Seeing your dog pass stool with blood and mucus is alarming and can signal an underlying health issue that needs attention. Both symptoms together often indicate a problem in the digestive tract.
We outline the common reasons your dog is pooping blood and mucus, what you can do at home, and when to seek veterinary help.
Dog Pooping Blood and Mucus — Why It Happens
Blood and mucus in your dog’s stool are not normal and usually point to irritation or disease affecting the intestines. Mucus is a natural lubricant produced by the intestines, but when it’s excessive and combined with blood, it often signals inflammation, infection, or trauma.
Common Causes of a Dog Pooping Blood and Mucus
Gastrointestinal Infections
Bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections can inflame your dog’s intestines, leading to blood and mucus in the stool.
Conditions such as parvovirus, giardia, or bacterial overgrowth can cause severe diarrhea, lethargy, and dehydration.
These cases can progress quickly, especially in puppies, and require urgent veterinary care.
Related: Dog Pooping Blood and Drinking a Lot of Water (Here’s why)
Colitis (Inflammation of the Colon)
Colitis is one of the most common reasons dogs pass bloody, mucus-filled stool. It can be caused by stress, dietary changes, food intolerance, or infection.
Dogs with colitis often strain during bowel movements and produce small amounts of loose, jelly-like stool mixed with blood.
Intestinal Parasites
Worms such as hookworms or whipworms attach to the intestinal lining, causing irritation, bleeding, and mucus.
Heavy infestations can lead to anemia, weight loss, and a dull coat. Even mild infestations may cause bloody mucus stools that persist until treated.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
IBD occurs when a dog’s immune system overreacts to normal bacteria or food proteins, leading to chronic inflammation of the gut.
Symptoms include chronic diarrhea, vomiting, weight loss, and bloody mucus in the stool. This condition often requires long-term management with dietary changes and medication.
Dietary Indiscretion
Dogs that eat garbage, spoiled food, or non-food items can develop gastrointestinal irritation or even small tears in the intestines.
This can result in blood mixed with mucus in the stool. While mild cases may resolve, more serious cases need medical attention.
Intestinal Blockages
Foreign objects such as toys, bones, or fabric can get stuck in the intestines. This may cause trauma to the intestinal walls, leading to bleeding and excess mucus.
Obstructions are medical emergencies and often require surgery.
Tumors or Polyps
Growths in the digestive tract, whether benign or cancerous, can bleed and stimulate excess mucus production.
These are more common in older dogs and can be accompanied by weight loss, appetite changes, or persistent diarrhea.
What You Can Do at Home
Monitor closely: Track stool frequency, consistency, and any additional symptoms such as lethargy, vomiting, or decreased appetite.
Hydration support: Make sure your dog has access to plenty of fresh water to prevent dehydration from diarrhea.
Temporary diet change: Offering a bland diet (boiled chicken and rice) for 24–48 hours may help if the issue is mild and your dog is otherwise acting normally.
Avoid risky foods: Keep your dog away from garbage, bones, and table scraps that can irritate the digestive system.
When to Call Your Veterinarian
Contact your vet immediately if:
The blood is bright red and significant in amount.
Your dog is lethargic, vomiting, or not eating.
Symptoms persist longer than 24–48 hours.
Your puppy or senior dog is affected (they are more vulnerable).
You suspect your dog ate something toxic or indigestible.
Your vet may perform stool tests, bloodwork, imaging, or endoscopy to diagnose the cause. Treatment may include dewormers, antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, fluid therapy, or surgery depending on the underlying issue.
Related: Dog Pooping Blood and Diarrhea (Here’s why)
Key Takeaway
A dog pooping blood and mucus is always a red flag and should never be ignored. While some causes are mild, others can be life-threatening if untreated. Acting quickly can make a major difference in your dog’s recovery.