Pooping Blood and Vomiting in Dogs

As a pet parent, you are certain to be alarmed if you observe your dog vomiting and pooping blood. Some dogs will vomit and have bloody diarrhea, but continue to eat or drink. If you observe that your dog is pooping blood and vomiting, but refuses to eat or drink, get him to the vet immediately. While some causes of your dog pooping blood and vomiting are not serious, others are life-threatening. It is always best to err on the side of caution. Several conditions can cause your dog to have a bloody stool and vomit:

• Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis
• Intestinal obstruction
• Parvovirus
• Parasites
• Changes in your dog’s diet

Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis

Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis is characterized by sudden onset of bloody diarrhea in a dog with no previous issues. Vomiting may or may not accompany the bloody diarrhea. The refusal to eat (anorexia) and listlessness have also been observed. Dehydration can soon take place as the body empties of liquid and it is not replaced. This is a situation in which you need to get your pup to the vet as soon as possible. Shock can occur without treatment. Stress is thought to be a factor in this condition. Toy breeds are thought to have a higher instance of hemorrhagic gastroenteritis, especially between the ages of two and four. While these dogs have a higher occurrence of the disease, any breed of dog can acquire it. Gender is nonspecific as well. 

Intestinal Obstruction

Because dogs eat most anything, intestinal obstructions can be fairly common occurrences. An intestinal obstruction can be a partial blocking of the small intestines. Blood supply to the GI tract can be cut off or compromised during a blockage, and, without treatment, sections of the intestine may die. Perforations may occur as a result. Bacteria can seep into the gut, causing septic peritonitis. Unfortunately, emergency surgery is often required to eliminate an obstruction. 

Parvovirus

Parvovirus is a highly contagious viral infection that normally affects young dogs (ages six weeks to six months) that have not completed all their immunizations. Transmission occurs when a dog comes in contact with contaminated objects – and these objects can be food bowls, shoes, clothing, even the ground. The virus can live for up to a year, and it is not easily eradicated. Parvovirus is resistant to most household cleaners; bleach is basically the only cleaner strong enough to kill parvovirus. Parvo can be transmitted when a dog licks any material that has come in contact with the virus – including feces – and then licks himself. Initial symptoms include fever and lethargy. Dogs may refuse food and water. Within 48 hours, profuse vomiting and diarrhea will begin. Parvo has a higher occurrence in Rottweilers, German Shepherds, and Dobermans.

Parasites

One of the most common causes of bloody stool in dogs is parasites. Hookworms, roundworms, and whipworms are known to cause blood in the stool. Coccidia is another parasite that has been associated with bloody stools. No breed is any more susceptible to parasites than others.

Changes in Your Dog’s Diet

Overeating, indiscriminate eating, or changing your dog’s diet may cause stress on the gastrointestinal tract, leading to bloody stools. Food allergies can also cause bloody diarrhea, and unintentionally eating spoiled food can cause your dog to have bloody diarrhea and vomiting as well.

If you suspect your dog has parvovirus, get him to the vet immediately. Puppies can dehydrate quickly and sepsis can set in. Once your dog is vomiting and experiencing diarrhea, the virus has already progressed greatly.

If your dog has hemorrhagic gastroenteritis, your vet will have to do many tests to eliminate other possible causes. There is no known exact cause of the condition. However, a dog that has had one incidence of hemorrhagic gastroenteritis is likely to have more episodes. You may actually see evidence of parasites in your dog’s bloody diarrhea. Your vet will take a stool sample and examine it for parasites. If they are present, he will prescribe dewormer. If your dog has an intestinal obstruction, he will be in a good deal of pain in addition to the bloody stool. Your vet may have to do x-rays in order to confirm the diagnosis. Experts recommend gradually changing your dog’s diet in order to avoid gastrointestinal stress.