What are Some Causes of Blood in the Stool of Animals?
Bright red blood in the stools in animals is called hematochezia and it signifies lower intestinal tract bleeding. Black, tarry blood in the stools in animals is called melena and it signifies upper intestinal tract bleeding. Blood in the stools is often caused by internal parasites, allergies, bleeding ulcers, ingested blood or gastrointestinal diseases. Internal parasites cause blood in the stools in animals due to the irritation the parasites create in the digestive tract. Hookworms survive on the blood in the small intestine and often cause anemia which can often be noticed by pale gums as well as black blood in the stools in animals. Puppies are especially susceptible to serious harm or death from hookworms.
