on any type of medication, then the sudden onset of red goo in his stools could be a result of either of these. As for tumors or cancer, your dog will have to be tested by a veterinarian to rule out these growths. The ingestion of a toxic substance, such as rat poison, will also cause dark, tarry red spots to show up in your dog's stools. Check the house for any signs of what your dog may have gotten into and eaten.

Roundworms, whipworms, and hookworms are common parasites that are associated with bloody stools in dogs. Deworming for these parasites is a quick remedy that will give your dog much relief. The presence of Parvo will also include lethargy, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and vomiting. A mucous-like substance often accompanies the red spots in stools when parasites, viruses, or when what is known as irritable bowel syndrome is present.

If you suspect your dog's diet to be the cause of the appearance of red spots, then switching foods might be necessary. Any visual injuries on the dog's rectal area are a sure sign that the red spotted stool is most likely to be coming from the injured area.

Additional Causes:Stress can also cause blood in dog stool samples. If you've recently introduced your current dog to a new canine companion, this addition to the family might be a source of stress for him. Keep an eye on his behavior towards the new dog as well, since this will help you determine if the new dog is the cause of the change in bowel movements. As with any of the signs and symptoms above, the best way to find out exactly what the issue is would be to take your dog to the vet.