Blood and Mucous in Dog Stools

From LoveToKnow Dogs

The presence of blood and mucous in dog stool usually indicates some sort of infection or parasitic infestation. Read the Dog Expert's advice to concerned owners.

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Problem: Blood and Mucous in Dog Stools

Hi,

I have a Collie that is up to date on all of his shots, but for the last two days he has had very watery stools. The last one was virtually 100% jelly-like, yet clear with a faint trace of blood and an overwhelming odor. Is this just a case of bad diarrhea? Should I just feed him chicken and rice for a bit until the stool becomes normal? I normally feed him Pal dry food. Please advise.

Many thanks~~ Stef

Expert Reply

Hi Stef,

Blood and mucous in your dog's stools does indicate a problem, but it will require your vet to sort out the cause and determine the appropriate treatment.

The condition could be due to:

  • A worm infestation such as roundworm, tapeworm or hookworm
  • A virus such as parvo or corona, and yes, a vaccinated dog can still pick up these viruses, but usually to a lesser degree
  • A case of colitis, sometimes referred to as irritable bowel syndrome

Since you mentioned that there is also a terrible odor to the stool, the disturbance is likely located in your dog's large intestine. Basically, I recommend that you contact your vet and take in a stool sample for analysis. Your vet will examine the stool for parasites, and also test for the presence of certain viruses and bacteria.

If it is a case of colitis, your vet will prescribe medication to control it and also put your dog on a special diet to keep intestinal disturbances to a minimum. If it's worms, your vet will give your dog a deworming medication that should clear up the symptoms fairly quickly.

In the meantime, I don't believe it would hurt to put your dog on a chicken and rice diet for a few days.

Thanks for your question, and I hope your dog returns to normal very soon.

~~ Kelly

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Bloody Stools and Canine Stress

Hi,

I have an 18-month-old female Yorkie. About five months ago, I bought a five-month-old male, and the female dog started to have blood in her stool. I took her to the veterinary clinic, and they told me that it was due to anxiety over the new puppy. Well, I got rid of the new puppy and everything was fine.

I just went to the United States and came back to Italy (I'm in the military), and she is having blood in her stools again. What is going on with my dog? Do I need to take her to the vet again?

~~ Annie

Expert Reply

Hi Annie,

I'm curious. Did the vet look at a stool sample from your dog or run any other tests, or did he only offer the anxiety/stress theory? Stress can wreak havoc with a dog's health, and it could be the root of your dog's stool problem. Your recent change in environment might actually bear this theory out. However, it's usually best to run some conventional tests to rule out a physical cause.

At the very least, I would take in a stool sample for your vet to test for worms. This can cause blood in the stools. Your dog may have also suffered from a bit of constipation, and the bleeding might be due to an anal fissure. Whatever the cause, I do believe that another trip to the vet is in order.

Thanks for your question, and I hope that things turn out alright. Keep us posted.

~~ Kelly

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Comments

Hi Wanda,

First, let me commend you on taking these abused animals into your home and care. They are truly lucky to have you.

Now on to the problem at hand. These dogs likely never had an ounce of socialization, so they will have difficulty dealing with stressful situations. If your vet truly feels these dogs are free from worms or a bowel infection, stress is probably the culprit. When they become upset, they force themselves to let loose with their bowels, and this can lead to the loose mess you've experienced.

It might be useful to move the dogs to a quiet room when you know the house is going to be very active. This should help keep their nerves calm and hopefully avoid the mess. I do feel that the dogs will adjust to their new lives in time, but it won't be an easy process. Just try to be consistent with them and keep stress levels to a minimum. And don't hesitate to ask your vet for further advice, just in case this problem really is medical and not strictly behavioral.

Thanks for your question, and best wishes.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

I acquired three adult dogs from a pupply mill this last Jan. The dogs are very healthy, gained weight and are active. However, when the household (they are house dogs now) becomes a bit hectic or busy with lots of activity, they have bloody, mucousy stools. They have been wormed and other than this once in awhile problem they appear to be in great spirits. What should I do or just hope they will adjust to the house dog live after a bit more time. They had never been anywhere but a chainlink kennal when I got them. Thank you. Wandabean

-- Contributed by: wandabean

Hi Vance,

Although dogs can develop a cough with Canine Valley Fever, your dog doesn't seem to be showing any other signs of this illness. Chances are high that this is a case of kennel cough. It's possible that a secondary bowel infection is going on at the same time, but the antibiotics will probably knock that out by the time the medication is finished. Don't hesitate to call your vet back if your dog's symptoms worsen over the next few days.

Thanks for your question, and I do hope your dog recovers quickly. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly
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