Author TB Thompson DVM has been a licensed, practicing veterinarian since 2000.
Most cases of dog diarrhea resolve uneventfully. But when a dog passes so much mucus and blood that their stool looks like strawberry jelly, it’s a more serious condition.
In my two decades as a veterinarian, I’ve helped hundreds of dog owners who are worried by dog poop that looks like jelly with blood. And as a dog caretaker myself, I can relate to the panic they feel! This guide is crafted to demystify this symptom, known medically as colitis, and provide you with clear, actionable steps to help your pup.
Facing bloody diarrhea in your dog can be distressing. The expert advice in this article will give you the knowledge and confidence to handle this situation, leading to the best possible care for your four-legged friend.
KEY POINTS
- Bloody diarrhea with mucus is caused by colitis. It’s a common but serious condition in dogs that needs veterinary attention.
- Common causes of colitis in dogs include eating indigestible or rotten things, viral and bacterial infections and stress.
- Most dogs recover from the condition with early, appropriate medical care.
When to See a Veterinarian
Not every dog with blood in their poop needs emergency veterinary attention. Here’s are some guidelines to help you assess your dog’s needs:
- Mild Symptoms: A small amount of blood in solid stool (spots or streaks) suggests mild changes. If there are no other symptoms, an emergency vet visit is typically not required.
- Severe Symptoms: Very soft or liquid diarrhea with over 50% of it covered in blood indicates severe changes. In this case, your dog should see a vet immediately. Other severe symptoms may include not wanting to eat, vomiting, lethargy, skin bruising, labored breathing.
- Puppies and Small Dogs: Dogs under 6 months old or weighing less than 30 pounds are at higher risk of rapid decompensation. They should see a vet if they have diarrhea, even if they’re acting fine otherwise.
- Dogs with Other Health Issues: If your dog has other health problems, seek veterinary care immediately upon noticing bloody stool.
Bottom line: if you’re worried about your dog’s condition, don’t hesitate to get them checked. It’s safer to act sooner rather than regretting a delay.
Prompt Veterinary Care: Why It Matters
When your dog is experiencing bloody diarrhea, it’s important to seek immediate veterinary care for several critical reasons:
- Dehydration Risk: Colitis can lead to rapid dehydration, risking severe complications or fatality. Quick vet action prevents this.
- Underlying Health Issues: Colitis may signal deeper health problems. You must treat the underlying disease before you’ll see full resolution of colitis.
- Comfort and Relief: Vets offer meds and advice for swift relief from your dog’s colitis discomfort.
- Cost-Efficient Care: Early treatment can prevent costly hospitalization. Swift action spares both your dog and wallet.
Why Does My Dog’s Poop Look Like Jelly with Blood?
Slimy, bloody feces are a sign that your dog has an unhappy colon (the large intestine).
An inflamed colon secretes excessive mucus, water, and blood into the feces it contains. This reaction is the colon’s general response to irritation from many different causes.
Colitis feces can look like raspberry jam, slime or even rubber cement.
Common Symptoms of Dog Colitis
Standard, mild dog diarrhea might not cause other symptoms. But acute colitis often causes other noticeable symptoms. Keep an eye out for:
- Urgent need to defecate
- Pooping in the house
- Straining while trying to defecate
- Increased licking of the rear end
- Passing gas more frequently
- Decreased appetite
- Vomiting
- Audible stomach sounds
- Lethargy or lack of energy
Now let’s review some of the more common causes of acute diarrhea and colitis in dogs.
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Causes of Bloody Diarrhea in Dogs
In colitis, the lining of the colon fails to absorb water, produces extra mucus and bleeds due to Inflammation. Additionally, increased colonic contractions move feces through too fast, causing pain and an urgency to defecate. (1)
Colitis can stem from many causes, ranging from dietary indiscretion to endocrine disorders.
| Causes of Bloody Diarrhea | Description |
|---|---|
| Eating Inappropriate Substances | Consuming spoiled food, toxins, or non-food items like dirt can lead to irritation. *This is a VERY COMMON CAUSE. |
| Toxic Reactions | Reactions to bee stings or toxins can trigger colon inflammation. |
| Stress and Anxiety | Sensitive intestines can become irritated due to stress or food intolerance. |
| Infectious Diseases | Viruses (including parvovirus infection), bacteria or parasites (worms, etc.) can cause inflammation and affect stool consistency. |
| Underlying Health Conditions | Conditions like immune-mediated hemolytic anemia, liver disease, pancreatitis, inflammatory bowel disease, and kidney disease can contribute to colon inflammation. |
| Drugs | Certain medications, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatories and antibiotics, might lead to gastrointestinal disturbances. |
Home Care Tips
If your dog is very young, small, or has other health issues don’t try home remedies—go straight to the vet. Their life is on the line!
But if your dog only has mucus-filled diarrhea and no other symptoms, here’s what you can do at home:
- Rest the Gut: Skip a meal or two to calm their tummy.
- Encourage Drinking: Offer water, chicken broth or unflavored Pedialyte-mixed water.
- Soothe the Microbiome: Probiotics can help dogs with diarrhea. (2) Try non-prescription Proviable DC® for gut relief.
- Feed Easy to Digest Food: Opt for cooked lean ground turkey, mushy rice, or prescription gastrointestinal dog food.
- Rest and Relaxation: Let them rest and minimize activities; only take them out for potty breaks.
Prognosis, Recovery, and Prevention
With early and appropriate treatment, many dogs with acute colitis usually get better within a few days.
To help your dog recover quickly make sure you:
- Stick to the diet and meds your vet recommends.
- Avoid giving them new foods, treats, or supplements for a few weeks.
- Keep an eye on your dog for new symptoms and consult your vet if you see any.
If you are aware of something that set your dog off on this diarrhea episode, avoid repeating it in the future. Always use caution when introducing new food and treats.
Minimize situations that are mentally and physically stressful such as boarding, day care and visits to grooming shops. If your dog is generally anxious, medication and behavioral modification can help.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Conclusion
In conclusion, being prepared for emergencies like acute colitis is an important part of being a good dog owner. It is a serious condition that warrants a trip to see a veterinarian right away. Swift action is key to preventing serious complications and helping your pup feel better.
