Seeing your dog suddenly develop bloody diarrhoea can be alarming. While there are many possible causes, one of the most serious is canine hemorrhagic gastroenteritis (HGE), now more commonly known as acute hemorrhagic diarrhoea syndrome (AHDS). This condition can strike quickly & cause severe dehydration, making urgent treatment essential.
At Ready Vet Go, we provide rapid at-home veterinary care for conditions like HGE / AHDS, ensuring your pet gets the best possible intervention & ongoing treatment recommendations to ensure a proper recovery. Here's what every dog owner needs to know about AHDS, including signs, treatment, & when to seek emergency care.
What Is AHDS?
AHDS is a condition that causes sudden, severe bloody diarrhea & vomiting in dogs. The exact cause is not fully understood, but it's believed to be linked to bacterial toxins that become overproduced by common gut bacteria which can damage the intestinal lining. This leads to fluid loss, dehydration, and, in severe cases, life-threatening shock.
Certain dogs seem more prone to AHDS, including:
- Small & toy breed dogs (e.g., Miniature Schnauzers, Dachshunds, Toy Poodles)
- Middle-aged dogs (but it can happen at any age)
- Dogs with a history of stress, dietary changes, or recent illness
Unlike other causes of diarrhea, AHDS progresses extremely quickly, & without treatment, dogs can deteriorate within hours.
Signs of AHDS
One of the key signs of AHDS is profuse, bloody diarrhoea that owners often describe as appearing like ‘raspberry jam’. Other symptoms include:
- Sudden onset of diarrhoea (often very watery, with fresh blood)
- Vomiting (single or multiple episodes that may or may not contain blood)
- Severe dehydration (dogs become lethargic, weak, or collapse)
- Painful abdomen (hunched posture, reluctance to move, vocalising)
- Pale gums (a sign of shock in severe cases)
There are numerous conditions that present with similar signs, & diagnostics like blood testing, x-rays & ultrasound help make a more precise diagnosis. If your dog is showing these symptoms, do not wait—AHDS & other similar conditions can become life-threatening in a very short time period.
How Is AHDS Diagnosed & Treated?
There is no single test to diagnose AHDS. Most often, vets will find evidence of an increased red blood cell concentration, normal or low blood proteins, & these signs along with other diagnostics & exam indications help support a presumptive diagnosis of AHDS.
The most critical part of treating AHDS is rapid rehydration. Because dogs lose large amounts of fluids through bloody diarrhea & vomiting, they often require aggressive fluid therapy to prevent shock & organ failure.
Treatment may include:
- Intravenous fluids – The most effective way to provide rapid shock correction & dehydration
- Anti-nausea medications – To stop vomiting & allow for proper hydration & nutrition
- Antimicrobial medications – Evidence suggests using these medications where shock or concerns for sepsis are present
- Bland diet – Once vomiting stops, dogs are transitioned back to food carefully
- Nutritional support – Sometimes delivered via feeding tubes where pets are inappetent
Many severely ill cases require hospitalisation for 24–48 hours. However, early intervention & pre-hospital care may reduce the likelihood of needing hospitalisation or may shorten the duration of hospital stays when recommended.
How Ready Vet Go Helps Dogs with Bloody Diarrhoe
At Ready Vet Go, we understand that getting to a vet hospital quickly isn’t always easy or simple—especially when your pet is critically ill or they are unwilling or unable to be moved. This, compounded by other daily life factors, can delay a pet getting the care they need. Our mobile urgent & emergency vet ambulance service provides immediate treatment in your home, during transport, & before hospital referral or admission.
Here's how we help:
At-Home Care: Stabilising Before Hospital
Our vet team can assess your dog in your home & start treatment immediately, including:
- Administering fluid therapy to correct dehydration & shock
- Giving anti-nausea medication to stop vomiting & improve your pet’s comfort
- Administering pain relief to alleviate your pet’s distress
- Using monitoring tools such as ECG, blood pressure, glucometers & pulse oximetry to detect early signs of shock & treat rapidly when indicated
If we determine your dog is stable enough to stay home, we provide a detailed treatment plan & ongoing support, including post-consultation check-ins to ensure your pet’s recovery is on track.
Emergency Transport: Getting to Hospital Safely
For dogs who are too sick to stay home & where owners need urgent help, Ready Vet Go provides on-site shock stabilisation & ambulance transport to the hospital, ensuring they remain stable during the journey.
- Oxygen therapy to support pets in shock
- IV fluid administration & correction of low blood pressure in-transit
- Ongoing pain medication & anti-nausea medication administration
- Continuous multiparameter monitoring by a veterinary professional
This means that instead of waiting in a clinic for care, your dog is receiving treatment before they even arrive at the hospital. It’s a win for pets who receive rapid care & improved outcomes. It’s also a win for vet hospitals who received a patient with a more stable condition, a preliminary diagnosis & an active treatment plan.
When to Call Ready Vet Go
If your dog has sudden, bloody diarrhoea & signs of dehydration, call us immediately. Bloody diarrhoea & vomiting can turn life-threatening within hours.
Not sure if your pet needs emergency care? We offer telehealth advice to help you decide whether home treatment, an urgent visit, or hospital transport is necessary.
AHDS Recovery & Prevention
With prompt treatment, most dogs recover within several days & can go back to normal life. However, some dogs may develop AHDS more than once.
To help reduce the risk:
- Avoid sudden diet changes (introduce new foods gradually)
- Minimize stress (boarding, travel, or changes in routine can be triggers)
- Provide a high-quality diet (avoid low-quality treats or table scraps)
- Monitor for early signs (catching it early reduces complications)
Final Thoughts
AHDS is a frightening but treatable condition. The key to saving your dog's life is early intervention & aggressive hydration.
At Ready Vet Go, we’re here to provide rapid response care—from initial treatment at home to safe transport to the hospital—ensuring your pet gets the help they need as quickly as possible.
If your dog has symptoms of a poor appetite, diarrhoea, or vomiting, don’t wait—reach out to us immediately.
Your pet’s health is our priority—because every minute counts.
