“so i just got back from the dog park with my boxer, lola, and discovered she's leaving little crime scenes everywhere. my partner thinks it's just something she ate, but i'm kinda freaking out. anyone else dealt with their dog pooping blood?”

Hey there, it's great that you're keeping such a close eye on Lola. Spotting blood in your dog's stool can definitely be alarming, but let’s break it down.

There are a couple of things you can look out for:

• If Lola's stool is bright red, it might mean there's bleeding in the lower digestive tract, which can sometimes be due to something she ate or a minor issue.
• Darker, tar-like stools could indicate bleeding further up in the digestive system, and this can be more serious.

If she's acting normally otherwise — eating, drinking, playing, and no vomiting — it's possible she's had a minor dietary indiscretion. However, keep an eye on her for any changes like:

• Increased lethargy
• Loss of appetite
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea that lasts more than 24-48 hours

These might be signals to get in touch with your vet sooner. If Lola has eaten anything toxic (like chocolate, grapes, or certain medications), that's a definite vet emergency. For instance, chocolate toxicity varies with the type and amount ingested: a small amount can cause mild upset, but larger amounts, especially of dark chocolate, can be very serious.

For now, make sure she’s staying hydrated. You can offer her small amounts of plain white rice and boiled chicken as a bland diet, which is gentle on the tummy. Avoid giving her any over-the-counter human medications unless advised by your vet.

If she's straining to poop or you notice a large amount of blood, or her condition changes suddenly, don’t wait — call your vet. This is definitely a situation where it's okay to be extra cautious.

If you're unsure or your pet’s symptoms worsen, it's best to book a call with a vet on Dial A Vet for professional advice.