Although it is not always a cause for concern, it’s standard for dogs to experience bleeding from their anus. However, it is essential to note that blood in a dog’s stool can indicate severe medical conditions, and it is best that you take your furry friend to the vet for an examination. Before attempting any home remedies for a dog’s bleeding anus, it’s best to consult this guide.
Your veterinarian will be able to rule out any significant problems and may suggest methods for stopping the bleeding at home. In addition, there are many home remedies you can try out.
You should give your dog lots of rest if its anus is bleeding. Additionally, you should provide a bland diet, probiotics, and fiber. If the situation persists, contact your vet immediately to ensure your dog’s speedy recovery. Continue reading below for even more tips.
Before reading this guide, “Home Remedies for a Dog’s Bleeding Anus: What to Do and When to See the Vet,” check out: Why Is My Female Dog Leaking Brown Fluid from Anus? Causes and Treatments! (2023) and Why Did My Dog Bleed From Their Butt and Die? (2023).
What Is Hematochezia?
Dogs tend to ingest various objects, which can result in gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhea or blood in their stool. Although the cause may be as simple as consuming rich foods, it can also be a sign of more severe issues such as toxicity or tumors.
Therefore, your veterinarian must examine your dog and perform diagnostic lab work to diagnose this issue accurately. Treatment options differ depending on the cause of your dog’s symptoms, and the recovery prognosis can also vary.
For example, if an upset stomach or intestinal parasites cause Hematochezia, the prognosis for recovery is good with treatment. However, if a tumor is the cause, the vet may be more guarded.
If you observe blood in your dog’s stool, known as Hematochezia, it is not a regular occurrence, and it is best to have your dog evaluated by a veterinarian.
What Is Melena?
In dogs, Melena occurs by the presence of digested blood in the feces, which gives the stools a black, tarry appearance. Unlike fresh blood in the stool (Hematochezia), Melena indicates a more severe issue, and you should not overlook it. If it persists or worsens, you must address it promptly.
Melena occurs when bleeding in the stomach or small intestines gets digested, causing it to change color. The bleeding must occur higher in the intestinal tract to result in digested blood.
Causes
Injury or Trauma
Trauma to the anal area, such as a ruptured anal sac abscess or injuries from fights, can result in bleeding.
Intestinal Parasites
Intestinal parasites, such as worms, are common culprits of anal bleeding. In addition, symptoms like diarrhea and abdominal pain can indicate the presence of parasites, which a fecal test can confirm.
Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis (HGE)
HGE happens by sudden onset of diarrhea with blood in the stool. Though the cause is unknown, symptoms like restlessness and lack of appetite can aid in diagnosis.
Parvovirus
This deadly virus primarily affects puppies and can lead to rapid dehydration. Therefore, it is essential to contact a veterinarian immediately for proper treatment of parvo.
Ulcers
Stomach ulcers can cause bleeding in the stomach, which then travels down the digestive tract to the anus.
Cancer
Tumors and cancers in the digestive tract, as well as other parts of the body, can result in bloody stools.
Metabolic Diseases
Conditions like pancreatitis and Addison’s disease can cause black stools.
Post-Surgery Blood
Dogs may experience blood in their stool after surgery, a critical situation requiring immediate veterinary attention.
Can You Fix Your Dog’s Bleeding Anus With Home Remedies?
Finding blood in a dog’s stool can be a worrying experience, especially if other accompanying symptoms, such as vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, fever, or lethargy persist for over 24 hours. Therefore, you should seek veterinary care for severe symptoms or when you feel concerned.
However, not every case of blood in the stool requires a vet visit. Mild issues that occur once or twice and don’t have any other symptoms can often get better with at-home remedies.
For example, you can try out the following at-home treatments:
Rest
Allowing your dog to rest and relax in a quiet spot can help their recovery.
Hydration
Encourage your dog to drink plenty of fresh clean water. Mixing in low-sodium chicken broth or unflavored Pedialyte can also be effective.
Withholding Food
Give your dog’s digestive system a break by withholding food for around 12 hours. That can help what’s in their system move out without adding any additional strain.
Bland Diet
After the initial 12-hour period of withholding food, you can reintroduce a bland diet to help get your dog’s digestive system back on track. For example, boiled chicken and rice can be fed in small amounts of one tablespoon to 1/4 cup every three to four hours, depending on your dog’s size.
Probiotics
Replenishing your dog’s microbiome with probiotics can be helpful. Options such as Fortiflora and Probios are best, but plain yogurt can also work well.
Fiber
Boosting your dog’s fiber intake can help move things through their digestive tract and bulk up bowel movements, which can help express anal glands. Canned pumpkin or low-sodium canned green beans are both excellent sources of fiber that you can add to a dog’s diet.
When Should You Call the Vet for Blood in Dog Stool?
In most cases, an occasional bloody bowel movement in dogs without any other symptoms is not a severe issue. However, if your dog is experiencing other symptoms such as vomiting, lethargy, loss of appetite, stomach pain, straining, or fever, it’s crucial to see a veterinarian soon.
Similarly, if blood is in your dog’s stool for more than 48 hours, even with at-home treatments, it’s best to seek professional help.
It’s important to remember that you should never hesitate to schedule a veterinary appointment if you are worried or uncomfortable about your dog’s bloody stools or well-being. Seeking prompt medical attention can help identify any underlying health issues and prevent complications.
How Will the Vet Treat Blood in My Dog’s Stool?
During your visit to the vet, they will begin by conducting a comprehensive examination of your dog.
If you have kept them informed about your dog’s condition, including the duration, frequency, and accompanying symptoms, that will assist them in making an accurate diagnosis. If possible, bring a sample of the bloody stool for the vet to inspect and conduct tests for parasites or other problems.
The vet may suggest blood tests, imaging tests, or an anal gland expression. Then, depending on the results of the examination and tests, they may prescribe medications or a special diet for your dog.
Frequently Asked Questions
If your dog is bleeding from the anus, seek veterinary care as soon as possible. Bleeding from the anus can be a symptom of a severe condition that requires prompt medical attention.
In the meantime, there are some steps you can take to help stop the bleeding:
Apply gentle pressure
Using a clean towel or gauze, apply gentle pressure to the area to help slow or stop the bleeding.
Keep the area clean
Use mild, unscented soap and warm water to gently clean the area around the anus.
Avoid giving your dog any medications
Do not give your dog any medications without consulting a veterinarian. Certain medications, such as aspirin, can worsen bleeding.
Don’t feed your dog for 12 to 24 hours
Holding food can help your dog’s digestive system and reduce the risk of further irritation or injury.
Offer small amounts of water.
Give your dog small amounts of water to prevent dehydration.
If your dog’s anus is irritated, it’s essential to determine the cause of the irritation before applying any topical treatments. Here are some options you can use:
Aloe vera
Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory properties and can help soothe irritated skin. In addition, you can apply some pure aloe vera gel to your dog’s anus.
Coconut oil
Coconut oil has natural moisturizing properties and can help relieve dry, itchy skin. Apply a small amount of coconut oil to your dog’s anus and the surrounding area.
Witch hazel
Witch hazel is an astringent that can help reduce inflammation and soothe irritated skin. Dilute witch hazel with water and apply it to your dog’s anus using a cotton ball.
Hydrocortisone cream
Hydrocortisone cream can help reduce inflammation and itching. However, it should only be used under the guidance of a veterinarian, as prolonged use can lead to side effects.
If your dog is bleeding from his anus, it is essential to seek veterinary attention as soon as possible. Rectal bleeding can be a sign of a severe underlying condition that requires prompt medical attention.
Here are some steps you can take in the meantime:
Keep your dog calm
Try to keep your dog calm and quiet to reduce stress and anxiety, which can worsen bleeding.
Keep the area clean
Use mild, unscented soap and warm water to gently clean the area around the anus.
Apply pressure
Using a clean towel or gauze, apply pressure to the area to help slow or stop the bleeding.
Do not give your dog any human medications without first consulting with a veterinarian.
Offer small amounts of water
Give your dog small amounts to help prevent dehydration.
Conclusion for “Home Remedies for a Dog’s Bleeding Anus: What to Do and When to See the Vet”
In summary, if you notice your dog bleeding from the anus, it is crucial to seek veterinary attention as soon as possible. Rectal bleeding can indicate a severe underlying condition and requires prompt medical attention.
While waiting for veterinary care, keep your dog calm, apply gentle pressure, and offer small amounts of water. In addition, it’s essential to determine the cause of the bleeding and develop a treatment plan with your veterinarian to ensure the best outcome for your dog’s health.
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Learn more by watching “Home Remedies for Dog’s Bleeding Anus – Vet-Approved Home Remedies” down below:
Garrett loves animals and is a huge advocate for all Doodle dog breeds. He owns his own Goldendoodle named Kona. In addition, he volunteers at the Humane Society of Silicon Valley, where he fosters dogs and helps animals. Garrett enjoys writing about Doodles and believes that dogs can teach humans more about how to live than humans can teach a dog.
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