I've noticed my dog's poop looks like jelly and seems to have some blood in it. He's acting normal otherwise. Should I be worried or is this something that can happen occasionally? Any advice would be appreciated!

Hi there! I completely understand why you're concerned. Seeing jelly-like poop with blood in your dog's stool can be alarming. It could be something called hemorrhagic gastroenteritis, which can sometimes resolve on its own but definitely needs monitoring. Let me guide you through what to watch for and how to help your pup at home.

Start by keeping an eye out for a few key symptoms:

• If your dog becomes lethargic, starts vomiting, or has watery diarrhea, it's time to get to a vet.
• Watch for signs of dehydration, like dry gums or skin that doesn't bounce back when pinched.
• If your dog stops eating or drinking, that’s also a red flag.

If your pup is still acting like themselves, you can try these steps at home for the next 24 hours:

• Encourage them to drink water to stay hydrated.
• Fast them for 12-24 hours to let their stomach settle, but allow water.
• After fasting, provide a bland diet like boiled chicken and rice in small amounts.

It’s critical to call a vet immediately if:

• The bloody stool persists for more than a day.
• Any symptoms as mentioned above appear or worsen.
• Ingested toxins are suspected (like chocolate, which can be harmful in very small amounts, so it’s good to be cautious).

Being proactive and observing any changes in your dog’s behavior or condition is key. 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.