Accepted Answer

There are typically a few reasons for blood in the stool:

• Parvovirus is a deadly, highly contagious disease that is especially dangerous for puppies and their poor immune systems. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy and lack of appetite. There may be blood in the diarrhea and vomit. 3 things about parvo are deadly to them: the virus itself, bacterial infections from the intestinal tract and dehydration. Treatment usually includes fluids and antibiotics as well as medications for vomiting and to help the immune system fight the virus. Vaccines are incredibly good at preventing the disease but are necessary about every 3 weeks until about 15 to 16 weeks old. One vaccine does not provide enough protection. The disease usually takes 3-7 days to appear after the puppy is exposed. Here's a link: http://www.petplace.com/dogs/parvoviral-enteritis/page1.aspx
• Intestinal parasites are common and include hookworms, roundworms, coccidia and giardia. All of these can cause vomiting, diarrhea, blood in the stool, weight loss, lethargy and lack of appetite. Most puppies are infected with roundworms and hookworms very early in life from their mother through the milk or the womb. Giardia is potentially contagious to humans. All of these parasites can be treated but fecal tests are necessary to diagnose them. They can't been seen in the stool with the naked eye. A microscope is necessary to find the eggs in the stool to identify which parasite is present. Here's some links:
  http://www.petplace.com/dogs/intestinal-parasites-in-dogs/page1.aspx
  http://www.petplace.com/dogs/protozoan-parasites-in-dogs/page1.aspx
  http://www.petplace.com/dogs/gastrointestinal-parasites-in-dogs/page1.aspx
• Colitis- A change in food and environment can also cause diarrhea, some lethargy and vomiting. Sometimes puppies become sick enough that fluids and medications are required to keep them from getting dehydrated and weak. http://www.petplace.com/dogs/colitis-in-dogs/page1.aspx

More than likely this is due to a change in environment. Try offering bland foods for the next day or so. Boiled chicken breast (no skin), white rice and scrambled egg whites work well. Make sure to offer lots of water, use warm chicken broth if necessary. You can also add some plain yogurt to help with the diarrhea. If she stops eating, starts vomiting, becomes lethargic or the blood doesn't resolve then have her checked immediately. Puppies can become quickly dehydrated and sick if left untreated. If you have more questions please let me know.

Expert:	Christian K.
Pos. Feedback:	100.0 %
Accepts:
Answered:	8/9/2009

Veterinarian

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