Dog Pooing Blood: 10 Causes, What To Do And When To See A Vet

If your dog is pooing blood, it usually means something is irritating or damaging the gut, and while some cases are mild, others can turn dangerous fast. So, the smartest move is to stay calm, check for warning signs, and get veterinary guidance quickly. That’s exactly where MyGoToVet comes in: you can speak to a vet online, share photos if needed, and get a clear plan before things get worse. Because blood in stool can range from “small issue” to “emergency,” MyGoToVet  experts helps you act early and wisely. And yes we can also guide you on whether you need urgent clinic care or safe home steps.

What Does Blood in Dog Poop Look Like?

Blood can show up in different ways, and each pattern tells a different story.

• Bright red blood (fresh blood): This usually means the bleeding is coming from the lower part of the gut, like the colon, rectum, or anus. Often, it looks like streaks on the poo or drops after your dog finishes.
• Dark, tar-like stool (digested blood): This suggests bleeding higher up, like the stomach or small intestine. It can be more serious because it may signal ulcers, poisoning, or internal bleeding.

For example: A family in Abuja noticed bright red streaks after their dog strained to poop. After a virtual consult, they discovered it was constipation and irritation, not parvo so they fixed it early with diet changes and proper meds.

We will be discussing common causes of blood in dog as follow:

1. worms infestation
2. parvovirus
3. dietary indiscretions
4. sudden diet change
5. Stress colitis
6. bacterial infection
7. anal gland 
8. foreign object in the gut
9. Poisoning
10. tumors

10 Common Causes of a Dog Pooing Blood

1) Worm infestation

Hookworms and whipworms can cause blood in stool, especially in puppies. Also, you may see weight loss or a pot belly.

2) Parvovirus

Parvo often causes bloody diarrhoea, vomiting, weakness, and dehydration. If your puppy or unvaccinated adult dog appears dull and refuses to eat, treat it as an urgent matter.

3) Eating rubbish or spoiled food

When dogs eat bones, oily food, or “street snacks,” from waste bins and gutter, their gut can inflame quickly and bloody stool may follow within hours.

Real-life example: In Lagos, a dog ate leftover pepper soup bones at a party. By morning, it had bloody diarrhoea. Intervention had to be surgical as the bones had blocked the bowl. After quick vet support, the dog recovered. However, the owner learned to keep party plates out of reach.

4) Sudden diet change

Switching food abruptly can trigger colitis and mucus with blood due to the gut irritation. Still, it often settles once the gut calms down.

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5) Stress colitis

Just like people, dogs can get stomach upset from stress. So, moving homes, boarding, or loud events can trigger bloody stool.

6) Bacterial infection

Salmonella and other bacteria can cause diarrhoea and blood. This is more likely if your dog eats raw or contaminated food.

7) Anal gland issues

If your dog scoots, licks the bum, or strains, the anal glands may be inflamed. In turn, this can lead to fresh blood.

8) Foreign object in the gut

Socks, nylon, plastic, and corn cobs can scrape or block the intestines. Therefore, blood may appear along with vomiting or pain.

9) Poisoning (drugs, rat poison or toxins)

Some poisons cause internal bleeding, which can show up as dark stool or bloody diarrhoea. This is a true emergency.

10) Tumours or polyps

Blood in stool that keeps coming back can signal growths in the gut, this is more common in older dogs. Because this needs proper diagnosis, consult a vet early.

What to Do Immediately If Your Dog Is Pooing Blood

First, don’t panic, then follow these steps. 

Step 1: Check how your dog looks overall

If your dog is active, eating, and has a small amount of blood once, it may be mild. However, if your dog is weak, vomiting, or refusing water, treat it as urgent.

Step 2: Look at the stool carefully

• Bright red streaks = often lower gut irritation

• Dark or tarry stool = possible internal bleeding

• Watery diarrhoea with blood = infection, parvo, poisoning, or severe inflammation

Step 3: Remove food for a short time

With mild diarrhoea, a vet may recommend a short fast. Still, puppies should not fast for long because they crash easily.

Step 4: Keep your dog hydrated

Offer clean water or oral rehydration salt. If vomiting happens, stop and consult a vet immediately.

Step 5: Start a virtual consult on MyGoToVet

This is the easiest way to get a fast plan. Plus, you can share symptoms and receive guidance tailored to your dog’s age and risk level.

Book A Quick WhatsApp Consultation

When to See a Vet Immediately

You should contact a vet urgently if any of these happen:

• Repeated bloody diarrhoea

• Vomiting (especially with weakness)

• Puppy under 6 months with blood in stool

• Pale gums, collapse, or heavy lethargy

• Suspected poisoning or eating foreign objects

• Dark, tar-like stool

• Blood continues beyond 24 hours

We recently booked a call for a client in Port-Harcourt whose puppy had bloody diarrhoea and vomiting, the owner assumed it was “worms" and only administered deworming tables before seeking helo. After a consult, it turned out to be parvo. Sadly, the delay reduced survival chances. Because of stories like this, our experts at MyGoToVet encourages early consultation, even before things look “serious.”

Read: How To Talk To Veterinarian Online In Nigeria With MyGotoVet

How Vets Diagnose Bloody Stool

A vet may recommend:

• Stool test (worms, bacteria, parasites)

• Parvo test (especially for puppies)

• Bloodwork (infection, dehydration, clotting)

• X-ray/ultrasound (foreign objects, blockage)

Since causes vary widely, proper diagnosis prevents wrong treatment.

What Vets Commonly Do to Treat Blood in Pet Poo

Treatment depends on the cause, so it can include:

• Deworming and gut protectants

• IV fluids and electrolytes

• Antibiotics (only when needed)

• Anti-nausea medication

• Special bland diet and probiotics

• Surgery for foreign bodies or severe cases

Because timing matters, speaking to a vet early via MyGoToVet can protect your dog from complications.

Prevention Tips for Blood in Dog Stool

• Deworm regularly

• Keep vaccinations up to date

• Avoid sudden food changes

• Prevent access to rubbish, bones, and toxins

• Reduce stress during travel or boarding

• Keep rat poison and chemicals locked away

Don’t Ignore Blood in Your Dog’s Stool

A dog pooing blood is never something to brush off. Sometimes it’s mild irritation, but other times it signals parvo, poisoning, or internal injury. So, act fast, observe carefully, and get professional guidance immediately. Book a virtual vet consultation with MyGoToVet today so you can understand the cause, start the right steps, and protect your dog before the situation escalates.

Quick advice today can save your dog’s life tomorrow. Book a 10-minute virtual vet consultation today and get fast, reliable veterinary advice from the comfort of your home.

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Frequently Asked Questions on Blood in Dog Poop
1) Why is my dog pooing blood but acting normal?

If your dog seems fine but has small amounts of bright red blood, it may be mild colitis, constipation, anal gland irritation, or a minor dietary upset. Still, it’s important to monitor closely because symptoms can worsen quickly. Check if the blood repeats, if diarrhoea starts, or if vomiting appears. Also, consider recent diet changes or scavenging. If blood happens more than once, or if your dog is a puppy, it’s best to consult a vet. A MyGoToVet virtual consult can help you decide whether home care is safe or clinic treatment is needed.

2) What home remedy can I give a dog with bloody diarrhoea?

There is no universal home remedy that is safe for all dogs with bloody diarrhoea. In fact, some “popular” remedies can worsen dehydration or mask serious illness like parvo or poisoning. The safest immediate steps are to keep your dog hydrated, prevent scavenging, and avoid giving random antibiotics or human medications. Because the cause matters, speak to a vet first. MyGoToVet can guide you on whether a bland diet, probiotics, or urgent clinic care is appropriate based on your dog’s age, symptoms, and stool pattern.

3) When is blood in dog poop an emergency?

Blood in dog poop is an emergency if your dog is weak, vomiting, refusing water, has repeated bloody diarrhoea, has pale gums, collapses, or if the stool looks black and tar-like. It’s also urgent if the dog is a puppy, or if poisoning or foreign object ingestion is suspected. Since conditions like parvo and rat poison can become fatal quickly, don’t wait overnight. Use MyGoToVet for urgent advice and go to a clinic if the vet recommends immediate treatment.

4) Can worms cause blood in dog stool in Nigeria?

Yes, worms are a common cause of blood in dog stool in Nigeria, especially in puppies and outdoor dogs. Hookworms, whipworms, and severe infestations can damage the gut lining and cause bloody diarrhoea. However, not all bloody stool is worms, which is why testing is important. If deworming doesn’t stop the bleeding within 24–48 hours, or if the dog becomes weak, consult a vet. MyGoToVet can help you choose the right deworming plan and determine if another cause is likely.

5) How do I know if bloody stool is parvo or food poisoning?

Parvo typically involves bloody diarrhoea plus vomiting, severe weakness, loss of appetite, and fast dehydration; especially in puppies. Food poisoning may cause diarrhoea and vomiting too, but dogs often remain more alert unless the case is severe. Still, the overlap is big, so guessing can be risky. If your puppy has bloody diarrhoea, treat it as suspected parvo until tested. MyGoToVet can assess symptoms quickly and recommend a parvo test or immediate clinic care if needed.