If your dog is not eating and pooping blood, it’s understandably alarming.
These symptoms often indicate a serious health issue that requires immediate attention.
We outline the reasons why your dog might be refusing food and passing blood in their stool, what these signs mean, and what actions you should take to help your furry friend.
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Here’s Why Your Dog Is Not Eating and Pooping Blood
If your dog is not eating and pooping blood, it’s a serious red flag that demands immediate veterinary attention. These symptoms can indicate gastrointestinal bleeding caused by conditions like hemorrhagic gastroenteritis, ingestion of toxins, severe parasitic infections, ulcers, or even life-threatening illnesses such as parvovirus or cancer.
The refusal to eat suggests your dog is in significant discomfort or pain, and the presence of blood in the stool points to inflammation or injury in the digestive tract.
Left untreated, these symptoms can rapidly lead to dehydration, anemia, or shock.
Common Causes of Dog Not Eating and Pooping Blood
1. Gastrointestinal Infections and Inflammation
One of the most frequent reasons dogs poop blood and refuse food is due to infections.
These can be bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections affecting the stomach, intestines, or colon.
Bacterial infections: Salmonella, E. coli, and Clostridium can inflame the intestines, leading to bloody diarrhea and loss of appetite.
Viral infections: Canine parvovirus is a deadly virus that causes severe vomiting, bloody diarrhea, and refusal to eat.
Parasites: Hookworms, whipworms, and giardia can damage the intestinal lining, causing bleeding and discomfort that makes dogs lose interest in food.
Infections cause inflammation, pain, and irritation of the digestive tract lining.
This inflammation disrupts normal digestion and absorption, which can lead to both bloody stools and a suppressed appetite.
2. Dietary Indiscretion or Food Allergies
Dogs that eat something inappropriate — such as spoiled food, garbage, or toxic plants — can develop irritation or even injury in their digestive system. This can lead to:
Intestinal upset with diarrhea containing blood.
Nausea and pain that cause a dog to stop eating.
Food allergies or intolerances can also cause inflammation of the gut lining, leading to blood in stool and poor appetite.
Related: Dog not eating and stomach gurgling (What you need to know)
3. Internal Injuries and Foreign Bodies
Dogs love to chew and swallow objects that can damage their intestines or stomach.
Items like bones, toys, or sharp objects can:
Tear or puncture the intestinal lining.
Cause bleeding that shows up as blood in the stool.
Cause pain severe enough to stop the dog from eating.
Such foreign body ingestion often leads to severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and bloody stool.
4. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
IBD is a chronic condition in which the intestines become inflamed for unknown reasons. This inflammation:
Interferes with digestion.
Causes bloody stool.
Leads to decreased appetite and weight loss.
IBD requires veterinary diagnosis and long-term management.
Related: Dog not eating and lethargic (What you need to know)
5. Tumors or Polyps in the Gastrointestinal Tract
Growths such as tumors or polyps in the intestines or stomach can cause bleeding and disrupt normal digestion.
They often cause intermittent or persistent bloody stools and reduced appetite due to discomfort or pain.
6. Systemic Illnesses and Organ Dysfunction
Diseases such as liver failure, kidney disease, or clotting disorders can indirectly cause bloody diarrhea and loss of appetite.
Organ dysfunction affects the body’s ability to heal and regulate blood clotting, which can manifest as bleeding in the stool.
Why Is Your Dog Not Eating When Pooping Blood?
Loss of appetite in a dog pooping blood can be explained by several factors:
Pain and discomfort: Intestinal pain and cramping reduce the desire to eat.
Nausea: Inflammation or infection often causes nausea, making dogs avoid food.
General malaise: When dogs feel sick, lethargic, or weak, they often lose interest in food.
Underlying systemic illness: Many conditions causing bloody stools also cause overall sickness, resulting in poor appetite.
What Are The Warning Signs to Watch For?
If your dog is not eating and pooping blood, it’s critical to monitor for other symptoms, including:
Weakness or lethargy
Vomiting, especially if persistent or bloody
Abdominal pain or bloating (your dog may whine, whimper, or adopt a hunched posture)
Signs of dehydration such as sunken eyes, dry gums, and loss of skin elasticity
Pale or discolored gums (which may indicate internal bleeding or anemia)
Frequent or urgent attempts to defecate with small amounts of blood or mucus
If you see these signs alongside your dog’s refusal to eat and bloody stools, immediate veterinary care is essential.
Related: Dog not eating and sleeping a lot (What you need to know)
What to Do If Your Dog Is Not Eating and Pooping Blood
Step 1: Seek Veterinary Care Immediately
Bloody stools and loss of appetite are red flags.
The first step should be to take your dog to a veterinarian as soon as possible for a thorough examination.
Step 2: Diagnostic Testing
Your vet will likely recommend several tests to determine the cause:
Stool analysis to check for parasites, bacteria, or blood.
Blood work to assess overall health, organ function, and signs of infection.
X-rays or ultrasound to look for foreign bodies, tumors, or intestinal damage.
Endoscopy in some cases to directly examine the intestinal lining.
Step 3: Treatment Plan
Treatment depends on the underlying cause but may include:
Antibiotics or antiparasitic medications if infections are diagnosed.
Fluids and electrolyte therapy to treat dehydration.
Special diet to soothe the digestive tract or eliminate allergens.
Surgery if a foreign body or tumor is found.
Medications to control inflammation, such as corticosteroids for IBD.
Can This Condition Be Prevented?
While some causes of dog not eating and pooping blood are unavoidable, there are steps you can take to minimize the risk:
Avoid sudden diet changes and introduce new foods gradually.
Prevent your dog from eating garbage or unknown substances.
Use parasite preventatives regularly.
Monitor your dog’s environment for toxic plants or chemicals.
Schedule regular veterinary check-ups to catch problems early.
Keep small objects, bones, or toys that can be swallowed out of reach.
When Is It an Emergency?
Some situations require urgent veterinary attention:
Large amounts of fresh blood in stool or very dark, tarry stools (which indicate bleeding higher up in the digestive tract).
Refusal to eat for more than 24 hours, especially if accompanied by vomiting or weakness.
Signs of severe abdominal pain or bloating.
Persistent vomiting or diarrhea causing dehydration.
Pale gums or collapse.
If your dog exhibits any of these, go to an emergency vet immediately.
Key Takeaway
If your dog is not eating and pooping blood, this is a sign of a potentially serious health issue that cannot be ignored.
The causes range from infections and parasites to injuries and chronic diseases.
Early veterinary intervention is critical for diagnosis and treatment to prevent complications such as dehydration, anemia, or systemic illness.
By carefully monitoring your dog’s symptoms, acting promptly, and following your vet’s guidance, you can give your dog the best chance of recovery.
Always prioritize your dog’s health by seeking professional help when you notice concerning symptoms like refusal to eat and bloody stools.