Seeing a dog pass blood in their stool is alarming for any pet owner, even if no vomiting is present.
While the absence of vomiting may make the situation seem less severe, blood in the stool always indicates an underlying issue that needs attention.
We outline the possible causes of a dog pooping blood but not vomiting, what you can do at home, and when to seek veterinary help.
Dog Pooping Blood but Not Vomiting — Why It Happens
When a dog is pooping blood but not vomiting, the issue is usually limited to the digestive tract rather than affecting the stomach. Common causes include dietary indiscretion, infections, intestinal parasites, colitis, or trauma to the rectum.
Stress and sudden diet changes may also trigger bloody stools. In some cases, more serious conditions like bleeding disorders or tumors could be involved.
Even without vomiting, these situations require close monitoring and sometimes urgent care.
Dog Pooping Blood but Not Vomiting: Possible Causes
Dietary Indiscretion
Dogs are curious eaters and often ingest things they shouldn’t, from leftover food scraps to foreign objects.
When a dog consumes spoiled food, bones, or indigestible material, the digestive tract may become irritated.
This can result in inflammation or minor tears, leading to blood appearing in the stool. Owners may also notice loose stools, straining, or a sudden change in bowel habits.
Read more: Dog Pooping Blood and Shaking (Here’s what it means)
Intestinal Parasites
Parasites such as hookworms, whipworms, or giardia can cause damage to the intestinal lining, resulting in blood in the stool.
Dogs with parasitic infections may or may not vomit, which makes it easy to overlook the problem.
Signs often include diarrhea, weight loss, scooting, or visible worms in the stool. Since parasites can spread easily, prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial.
Colitis
Colitis refers to inflammation of the colon, and it is a frequent reason for a dog pooping blood without vomiting.
This condition may develop due to stress, dietary changes, infections, or chronic digestive issues.
Colitis often produces soft stools mixed with mucus and streaks of blood. Dogs with colitis may strain to defecate or appear uncomfortable during bowel movements.
Anal Gland Problems
The anal glands, located on either side of the rectum, can become impacted or infected. When this happens, dogs may pass small amounts of blood with their stool.
Unlike systemic digestive problems, anal gland issues are often accompanied by scooting, licking the rear, or signs of discomfort while sitting. Left untreated, infections may worsen and cause abscesses.
Trauma or Injury
Physical trauma to the rectal or anal area can also result in blood in the stool without vomiting.
This may occur if a dog swallows a sharp object, suffers from constipation and passes hard stools, or experiences injury to the anal region.
The bleeding is usually fresh and bright red, and the dog may strain during defecation.
Serious Underlying Conditions
Although less common, serious conditions such as bleeding disorders, gastrointestinal polyps, or cancer can cause a dog to pass blood without vomiting.
These conditions may develop gradually and be accompanied by other subtle changes like lethargy, decreased appetite, or weight loss. Early veterinary detection makes a significant difference in management and outcomes.
What to Do If Your Dog Is Pooping Blood but Not Vomiting
If your dog is pooping blood but otherwise acting normal, it can still be a worrying sign. First, observe your dog closely for any changes in appetite, energy, or bathroom habits.
Keep a record of when the blood appears, how much is present, and the stool’s consistency.
Make sure your dog has access to fresh water and continue feeding a bland diet such as boiled chicken and rice for a short period if diarrhea accompanies the blood.
Avoid giving table scraps, new treats, or bones, as these can worsen irritation.
If you suspect parasites, ensure your dog is up to date on deworming and flea prevention.
For dogs with anal gland issues, regular veterinary checks and expression may help.
Always remember that even without vomiting, blood in the stool is not normal and requires veterinary assessment if it does not resolve quickly.
When to Call or Visit Your Vet
Contact your veterinarian promptly if your dog’s bloody stools persist beyond 24–48 hours or if the bleeding is heavy.
Bright red blood that continues with each bowel movement is concerning and should not be ignored.
Seek immediate veterinary help if your dog develops additional symptoms such as lethargy, refusal to eat, abdominal pain, pale gums, or weakness. These may indicate more severe blood loss or an underlying systemic condition.
Even in cases where the dog appears otherwise normal, persistent blood in the stool can point to conditions requiring medical treatment such as colitis, infections, or parasites.
Timely diagnosis can prevent complications and ensure effective treatment.
Read more: Dog Pooping Blood and Vomiting but Acting Normal (Why it happens)
Key Takeaway
Finding blood in your dog’s stool without vomiting can be unsettling, but it often points to issues localized in the intestines or rectal area.
Common causes include dietary problems, parasites, colitis, or anal gland disease, though more serious conditions are possible.
Owners should monitor their dog closely, provide supportive care at home, and seek veterinary help if the blood persists or worsens. With timely care, most causes can be managed effectively, ensuring your dog returns to comfort and health.