My dog ate wood and is now vomiting with bloody diarrhea. What to do?

Hello there! I'm sorry to hear that Red is sick. I'm very worried about him as dark, tarry vomit and stools are very suspicious of gastrointestinal bleeding. I am even more concerned as you mentioned he ate some wood chips - while it's possible that the chips have just irritated his intestinal lining, it is also possible that he has an intestinal perforation (a hole in the intestines), which can be deadly. I'm glad to hear that his abdomen feels normal and he has pink gums, but it's still possible that he has bleeding going on, and he should get treatment for this as soon as possible. I strongly suggest bringing Red to an emergency veterinary hospital for treatment. At the very least, he probably needs some rehydrating fluids as he's likely dehydrated from all the vomiting. At the vet's office, he'll get a physical exam, and they will probably want to do some abdominal x-rays to look for any major bleeding. If there is no perforation, they can prescribe him some medication that can protect the GI tract and get him feeling better while the wood chips pass through. There is also the possibility that he has an obstruction, and he may require surgery. I do not recommend giving him anything at home, as depending on the cause of his symptoms, it could very well make him worse. The only way to figure out the best course of treatment is to have a vet look at him, and I recommend that he sees one ASAP. Good luck, and I really hope that Red gets well soon! PS - here's an emergency hospital local to you, in case you're unfamiliar with one: Affiliated Emergency Veterinary Service 11850 Aberdeen Street NE Blaine, MN 55449 763-754-5000

Hello. It is amazing what can pass through the gut of a dog. I am sure the wood Piper chewed up has softened & should pass without incident. As long as her appetite continues to be normal, I would not be too concerned. If she should stop eating, develop any diarrhea or painful defecation, develop a firm & painful abdomen, or appear to have a fever, please see your veterinarian immediately. Thanks for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Milo. I recommend that he sees his veterinarian. It is worrisome that he vomited wood pieces. This can be irritating and/or damaging to the gastrointestinal tract. If he is not drinking normally, I worry that he will become dehydrated. The veterinarian will examine him and determine how best to treat him. I hope this information helps!

When dogs eat wood it can cause a lot of inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract and possibly an obstruction. I am not sure why you think it is stuck but if he is vomiting and having diarrhea than he should be examined by a vet for treatment. Your vet can take an abdominal x-ray to look for abnormalities and then decide the best way to treat. If there is an obstruction than he would need surgery to remove the foreign material. If there is no evidence of an obstruction than your vet can prescribe medications to help with any gastrointestinal issues.

Often times a small piece of wood will pass without any problem. However, if she begins to vomit or have diarrhea then she should be evaluated by a veterinarian as soon as possible. Best of luck and thank you for using Pet Coach.

Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sorry to hear about Daisy. Contact your local rescue groups, humane societies, low-cost clinics in your area and seek help. Persistent vomiting, bloody diarrhea and lack of appetite are emergent clinic signs due to fluid/electrolyte losses. This leads to dehydration, weakness, and further downward deterioration unless the vomiting stops and the appetite returns. I would advise taking Daisy to your vet as soon as possible to have her evaluated. Many causes are possible including intestinal parasites, dietary indiscretion (eating things dogs aren't supposed to), other dietary problems, gastrointestinal inflammation/infection from various sources, toxin exposure, foreign body ingestion, GI ulceration, side effects from drugs or products used, or even problems outside of the gut including pancreatitis, liver/kidney problems, among many others. Your vet can get a detailed history and perform a thorough exam. Once done, a diagnostic plan and preliminary treatment plan can be started. Most likely a minimum database of fecal/blood/urine tests and some x-rays will be advised. Treatment will be focused on the cause but early treatment could include fluids/electrolytes, anti-nausea/vomiting medicines, acid blockers, etc. Good luck with Daisy.

1. Give ONE dose of famotidine (Pepcid) by mouth. They usually come in 10mg tablets. Give 1/2 tablet. 2. Wait 30 minutes and then feed one piece of bread. 3. No more food for at least 6 hours. Have water available at all times. If no more vomiting after 6 hours then go back to feeding as normal. The diarrhea should resolve on it's own in a day or so. If not, you can start him on a probiotic. One made for dogs; no human products. You can buy them at any large pet store like Petco. If the vomiting persists at any time he should see a vet ASAP.