Accepted Answer

Here are some possible causes for blood in the stool:

• Intestinal parasites such as giardia, coccidia and hookworms. These parasites cause irritation to the lining of the colon and in the case of the hookworm actually latch on to the inside of the intestine and suck blood. Giardia in particular can be contagious to humans. Here's a link:
  http://www.petplace.com/dogs/gastrointestinal-parasites-in-dogs/page1.aspx
• Colitis can cause blood in the stool. It is usually caused by stress, diet changes or sometimes the cause is not determined. The wall of the colon becomes inflamed and seeps mucous and blood. Medications are usually necessary to prevent the situation from worsening. Here's a link:
  http://www.petplace.com/dogs/colitis-in-dogs/page1.aspx
• Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis (HGE)- Colitis can sometimes progress to hemorrhagic gastroenteritis which is a life threatening condition that puts the dog in to shock. Treatment involves fluids, medications and sometimes vomiting medications. Here's a link: http://www.petplace.com/dogs/hemorrhagic-gastroenteritis-hge/page1.aspx

Try offering bland foods such as boiled chicken breast, white rice and scrambled egg whites. It will help the digestion. You can even offer plain yogurt to help the diarrhea. Make sure she gets lots of water or even lowfat chicken broth if necessary to tempt her so that she doesn't get dehydrated. If she won't eat, stays lethargic, starts vomiting or the blood does not improve then have her checked immediately as she may be progressing to HGE in that situation. It would be a good idea to have a fecal sample checked just in case. If you have more questions please let me know.

Expert:	Christian K.
Pos. Feedback:	100.0 %
Accepts:
Answered:	6/11/2009

Veterinarian

12 years of veterinary experience in medicine, surgery and behavior with exotics,canines and felines