Jack Russel

Question
Hi,
I have a Jack Russell and she has had various bouts of diarrhea recently, but it is always mixed up with blood.  Overnight it has happened again and there is a small pool of just blood (well that is what it looks like).  Always before one of these bouts she is off her food and it seems to happen when I leave her for more than a few hours  - i.e. from 10-4.  She seems fine after a few days and is back to normal, likewise her droppings seem fine.  Any ideas??

Answer
Hi Patricia,

I couldn't tell from your message if your dog currently is having bloody diarrhea, or recently had it and you're just curious as to why.

You didn't describe the blood to me. Bright red blood in the feces usually occurs with bleeding in the lower intestines (colon, rectum). The passage of dark blood, or black feces means the passage of old, digested blood that has occurred with bleeding higher up in the intestinal tract.
The presence of bright red blood in the stool may be a symptom of either a minor problem, or a potentially more serious problem in the animal. One occurrence of may be a minor and transient event. Repeated or persistent bright red blood in the stool is more serious and should not be ignored.

Intestinal upset and diarrhea can be caused by stress, bacteria, viruses, parasites, poor digestion, dietary changes, or ingestion of garbage or an indigestible object such as a toy, stick, food wrapper, dirty rag, or other delectable.

Your dog is off her food because her stomach is upset, dogs that aren't feeling well aren't usually inclined to eat.

When a dog has diarrhea, it's usually helpful to let their irritated have a short rest by withholding food for 12-24 hours then start your dog on small frequent meals of a bland diet, such as boiled hamburger and cooked white rice and see if the diarrhea stops. However, when blood is being passed, you should make an appointment with your veterinarian.

If this is a problem which seems to clear up, and then returns, you need to have your dog examined by your vet the next time the blood diarrhea returns. It's impossible to guess at what the problem is, besides your dog deserves more than guesswork.

I hope I've been a help.
Best of luck,

Patti