My dog has bloody diarrhea. What's causing it and what should I do?

Related Answers from Veterinarians

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  Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

  Veterinarian

  Published on March 10th, 2017

  Poor Flossie Mae! It sounds like she had some diarrhea, and it's a little concerning that there was some blood in her feces. Dogs eat grass when they feel nauseous, and that's likely why there was grass in her feces. Her diarrhea could be caused by a GI illness, eating something rotten, hemorrhagic gastroenteritis, or a foreign body. I would be concerned about the blood in her feces, as that can have serious causes, When a dog has blood in their feces, it's best for them to see a vet immediately to have the cause of the bloody diarrhea diagnosed and treated. If there is only a small of amount of blood in the feces, then you can try a home remedy first before having to take her into the vet. Withhold food for 12-24 hours, then feed a bland diet of boiled white meat chicken (no bones) and white rice in small amounts several times a day for a couple of days. Then slowly add back in her normal diet. If the diarrhea continues on the bland diet, there is still blood in her diarrhea, she starts vomiting food, stops drinking water, starts vomiting water, or becomes very lethargic, she will need to see a vet right away.

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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  Answered By Lauren Jones VMD

  Veterinarian

  Published on January 27th, 2022

  I'm sorry to hear that Luna wasn't feeling well. Looking at the picture, I'm suspicious that Luna likely has a skin infection given the pustules and collarettes pictured. Chlorhexidine spray may help a superficial skin infection, but it won't cut it if the skin infection is a bit deeper. I'd recommend taking Luna to her vet to have her skin addressed, as she will likely need an oral antibiotic. Regarding the diarrhea with a few drops of blood, yes, it's quite possible that the few drops of blood were from her straining. I don't worry a whole lot over just a few drops, but if this happens repeatedly or worsens, then that can be cause for concern. There are nearly countless causes for diarrhea, but if Luna is otherwise eating, drinking, and acting normally, you can first try treating it with a bland diet of boiled white meat chicken and white rice at home. A dog her size can eat 8.5 cups of this 50/50 mixture per day, divided into 3-4 smaller meals. After a few days, gradually mix in her normal dog food over another 5-7 days. However, if her diarrhea worsens, or if she refuses to eat or drink, or begins vomiting, those signs all indicate that she needs further veterinary attention. I hope this helps and that she's feeling better soon!

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful