Blood in your dog's poo

By
✔ MRCVS
BVMS
Updated October 16, 2025
4 min read

What to do

Causes

When to worry

Prevention

Diagnosis

Home treatment

Recommended products

Vet treatment

Risk

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Blood in your dog's poo

By
✔ MRCVS
BVMS
Updated October 16, 2025
4 min read

Finding blood in your dog's poo can be alarming. Having blood in the poo is a very non-specific symptom in dogs; there are many possible causes. Many conditions that cause blood in the poo are easily treatable and some may even clear without medication. However, there are a few situations where it can turn into a life-threatening emergency. Speak to a vet as soon as possible if you notice blood in your dog's poo.

Fresh red blood in the poo is known as haematochezia. This symptom is associated with bleeding in the lower digestive tract (from the small intestine to the rectum). Black, tarry stools are also a sign of blood; this is known as melaena or digested blood. This usually originates in the upper digestive tract (from the mouth to the stomach). Colitis is a term often used in combination with blood in the poo; it means inflammation of the large intestine.

Blood in your dog's poo: what to do >Blood in your dog's poo: what to do [What to do

Most common causes of blood in your dog's poo >Most common causes of blood in your dog's poo [Causes

When to worry about blood in your dog's poo >When to worry about blood in your dog's poo [When to worry

Tips on how to prevent blood in your dog's poo >Tips on how to prevent blood in your dog's poo [Prevention

What tests are needed when there is blood in your dog's poo? >What tests are needed when there is blood in your dog's poo? [Diagnosis

How to help at home if there is blood in your dog's poo >How to help at home if there is blood in your dog's poo [Home treatment

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