As a Professional Pet Sitter and Dog Walker there are times while caring for a pet dog or pet cat that require knowledge of health problems or injuries that may arise. One of these is blood in a pet cat or dogs fecal matter. Finding blood in a pets stool can be scary for Professional Pet Sitters and owners alike. Knowing the causes of blood in stool and what steps to take can make all the difference for your pet dog and cats health.
There are several causes for blood in the stool and different areas of the digestion system that the blood can be originating from. Blood from the lower intestines and colon will be bright red. If the amount in your pets stool is small and looks like a streak on the outside of the stool it is most likely caused by digestive upset from a new food, bad food, or stress. Diarrhea is often accompanied with blood in the stool. Your pet dog or cat may strain to go when having diarrhea or constipation and this can cause irritation in the colon thus causing bleeding. Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis, which is active bleeding in the digestive system, will present with large amounts of bright red blood. If you whiteness this in your pet take him to the veterinarian immediately as this can cause death. Your Professional Pet Sitter or Dog Walker will alert you and take your pet to the vet if you are unable to make it home within an hour. Parvovirus, parasites, and rectal injuries such as a bone perforating the colon can cause bright red blood in stool. If your pet cat or dog has dark or black tarry stool it due to blood having been digested which originates from the stomach or upper intestines. Ulcers, cancer, immune disorders, and post surgery internal bleeding can cause dark blood in stools.
There are cases where almost no stool is present and a pet dog or cat is evacuating all blood. Whether bright red or dark blood, if it is more than a couple of drops an immediate vet visit is needed, you’re Professional Pet Sitter or Dog Walker will alert you right away. If the amount of blood is small and bright red in your pet, watch for other episodes and if bleeding occurs again consult the vet. If bleeding is accompanied with diarrhea withhold food for 24hrs and start your pet cat or dog on small amounts of chicken and rice, working up to regular food over a 2-3 day period. However if your pet is diabetic switch to a bland diet rather than taking food away for 24hrs. If your pet dog or cat is vomiting, lethargic, and not eating when having blood in the stool of any amount or color see a vet that day, large amounts of blood ASAP.
While seeing blood in a pet dog or cats stool can be a scary and stressful your Professional Pet Sitter and Dog Walker will be there to calmly help you and your pet through the steps needed until veterinary care is given.
