Blood In Dog Stool Home Remedies
Blood in dog stools can be worrisome. However, it does not always mean an emergency. Of course, it is always recommended to err on the side of caution. So, get your dog checked by a vet to know for sure. If it turns out that it has a serious health condition, your vet will know what to do. If, on the other hand, your dog can be managed at home, know that there are natural remedies that can help.
Why does my dog have blood in their stool?
In medical terms, blood in your dog’s stools is referred to as hemorrhagic gastroenteritis. It may have been the result of any of the following possible causes:
Minor ones: allergies, bacterial/parasitic/viral infections, toxins, medications such as meloxicam
Can be minor or major: inflammatory bowel disease
Major ones: gut trauma, parvovirus
You may notice that most types of infections fall under minor ones, except for parvovirus. Your puppies and unvaccinated dogs can be affected by this severe disease. Blood in stools is just one of its possible symptoms. You may first notice signs of abdominal pain, loss of appetite, and vomiting. The diarrhea is so severe that blood may be found.
This contagious and dangerous condition can be prevented with vaccination. However, it may result in as much as a 91% mortality rate on untreated dogs. This is why you must consult your vet first.
Related Article: Why Is My Dog Peeing Blood?
What are the best home remedies for blood in a dog’s stool?
Once you have confirmed that your dog’s condition is minor, you may treat it with home remedies. Most home remedies directly target the blood in stool symptom, but not any other underlying issues.
- Activated charcoal
To relieve suspected toxin ingestion or even bacterial infection, you should give your dog activated charcoal. This way, the toxin will not get further absorbed. You may just be able to prevent in getting into the bloodstream. This remedy is often available in either liquid or powdered form. Give it to your dog within the hour when your dog started showing symptoms.
- Chicken broth
Serve the homemade chicken broth warm to your dog to soothe its irritated digestive system. It may also help keep your dog hydrated, and activate its appetite for later.
- Fasting and Dieting
You may need to put your dog on a 24-hour fast. This remedy will help your dog’s digestive system ease up a bit. If your dog is diabetic, this may not be a recommended course of action. It is also not recommended to puppies. After a 2-hour fast, ease your dog into eating again by starting with an easily digestible diet.
Homemade boiled chicken and rice can work. On the other hand, you may also buy gastrointestinal food at the veterinarian’s office.
- Pedialyte
Keep your dog from becoming severely dehydrated. By providing it with Pedialyte, you can help it replenish the lost nutrients and electrolytes in its body.
This rehydration therapy can be administered directly as a teaspoon of Pedialyte every few hours. Ask your vet for the exact number of hours that may be used as intervals. The teaspoon of Pedialyte may also be added to his food. However, you must make sure the dog finishes his bowl of food. Do not forget to serve your dog with water, too.
- Squash
Serve our dog with boiled or steamed butternut squash. Peel when already soft, and add broth to make the squash turn as mushy as mashed potatoes.
Natural products for blood in dog’s stools
- Kaolin
Kaolin is a natural product that helps in relieving your dog’s diarrhea. You may add it to your dog’s canine products for consumption. It helps soothe the guts while preventing more water loss.
- Probiotics
Probiotics are healthy bacteria that help maintain the digestive system. They help with digestion and get rid of bacteria.
- Slippery Elm
Slippery Elm is a healing herb that helps maintain the proper functioning of the digestive system. This way, it aids in the prevention of diarrhea, and the condition of having blood in the stool. You may buy this in either powder or tablet form. Make sure that there are no human supplements because sweeteners and other add-ons can be dangerous to dogs.
CBD oil for dogs
Another natural remedy for blood in dogs stool is the cannabidiol oil (CBD oil). It is derived from plants and can serve to reduce inflammation and to bring back homeostasis to your dog’s digestive system. This normalcy is what your dog needs to relieve itself of the worst symptoms that accompany blood in the stool.
Vets also prefer prescribing CBD oil on dogs because it does not contain any harmful chemicals that can cause other problems. CBD eases nausea, inflammation, and anxiety. It even promotes a healthy heart and appetite.
How will bloody diarrhea in my dog be treated by a vet?
Typically, you can help heal your dog’s bloody diarrhea through the use of natural remedies and products. However, there are some signs and symptoms that point to something more serious:
- Diarrhea contains copious amounts of blood
- The stool consistency is that of jelly or is completely watery
- Black coloured stools
- Lethargic and off-colour
- Dry, pale gums
- No appetite; refuses to feed or drink
- Vomiting is present
- Has ingested a bone or a fragment of bone
- Has not been given a parvovirus vaccine
- The rectal temperature has gone over 39 C
Most cases will be mild. However, it helps to get a vet’s thoughts on the matter if any of the above symptoms appear. More likely, your vet will focus on finding the cause of the problem so that he can help your dog accordingly. He will probably give your dog a general checkup and ask you questions as to whether your dog has had vaccines or ingested a piece of bone.
Final Thoughts
As a dog owner, you will have some canine health scares to take care of in the future. Hopefully, this article has helped you distinguish between a minor and a major cause of blood in the stool. May your dog go back to its happy and healthy self!
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