Blood in stool or black tarry stool in dogs: what to do
Fresh blood, raspberry-jam-like stool or black tarry feces indicates lower or upper GI bleeding.
What are the common causes?
Home care & observation tips
- ✓Isolate from other dogs immediately
- ✓Do not force food or water by mouth
- ✓Bring vaccination records and go to the vet now
When must you see a vet?
- ⚠Any puppy with vomiting + bloody diarrhea + lethargy
- ⚠Vomiting or diarrhea in a puppy with incomplete vaccines
FAQ
Is blood in stool or black tarry stool in dogs serious?
It depends on the combination of symptoms, how long it has lasted, and your pet's energy and appetite.Note that it can appear in problems that need prompt care, such as Canine parvovirus. Enter the full symptom combination in our symptom checker for a more specific urgency assessment.
Can I monitor at home first? What should I watch?
If energy and appetite are normal with no other signs, 24-48 hours of monitoring is reasonable. Keep notes on frequency, duration, appetite, water intake, energy and what the stool/urine looks like — vets find this very useful.
What should I prepare before the clinic?
Note when the symptom started and how it changed; bring packaging or residue if ingestion is suspected; bring vaccination and deworming records; and if possible take a video (odd gait, cough sound) — clearer than describing.
Not sure how serious it is? Assess it with the symptom checker
Start symptom check →