so I’m hanging out on the couch and just noticed my dog Max had some blood in his poop earlier—got me a bit worried. Am I freaking out over nothing, or is this something I should be looking into?

Hi there! Thanks for reaching out about Max—sounds like you're a super attentive pet parent. Seeing blood in your dog’s stool can definitely be concerning, but let's take a deep breath and walk through this together.

First, it’s important to watch for some other symptoms. Keep an eye out for:

• Frequent diarrhea or vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Lethargy or unusual tiredness
• Abdominal pain or swelling (you might notice this if Max seems uncomfortable when you touch his belly)

If Max is otherwise acting like his happy self and the blood in the stool is a one-time thing or very minimal, it might not be an emergency. However, it's a good idea to monitor his stool for the next day or two to see if it clears up or persists.

This situation becomes more urgent if you notice large amounts of blood, persistent diarrhea or vomiting, or if Max seems to be in pain or acting lethargic. In these cases, it’s important to get in touch with a vet as soon as possible.

At home, make sure Max stays hydrated and try to keep his diet bland for a day or so. Cooked chicken and rice are usually well tolerated in these situations. Also, review any foods or items he may have gotten into that are dangerous, like chocolate, grapes, or certain medications like ibuprofen. If you suspect ingestion, particularly of items like chocolate or human medications, I'd recommend contacting a vet immediately, especially since toxicity thresholds can vary based on Max's size and the amount ingested.

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.