Seeing your Yorkie pass blood in their stools can be alarming and unsettling. It’s crucial to understand why this might be happening, how severe it could be, and what actions you need to take.
We’ll explain how to best help your Yorkie, and when it’s time to get them to the vets.
Is Blood In Poop Ever a Normal Thing?
The straightforward answer is, no, it is never normal for Yorkies, or any dogs for that matter, to poop blood.
Blood in the stool is a clear sign of some sort of health issue that needs addressing. Even if the underlying cause is not a serious condition, it still indicates that your Yorkie is experiencing discomfort, stress, or injury that is not part of their normal state of health.
Blood in the stool can sometimes be a result of minor problems, such as a small cut in the mouth or a mild stomach upset from dietary indiscretion.
However, it can also be a symptom of more severe health issues, like a gastrointestinal obstruction, an ulcer, or a serious infectious disease.
Even if your Yorkie seems to be acting normal and the blood in their stool seems to resolve on its own, it’s still critical to consult with a veterinarian.
8 Reasons Your Yorkie Is Pooping Blood
Yorkies can pass blood in their stool due to a variety of reasons, including gastrointestinal infections, dietary indiscretion, intestinal parasites, or more severe health conditions.
Dietary Issues
Yorkies, just like other breeds, can have sensitive digestive systems.
A sudden change in diet or kibble, or consuming something unusual or spoiled, can cause inflammation in their digestive tract, which might result in bloody stools.
To prevent this, maintain a consistent, healthy diet for your Yorkie and discourage them from scavenging during walks.
Gastrointestinal Infections
Bacterial, viral, or fungal infections can trigger bloody diarrhea in dogs. These infections often cause inflammation of the intestines (colitis), resulting in the passing of blood.
Veterinary care is essential to diagnose and treat these infections, so reach out to your vet if your Yorkie shows signs of gastrointestinal distress along with bloody stools.
Intestinal Parasites
Parasites like hookworms, roundworms, or whipworms can invade your Yorkie’s gastrointestinal tract, causing bloody stools.
Regular deworming and fecal exams are important preventive measures to protect your Yorkie from such parasites.
Anal Gland Issues
Yorkies and other small breeds are often prone to anal gland problems.
These small, scent-filled glands can become impacted, infected, or abscessed, which can cause discomfort and bleeding during defecation.
If this is happening with your Yorkie, you’ll also notice a foul strong and fishy smell coming from their behind. You’ll also witness them scooting them butt along the ground.
Physical Injury
An injury to the lower bowel or anal area could cause blood in your Yorkie’s stool.
This might happen if your dog ingests a sharp object or suffers from some sort of trauma.
Stress
Stress-induced colitis can occur in dogs just as in humans.
If your Yorkie has been through a significant change or stressful event, it might cause inflammation in the colon and result in bloody stools.
Medication Side Effects
Certain medications, especially non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and steroids, can sometimes cause gastrointestinal bleeding in dogs.
Always consult your vet about potential side effects when your Yorkie is prescribed new medication.
Serious Health Conditions
Unfortunately, bloody stools can also indicate severe health issues like tumors, ulcers, or coagulation disorders.
If your Yorkie continues to pass bloody stools, seek immediate veterinary assistance.
More Info: Memphis Animal Emergency Center
When To Consult a Veterinarian
Identifying the exact cause of bloody stools in your Yorkie at home can be challenging and risky, unless you’ve observed a clear dietary mistake, such as your dog consuming something they shouldn’t have.
However, even in those cases, the damage may be more than you can assess, so it’s important to seek professional help.
A brief phone consultation can provide immediate guidance and can assist in booking an appointment, if necessary.
If your Yorkie’s symptoms progress beyond just bloody stools, it’s critical to get them to a vet as soon as possible.
Seek immediate veterinary care if your Yorkie shows any of the following symptoms:
- Persistent or excessively bloody stools
- Other changes in stool color, consistency, or frequency
- Vomiting, lethargy, or loss of appetite
- Pain, discomfort, or changes in behavior
- Pale gums or other signs of blood loss
It’s important to remember that some cases are more urgent than others. Clear signs of distress, an overly lethargic demeanor, or severe blood loss require immediate attention and should be treated as emergencies.
What To Do In The Meantime
While you’re waiting for your vet appointment, your primary goal should be to keep your Yorkie comfortable, hydrated, and calm.
The discomfort or pain causing the bloody stools might also be causing your dog stress, so do your best to provide a quiet, comfortable space for your Yorkie.
Avoid giving your Yorkie any new or unusual foods during this period. Stick to a bland diet, as recommended by your vet, to avoid further irritating their digestive system. If your Yorkie refuses to eat, don’t force them; it’s essential to communicate this to the vet, as it could be an important symptom.
Ensure that your Yorkie has access to clean water to prevent dehydration, especially if they are also experiencing vomiting or diarrhea. Monitoring your Yorkie’s water intake and urine output can provide helpful information for the vet.
Lastly, avoid physical exertion. Your Yorkie might not feel like their usual self, and overexertion could exacerbate the problem. Wait until your Yorkie is feeling better and has been cleared by the vet before returning to your regular exercise routine.
Remember, these measures are interim steps and don’t replace professional veterinary care. If your Yorkie is pooping blood, a vet’s examination is necessary to identify the root cause and provide the right treatment.
Final Thoughts
Discovering blood in your Yorkie’s stool can be alarming, but it’s crucial to remain calm and act swiftly.
Whether it’s a result of a minor dietary mishap or a more serious health issue, it’s always a sign that something is amiss and warrants immediate attention.
By being observant and acting quickly, you can ensure that your Yorkie gets the appropriate care in a timely manner.
Always consult your veterinarian when you notice any abnormal health signs in your Yorkie. After all, early detection and treatment are the key to overcoming most health issues.