Some of the most common causes of bloody diarrhea in dogs include:
- Internal bleeding: This can be caused by trauma, stomach ulcers, hernias, and cancer.
- Intestinal parasites: These can be tapeworms, roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms.
- Bacterial infections: These can include salmonella, E. coli, and clostridium.
- Viral infections: These include parvovirus, distemper, and adenovirus.
- Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD): These can include Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
- Food intolerance or allergies: These can include wheat, soy, corn, and dairy products.
- Medication side effects: These can include antibiotics, NSAIDs, and steroids.
If you see blood in your dog’s diarrhea, it’s important to take them to the vet right away. Your vet will perform a physical examination and may run some tests to diagnose the cause of the bloody diarrhea. Treatment will vary depending on the cause. In some cases, antibiotics or anti-inflammatory medications may be prescribed. In other cases, surgery may be necessary.
Bloody diarrhea can be a serious medical condition, so it’s important to seek veterinary care immediately if you see blood in your dog’s stool.