Saint Bernard Pooping Blood: Everything You Need To Know

A Saint Bernard’s poop can be indicative of an illness that can be observed through the color frequency and consistency of the stool.

Blood in the stool is one of the indicator symptoms that shows the presence of a serious underlying health problem.

Stools with blood can appear in three different forms:

Bright red blood in stool

Stool with bright red blood means that it is fresh blood mainly from the lower digestive tract which is the colon, anus, or rectum of a Saint Bernard. The blood appears bright red because it has not been digested and indicates bleeding that has taken place. 

A speck of bright red blood in the stool should not cause any alarm however when your dog produces large amounts of bloody stool, it is a cause for concern.

Bright red blood in the stool is often accompanied by diarrhea and sometimes the stool could also be covered by mucus with blood on the top of it.

Black or tan-like stool

When the stool comes out as a black or tar-like form, this means that the blood in it was digested from the upper digestive tract.

This is indicative of conditions affecting the stomach or upper intestines. The stool is usually in solid form.

Pure blood 

A Saint Bernard may also only produce pure blood from the anus. This is usually a sign of bleeding in the intestinal tract and that their digestive tract was empty and what comes out is blood without any stool.

Possible Causes of Bloody Poop in Saint Bernards

Constipation

Constipation can cause a Saint Bernard to poop blood because of the difficulty and straining to pass compact stool which causes injury while being passed out.

This causes injury around the rectum as the stool passes out which results in a Saint Bernard pooping bloody stool.

Dietary indiscretion

Just like any dog likes to explore their environment with its mouth, a Saint Bernard will eat anything that seems interesting. They may eat things that they’re not supposed to eat such as garbage, rocks, sharp sticks, bones, or broken toys.

These items can cause injury to the intestinal tract as the stomach or intestines as they pass along the digestive tract. This can lead to a Saint Bernard pooping blood.

Change to a new diet

Change to a new diet can cause irritation or inflammation of the gastro-intestinal tract which in some cases results in bleeding of the gastrointestinal tract. This produces blood-stained stools.

Related: Saint Bernard sensitive stomach: Causes and how to help

Infection

Bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections can cause the production of bloody stools. Infections by Salmonella bacteria, parvovirus, and worms such as hookworms, protozoa, or Giardia.

These infections affect the gastrointestinal tract of a Saint Bernard and lead to bleeding and the passing of bloody stools.

Injury

Trauma or injury to the abdomen can lead to gastrointestinal bleeding. Therefore if a Saint Bernard has experienced any injury such as falling, or being hit, this can lead to injury which can also result in bloody stools.

Colitis

Colitis is the inflammation of the colon. Inflammation can be due to an allergic reaction to food such as proteins.

The condition causes an inability to store feces in the colon and leads to frequent diarrhea with mucus and blood.

Cancer

Pooping of blood can also be one of the symptoms of cancer. Cancer can present anywhere on a Saint Bernard’s body and cause symptoms including loss of appetite, weight loss, and also bleeding of the gastrointestinal tract which leads to passing stool with blood.

Poisoning

Ingestion of toxins can also lead a Saint Bernard to poop blood. Potential poisons or toxins include household chemicals or products that may be accidentally ingested.

The toxins can be corrosive and irritate the stomach or intestine which can lead to bleeding. This results in the production of blood-stained stools.

Intestinal blockage

Intestinal blockages can occur when a Saint Bernard ingests foreign objects that lead to blockages of the intestinal tract. 

This leads to abdominal pain, diarrhea, and the production of stools with blood.

Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis

Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis is a sudden disorder that is characterized by bright red bloody diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fever, weakness, and loss of appetite.

The disorder is not common in Saint Bernards as is common in small breed dogs but Saint Bernards can also develop the condition.

Complications

The underlying conditions that cause bloody stools can be mild while other conditions can be life-threatening and can lead to death.

A case such as passing stool with blood and vomiting is life-threatening because it can cause severe dehydration that can lead to unconsciousness and death. 

Therefore complications can arise from a Saint Bernard pooping blood and medical care is required when it occurs.

When to seek help

A Saint Bernard popping blood should not be taken lightly and should be an emergency case.

Seek help immediately when a Saint Bernard is:

• Vomiting
• Not eating or drinking water
• Producing blood in the urine
• Non-responsive
• Has pale gums (pale pink or white)
• Lethargic
• Currently under medication
• Showing other symptoms of illness (diarrhea, difficulty in breathing)

Treatment

Treatment of a Saint Bernard pooping blood depends on the underlying cause. Through diagnostic tests, the causes will be determined and the appropriate treatment provided. Treatment options include:

• Change of diet
• Medications including antacids and antibiotics
• Probiotics
• Surgery
• Fluid therapy 

Takeaway

A Saint Bernard pooping blood should not be ignored because it means that a serious underlying health problem could be the cause of it. 

Always consult your veterinarian when you notice blood-stained stool so that treatment can be provided immediately.