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My dog has bloody, soft stool for days. Is it colitis or worms?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Male | unneutered | 4 years and 1 month old

My 4 year old dog has been pooping with blood for the last 4 days. His diet is the regular one and he goes for walks twice a day. The poop is soft. He had the same thing 8 months back but it stopped after he got vaccinated. There aren't experienced or expert vets where I live so could you please help me out? I'm really worried as this is the second time or third time it is happening to him.

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Makenzie Kurth, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on March 20th, 2018

Thanks for using PetCoach. This sounds like a colitis (inflammation of the colon). This can be brought on by anxiety/stress (new animal or person in the house, leaving for business, changing work schedule, etc), diet/treat change, or eating something naughty. It is often marked by blood or mucus. It usually goes away on its own within 5 days or so but you can help things along by giving a probiotic like purina fortiflora and/or a bland diet. (Half plain cooked white rice, half plain boiled boneless, skinless chicken. Keep on this diet until one day after diarrhea stops, then transition back to regular food over 3 days.) You can also consider a dewormer (perhaps this is what the vet did that helped Cookie - not the vaccinations). Something like the one below (do make sure you get the right size range). Just follow the instructions on the box. Best of luck to you and Cookie! https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/bayer-quad-dewormer-tablets-for-dogs-26-to-60-lbs

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on March 19th, 2017

    That could be due most likely to a colitis which is an inflammation of the last part of the intestine, usually dietary related, often with secondary bacterial infection. I would suggest to change the diet for the next 48-72hours by giving boiled chicken and rice twice daily and then gradually reintroduce the normal diet over 5 days. If the signs persist more than 24 hours a check up is needed as antibiotics may be necessary. Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation (where you can post pictures ) if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

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    Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on November 20th, 2018

    Diarrhea can be caused by a food over sensitivity, eating something that does not agree with the dog, intestinal parasites, an intestinal blockage, bacterial infection, viral infection, the weather, food change, stress, etc.  I would fast him for 24 hours and then him on bland food for two days, such as boiled white rice and boiled white boneless chicken meat, fed in small quantities over several feeds and then transition back to regular food slowly over a few days. If this does not clear up the diarrhea or if your dog gets lethargic, it needs to see a veterinarian for an exam as there may be something more serious such as an infection going on.

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    Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on July 13th, 2019

    If it is bright red blood then it is probably from colon irritation ( could be from straining to defecate, intestinal parasites, rectal polyps, etc). A fecal test is recommended. You can use this home test kit - it is from the same lab your vet uses. If there are any positive results you can take that to your vet and they can prescribe medication. ( https://www.idexx.com/en/veterinary/fecalchek/ ) In the meantime, I would use a probiotic made for dogs (no human products). I recommend Fortilfora but you can use any one made for dogs. I would do a one month course. ( https://www.1800petmeds.com/Purina+FortiFlora-prod10376.html ) If no improvement after the fecal test and probiotics then you really need to have her to your vet for an exam. Hope this helps. If you have more questions you can always opt for a private consultation where we can chat back and forth. That way you can ask as many questions as you'd like. Best wishes.

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