Reasons There’s Blood in My Pet’s Stool

Your pet's stools can be an important indicator of their health. While we may not always want to observe our pets' stools, paying attention to changes in their digestion can help signal if anything is wrong. Some root causes of bloody stools are not always an emergency, but some can be a warning sign of a more serious condition.

If you have any concerns about your pet's health don't hesitate to ask a vet for further advice.

Reason #1

Parasites

Bloody stools could be caused by parasites such as giardia or intestinal worms. These parasites sometimes occur if dishes are not thoroughly cleaned or food is not stored properly. Parasites can cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, and bloody stools in a pet as the parasite eats away at their digestive systems.

Reason #2

Gastrointestinal Hemmorage

When an overgrowth of bacteria starts lining your pet's gut, this can cause a gastrointestinal hemorrhage. With this attack on their digestive system, it could lead to a long-lasting bleeding disorder that is characterized by loose, bloody stools.

Reason #3

Bacterial or Viral Infection

There are many bacteria and viruses that can cause an upset stomach in pets. For dogs in particular, the most common infection is parvovirus. Parvovirus is highly contagious and is spread from indirect contact with feces. Symptoms include vomiting, fever, lethargy, and bloody stools. If left untreated, parvovirus can lead to septic shock.

Reason #4

Food Reaction

A less severe cause of bloody stools is simply a reaction to the food you are feeding them. When introducing a new food into their diet, it's important to observe any changes in their digestionto be sure they do not have any aversions to the new foods. Just like some humans have allergies or sensitivities, so can our pets.

Reason #5

Cancer

One of the most serious causes of bloody stools is cancer. This is most common in pets that are older and are displaying other symptoms such as weakness, lethargy, or difficulty with urination. When cancer cells attack the healthy cells in the body, it can lead to weakened digestion and leave blood in a pet's stool.

Reason #6

Liver Disease or Other Disease

Liver disease, or chronic liver failure, can result in bloody stools. When blood is unable to flow through the liver appropriately, the blood pressure rises through the vein between the liver and the gut of the animal. This increase in blood pressure means blood is then carried through the GI system and out into the stools. Other diseases that can cause blood in the stools are colitis and gastroenteritis.

When To See Your Vet

Observing the stools of your pet isn't glamorous, but it is necessary. If your pet only has blood in their stools once after eating something unusual, there may be no need to go see a vet. However, if your pet is having bloody stools consistently, it's important to seek immediate care and get to the root cause of their digestive troubles. Your vet may prescribe treatment such as antibiotic therapy, fluids, electrolytes, antiparasitic drugs, or surgery. When in doubt, always seek help from a professional.