Bloody diarrhea in dogs can be caused by a variety of factors, some of which require immediate veterinary attention. Here are some of the common causes of bloody diarrhea in dogs:
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Intestinal parasites: Parasites such as roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, Coccidia, or Giardia can cause inflammation and irritation in the intestines, leading to bloody diarrhea.
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Infectious diseases: Viral and bacterial infections such as parvovirus, distemper, or coronavirus can cause bloody diarrhea in dogs.
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Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis: This is a condition that causes a dog to have bloody diarrhea and is most common in younger, smaller breed dogs. Other symptoms of hemorrhagic gastroenteritis include vomiting, lethargy, weight loss, and changes in behavior.
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Inflammatory bowel disease: This is a chronic condition that causes inflammation in the digestive tract and can lead to bloody diarrhea.
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Dietary indiscretion: Eating something that disagrees with them, such as spoiled or contaminated food, can cause bloody diarrhea in dogs.
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Stress colitis: Stress or anxiety can cause inflammation in the colon, leading to bloody diarrhea.
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Toxins: Ingesting toxins or poisons can cause bloody diarrhea in dogs.
If your dog has bloody diarrhea, its important to determine the cause as soon as possible. While some causes may be benign and require no treatment, others can be serious and even life-threatening. If you notice blood in your dogs stool while they are experiencing diarrhea, its time to bring them to the vets office. The underlying cause of your dogs bloody diarrhea can be challenging to diagnose, but your vet will perform routine diagnostic procedures to determine the cause. Treatment will depend on the underlying cause of the bloody diarrhea.