Dear VetBabble: Why Is My Puppy’s Poop Gooey and Sometimes Bloody?
One of our pet owners recently adopted a puppy, and while her poop is generally normal, it occasionally appears gooey and seems to have blood in it. They also noticed that after eating grass, the stool was grey, watery, and contained some red. They wonder if this is a sign of a more serious issue or if it’s related to intestinal parasites. Let’s talk about the possible reasons behind this issue and how to address it.
Common Causes of Gooey and Bloody Stool in Puppies
The most common reason for soft, gooey stool in puppies – sometimes with blood or mucous – is some form of intestinal parasite. In our article, Why Does My Dog Have Diarrhea?, we discuss the various reasons that can lead to digestive issues in dogs. Intestinal parasites are quite common in puppies, and some of these parasites are microscopic, meaning they won’t be visible without a vet’s examination and can still affect a dewormed puppy. The article Coccidia in Dogs and Puppies: What It Is and How to Treat It delves into one specific type of parasite that may be causing this issue.
Steps to Address Gooey and Bloody Stool in Puppies
Firstly, consult your veterinarian and have them perform a fecal check on your puppy to determine if there are any intestinal parasites causing the issue. Depending on the results, your vet will then recommend appropriate treatment options. To get an idea of what to expect when visiting your veterinarian, read our article: Diarrhea in Dogs: When to Worry.
Anticipate discussing dietary history and possible probiotic options with your veterinarian, as young puppies may need additional support for their intestinal tract depending on their age and diet. And if you’re wondering about your dog’s pooping habits, check out our article How Often Should My Dog Poop? for helpful information on a dog’s regular bathroom patterns.
Ensuring your puppy’s overall health, following your veterinarian’s advice, and staying vigilant about any changes in her bowel movements is essential for her well-being. If you notice any new or worsening symptoms, don’t hesitate to contact your veterinarian for further guidance.
Best of luck with your new pupper! We hope this information proved helpful, and we thank you for using VetBabble to address your concerns.
