Dog Bleeding from Anus and Not Eating: What It Means

Dog Bleeding from Anus and Not Eating: Common Causes 

1. Ruptured or Infected Anal Glands

One of the most common causes of blood around the anus is a ruptured anal gland.

Dogs have two small glands near the anus that secrete scent-marking fluids.

When they become clogged or infected, they swell, and in some cases, burst open.

Symptoms include:

• Blood or pus near the anus

• Licking or scooting on the ground

• Pain when defecating

• Loss of appetite due to pain or low-grade infection

Dogs with infected anal glands may show sudden food refusal because sitting, walking, or passing stool is uncomfortable. In severe cases, abscesses can rupture through the skin and bleed visibly.

2. Rectal Injuries or Trauma

Trauma to the rectal area can lead to bleeding—especially in dogs that have:

• Passed a hard or sharp object (like bone fragments)

• Been constipated and strained excessively

• Sustained injury from grooming mishaps or rough play

You might see bright red blood on or near the anus, sometimes accompanied by straining, whimpering when defecating, or sudden aversion to food. Internal pain or the fear of more pain may cause your dog to stop eating altogether.

Related: Dog vomiting and not eating (Causes and when to worry)

3. Severe Colitis or Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

Colitis is inflammation of the colon that can cause frequent diarrhea, straining, and bright red blood in the stool.

In more severe or chronic forms like IBD, the inflammation can spread deeper into the intestinal lining.

Signs include:

• Bloody or mucousy stool

• Urgency to poop, often with little coming out

• Gurgling stomach

• Painful abdomen or hunching

• Refusal to eat due to discomfort or nausea

Dogs with chronic colitis often go through flare-ups where they stop eating for 1–2 days at a time. If the bleeding is persistent, it’s time for a veterinary workup.

Related: Dog diarrhea and not eating (Causes and when to worry) 

4. Parasites 

Intestinal parasites can cause significant irritation to the gut lining, especially hookworms and whipworms, both of which are known to cause bloody stool.

Other signs of parasitic infection include:

• Soft or mucousy stools with streaks of red

• Scooting or licking near the rear

• Distended belly or gas

• Intermittent appetite loss

Parasites are most common in puppies or dogs not on monthly parasite prevention. Left untreated, they can cause anemia and nutrient loss, both of which suppress appetite further.

5. Foreign Object or Intestinal Blockage

If your dog has swallowed something non-digestible (like a sock, bone, or toy), it can damage the intestinal lining, cause partial blockages, or even tear the rectal tissue on the way out.

Symptoms often include:

• Visible rectal bleeding

• Straining without successful bowel movements

• Vomiting or gagging

• Refusal to eat or even approach food

This is an emergency. Objects stuck in the GI tract can perforate tissue or cause a deadly twist in the intestines. Seek veterinary care immediately if blockage is suspected.

6. Tumors or Rectal Growths

Benign or malignant tumors near the rectum or colon can bleed when irritated by passing stool. Some types of tumors may also ulcerate, becoming painful and foul-smelling.

Signs include:

• Fresh blood dripping after defecation

• Difficulty passing stool or narrowing of stool

• Weight loss or sudden disinterest in eating

• Licking or biting near the base of the tail

Rectal or colon tumors often affect older dogs, especially those over 7 years of age. Appetite loss may be due to both pain and systemic illness.

7. Internal Bleeding or Coagulopathies

In rare cases, dogs bleed rectally due to clotting disorders, ingestion of rat poison (anticoagulants), or conditions like hemorrhagic gastroenteritis (HGE). These can cause both internal and external bleeding.

Symptoms include:

• Large amounts of bloody diarrhea (often jelly-like)

• Sudden collapse or pale gums

• Weakness or tremors

• Complete food refusal

If bleeding appears rapidly or is accompanied by vomiting and lethargy, this is a medical emergency.

What to Do If Your Dog Is Bleeding from the Anus and Not Eating

If your dog is stable but shows signs of rectal bleeding and food refusal:

• Keep them calm and limit activity to prevent further straining

• Withhold food for 6–12 hours, then offer small portions of bland food like boiled chicken and rice

• Use a clean cloth to gently wipe away blood, checking for visible injury or swelling

• Ensure clean water is available, and encourage small sips

• Monitor stool frequency and color, and take photos for your vet

Avoid giving medications, treats, or rich foods during this time. If symptoms last more than 24 hours or worsen, call your vet.

When to Call or Visit Your Vet

Seek veterinary attention right away if:

• The bleeding is heavy or continuous

• Your dog hasn’t eaten for more than 24 hours

• They’re vomiting, lethargic, or have pale gums

• Blood is dark or tarry (suggesting internal bleeding)

• You see swelling, tumors, or prolapse near the anus

• Your dog is very young, very old, or immunocompromised

Your vet may recommend stool tests, anal gland expression, blood work, ultrasound, or even an emergency scope depending on severity.

• Related: Dog Blood in Stool and Not Eating (What it means)

Key Takeaway

If your dog is bleeding from the anus and not eating, you’re right to be concerned.

These symptoms together almost always signal a medical issue that should not be ignored—ranging from something manageable like anal gland issues to more serious conditions like tumors or internal bleeding.

Keep calm, assess carefully, and call your vet if anything feels off. The sooner you act, the better the outcome for your pup.