Reasons For Blood in My Dog's Stool

Although a veterinarian should be consulted, you can find some answers about the most common problems concerning the reasons for blood in your dog's stool. Keep in mind that serious illness and disease could also be the cause.

The possible reasons for concerns about blood in my dog's stool could be a result of parasites like the hookworm which attach to the lining of the intestinal tract, living off the dog's blood supply. If your dog is pregnant, hookworms can even travel to the unborn puppies, overrunning their small systems before they are born. Another parasite that can cause bloody diarrhea is Giardia which is transmitted pet to pet by soil, water or food. Of course there are many other parasites but not all cause symptoms or bloody diarrhea. Only a stool sample can confirm parasites in your dog.

Other than seeing blood in your dog's stool are there any other symptoms? Severe diarrhea or vomiting, is your dog eating? These symptoms can be a sign of hemorrhagic gastroenteritis or HGE which is a non-contagious disease believed to be caused by an abnormal response to bacteria and can prove fatal. Any young adult dog of every breed can be affected, but usually smaller dogs like Toy Poodles and Miniature Schnauzer seem to be affected. This disease can be treated, and if not treated, can result in death.

A veterinarian mentioned that other reasons for blood in my dog's stool could be from Parvo, if not vaccinated, infections in the bladder or kidney, eating poison or plastic, even constipation or his diet. The wrong diet, causing inflammation of the bowels, can easily be resolved by changing the diet. Stress can cause bowel flare ups as can other serious problems like kidney or bowel diseases.

Another consequence from excessive diarrhea or vomiting could be dehydration. If your dog is not properly hydrated the result could be a life or death situation. So, unless you know for sure what could be causing the blood in your dog's stool, the problem really needs to be checked out so you will no longer worry and your dog won't suffer needlessly.