Blood & Mucus in Dog Stool but Acting Normal – Top 3 Reasons Why

Blood and mucus could be signs of an underlying health problem in the dog’s digestive tract. Here are a few common reasons why a dog may still act normal despite having blood and mucus in their stools.

1. Parasite infections

Dogs can be affected by several different types of intestinal parasites including the roundworm, hookworm, and tapeworm. These parasites can cause blood and mucus to get mixed into the dog’s stool by burrowing their way into the intestinal tissues. Mucus also starts to appear in the dog’s stool when inflammation occurs in the dog’s digestive organs, whether that is in the intestines or colon.

The initial phases of an intestinal parasite infection may not be severe enough (yet) to cause a lot of pain. The dog, however, may still occasionally react to the irritation caused by showing certain types of behaviors like scooting and excessive licking. A trip to the vet is necessary, especially if your dog is not on any de-worming treatment.

2. Gastrointestinal infections

Blood and mucus may also appear if the dog is affected by a gastrointestinal infection. For example, the dog may have lapped up some stagnant water that contains harmful parasites like giardia, which is one of those infections that could result in little signs of illness. Dogs also have an instinct to hide their illnesses so they may act normal despite their stools showing clear signs of trouble.

3. Dietary changes

Blood and mucus can also appear in the dog’s stool for less concerning reasons. It could, for example, be a result of making widespread changes to the dog’s diet. Have you recently changed the dog’s kibbles or introduced new treats? Sometimes, a dog’s stomach may need a bit time to settle and it’s important to introduce new food gradually. It could also be due to the dog having sensitivities (or allergies) to certain types of ingredients.

What to do if your dog has stools with blood and mucus

If you are ever in doubt, call the vet. In the meantime, it may be helpful to feed the dog a bland diet until they have fully recovered. Popular choices include plain boiled chicken and plain pumpkin puree. Don’t assume your dog is okay just because they are acting normal.