Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

My dog has black diarrhea. What causes it and should I worry?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Yorkshire Terrier | Male | 8 years and 7 months old | 12 lbs

Hi our yorkie which is 8 years old and has had a normal diet and hasn't eaten anything like a toy ect. Has pooped on the floor but its a black diarrhea?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on August 17th, 2018

Poor Tobey! Black diarrhea indicates bleeding in the upper GI tract. This could be due to ulcers, tumors of the GI tract, a GI infection, kidney failure, Addison's disease, eating something rotten, or liver disease to name some causes. I would have him seen by a vet for this problem, but as long as he's acting normal, you don't not need to rush him into the ER vet. If he continues pooping black diarrhea, he starts vomiting, he becomes very lethargic, or he stops eating, I would take him into an ER vet. Best of luck, I hope this helps!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Ana M, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on July 7th, 2018
Thank you for submitting your question regarding Tinka. If there is an emergency veterinarian in your area, I would recommend that he be seen. Monday is too long to wait if he is experiencing black stool. This can indicate bleeding from the stomach or upper small intestines. He will likely need some testing to determine the cause of his symptoms and treatment. A condition known as pancreatitis is a common cause of vomiting a d diarrhea in his breed. In the meantime, continue to offer hom water so that he does not become dehydrated. You can discontinue the ProGut as it does not seem to be helping. It would best for him to be seen and that veterinarian will give you feeding advice. Otherwise offer very small meals of either his regular food or the chicken and rice every 3-4 hours. I hope this information helps!
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

My dog has black, tarry diarrhea and won't eat. Is it serious?

Black tar-like diarrhea is a sign of digessted blood and a serious condition that needs to be checked out by a veterinarian. This could be caused by ulcers, a tumor an injury to the upper airways with blood being swallowed, or an esphageal bleeding. Your dog needs to be seen by a veterinarian now, who will do blood tests, radiographs. Your dog may have to be hospitalised.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Why is my dog's poop black and liquid? Should I be worried?

Diarrhea is a quite aspecific sign and there are many different causes. Dietary indiscretion, infections (bacterial, viral or parasitic), inflammatory conditions (i.e. IBD), and neoplastic diseases are some of the possible causes. The dark colour might be a sign of gastro-intestinal bleeding and might need vet attention asap. If Chewie is otherwise fine, I would start him on a bland diet (boiled chicken and rice) but if his diarrhea is still present in 12-24 hrs or if he starts vomiting or getting lethargic I would have Chewie checked by your veterinarian as soon as possible.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My dog has diarrhea with black, yellow, clear poop. Should I worry?

Black stool can indicate bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract. Considering this, I would be worried about a serious infection. If Tuxedo has any of the following, then it's best to take him to a vet right away: 1) Starts acting very depressed 2) Stops eating or drinking for longer than 24 hours. 3) Pale or yellow gums Otherwise, he can wait to go to the vet sometime in the next 24 hours. You can help him get through this by feeding bland food (boneless chicken and rice is good). Feed small portions (1/2 cup or less) three times a day. You can also add probiotics to the food (can get this at the pet store), which has demonstrated some efficacy for improving diarrhea. Dehydration is the biggest concern with profuse diarrhea. Ensure fresh, clean water is always available. Oral rehydration salts or pedialyte can be added to the water to help keep him hydrated. I hope this helps and Tuxedo gets better soon.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My dog has black diarrhea and no energy. Is it an emergency now?

I would take Allie into the vet immediately This black diarrhea means there is bleeding in the upper intestinal tract, and this can be caused by eating something toxic, trauma to the GI tract, a foreign body, GI ulcers, or GI tumors among other causes. Bloody diarrhea can be very serious, especially if the dog has no energy, and this is not something that should be attempted to be treated at home. Allie needs veterinary care to determine what is causing this bleeding so she can be treated correctly. Please take her into an ER vet clinic; if there isn't one in your area, there will be a vet on call for emergencies. The information to reach that vet is found on a clinic's answering machine or website. I hope this helps!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Why is my dog throwing up and pooping black? Is it serious?

Black stool could indicate blood in the stool. Vomiting, and black stool could be caused by parasites, change in diet, toxin ingestion, infectious viral diseases, blockage in the intestines caused by ingestion of a foreign body, or a mass/growth in the gastrointestinal tract. In the case of an unspayed female dog , pyometra (a potentially fatal infection of the uterus) is a possibility as well, and this is very concerning. Please have Cassie seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible, as vomiting and possible blood in the stool can lead to dehydration and anemia, and can be very dangerous if left untreated. I recommend taking in a fecal sample from Cassie to your vet as well, as that may aid them in making a diagnosis. Good luck, and I hope she feels better soon!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Food & Nutrition

Why did my senior dog die suddenly after not eating and black poop?

It’s hard to know for sure. Toby was an older dog who was down and not able to walk for a while. That, and with the medication for his medical problems, may have effected his organ function. Some dogs stop eating when they don’t feel well, and some just don’t want to continue when they are that compromised and aren’t able to enjoy life like before. He’s at peace now.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Why is my dog not eating and pooping black after vet visit?

Hello from far away! I am sorry to hear Brunp is having some issues. Black stool is a sign of upper gastrointestinal bleeding. A gastric ulcer could be at play here and may explain his inappetence as well but you will wan to take him back into your veterinarian to confirm and rule out other causes as well as Rx the appropriate medication. I would try and feed him a bland diet of boiled chicken and rice. Plain unflavored yogurt can also help soothe the stomach. Please take Brunp in to see his veterinarian as soon as possible. Good luck!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share