Blood or mucus in the feces

What does blood or mucus in feces mean?

Blood in feces can have different colors depending on where it originates in the digestive tract. Bright red blood indicates bleeding in the lower intestine or rectum, while dark red or black blood indicates bleeding in the upper intestine or stomach. Mucus in the feces is a yellowish or white substance that coats the feces. Mucus is produced by the mucous membranes in the intestines to facilitate intestinal transit. A little mucus is normal, but too much mucus can indicate inflammation or infection.

What are the possible causes?

There are many possible causes of blood or mucus in the feces in dogs, for example:

• Parasites such as worms, giardia or coccidia
• Bacterial or viral infections such as parvovirus, salmonellosis or coronavirus
• Allergies or intolerances to certain foods
• Foreign bodies that injure or block the intestines
• Tumors or polyps in the intestine
• Intestinal inflammations such as colitis or Crohn's disease
• Stress or anxiety that irritate the bowel
• Medication such as antibiotics, anti-inflammatories or painkillers

How can you help your dog?

If you notice blood or mucus in your dog's stool, you should first try to assess the severity of the situation. If your dog is otherwise healthy and lively, you can give him some light food, for example boiled chicken with rice, and observe his feces. If the blood or mucus improves within a day or two, it was probably just a temporary disorder. However, if your dog shows other symptoms, such as vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, fever, lethargy or abdominal pain, you should not hesitate to see a vet. This is especially true if the blood is dark red or black, which indicates internal bleeding.

When should you see a vet?

A vet can determine the exact cause of the blood or mucus in your dog's feces and prescribe the appropriate treatment. To do this, they can carry out a physical examination and analyze a stool sample. Depending on the findings, they may also order further tests such as blood tests, x-rays or ultrasound. Treatment will depend on the diagnosis and may include antibiotics, dewormers, probiotics, painkillers or a special diet. In some cases, surgery may also be necessary.

How can you prevent blood or mucus in feces in dogs?

To reduce the risk of blood or mucus in the feces in dogs, you can take some preventative measures:

• Keep your dog away from spoiled food, garbage or other potentially dangerous substances
• Give your dog a worming treatment regularly and keep him away from infected dogs
• Feed your dog high-quality food and avoid sudden food changes
• Have your dog vaccinated and examined regularly
• Reduce stress for your dog by providing sufficient exercise, toys and attention