Dog blood in stool – when should I see a vet?

Updated 2026-09-30 · 1 sources

Based on: PDSA

Book a vet visit

This is not usually an emergency on its own – contact your vet if it lasts, gets worse or your dog seems unwell in any other way. There are lots of possible causes, ranging from very minor to more serious.

What to do now

What you can do now

Contact your vet.
Note when it started, how often it happens and what else you see.
Take a photo or short video to show your vet.
Keep fresh water available.
Let your dog rest somewhere calm.

Don't

Do not give your dog human medicine.
Do not wait if it gets worse.

What it can mean

Blood in your dog's stool can have many possible causes, ranging from very minor to more serious.^[1] It can be linked to an upset stomach after eating something they should not have or something toxic.^[1] Other possible causes include parvo or another virus, anal gland problems, colitis, haemorrhagic gastroenteritis, worms or another parasite, and a stomach ulcer.^[1]

Other signs that can come with it

Vomiting
Pale gums
Low energy
Eating less than usual
Drinking less or more than usual
Bruising anywhere on the body
Being unsteady on their feet

Possible causes

Parvo or another virus
Anal gland problems
Colitis
Haemorrhagic gastroenteritis
An upset stomach from eating something they should not have or something toxic
Worms or another parasite
Stomach ulcer

What the experts say

“Vomiting ; Pale gums ; Low energy (lethargy) ; Eating less than usual ; Drinking less or more than usual ; Bruising anywhere on their body ; Being unsteady on their feet”
— PDSA [1]

If your pet is struggling to breathe, has collapsed, is having a seizure or can't stand up: go to the nearest vet now.

Not sure how serious it is?

OkPaw asks a few quick questions about your pet and tells you in 30 seconds whether it can wait. Free on Google Play for Android.

OkPaw is on Android now – an iPhone version is on its way.

Common questions

What can blood in my dog's stool mean?

It can have lots of possible causes, ranging from very minor to more serious.^[1]

What other signs can come with blood in the stool?

Vomiting, pale gums, low energy, eating less than usual, drinking less or more than usual, bruising anywhere on the body, and being unsteady on their feet can come with it.^[1]

Should I contact a vet?

Yes. Contact your vet if you find blood in your dog's stool.^[1]

Sources

PDSA

How this page was made: written with the help of AI from the sources below, then checked claim by claim against those sources. Urgency levels follow OkPaw’s fixed safety rules. It is guidance, not a diagnosis. How we write our pages

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