Occult blood in dog feces is typically caused by internal bleeding somewhere along the digestive tract, often due to infections, parasites, dietary issues, or more serious conditions like ulcers or tumors.
Here’s a breakdown of the most common causes of occult (hidden) blood in a dog’s stool:
🩸 Common Causes of Occult Blood in Dog Feces
- Gastrointestinal ulcers
Ulcers in the stomach or intestines can leak small amounts of blood into the stool, often undetectable without testing. - Parasitic infections
Worms like hookworms or whipworms can damage the intestinal lining, leading to bleeding. - Bacterial or viral infections
Pathogens such as Clostridium, Salmonella, or canine parvovirus may inflame the gut and cause bleeding. - Dietary indiscretion or food intolerance
Eating spoiled food, foreign objects, or irritating substances can injure the digestive tract. - Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
Chronic inflammation of the intestines can result in microscopic bleeding. - Tumors or polyps
Growths in the gastrointestinal tract may bleed slowly over time, especially if malignant. - Stress or trauma
Physical trauma or severe stress can sometimes trigger gastrointestinal upset and bleeding. - Toxin ingestion
Certain toxins, including rat poison or NSAIDs, can cause internal bleeding.
🧪 Why Occult Blood Matters
Occult blood is invisible to the naked eye but detectable through a fecal occult blood test. Even small amounts of bleeding can lead to anemia if left untreated. This test helps veterinarians catch internal issues early before more obvious symptoms appear.
🐶 What to Do If Detected
If your dog tests positive for occult blood:
- Follow up with diagnostic tests like blood work, imaging, or endoscopy.
- Monitor for symptoms such as lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, or weight loss.
- Consult your vet promptly to identify and treat the underlying cause.
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