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My dog has black, tarry poop after meds. Is it an emergency?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | West Highland White Terrier | Female | spayed | 19 lbs

My dog was treated for abcessed ruptured anal gland with amoxicillin & prednisone for 2 weeks. Now her poop is black & tarry. My vet is out of town until Monday. She is eating very little but still drinks water. Is it ok to wait until Monday morning to go to vet? What can I do to help her until then?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Jenna Beyer, DVM, MBA, cVMA

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

Published on June 22nd, 2019

I would recommend that you find an emergency vet. Dark and tarry stools can indicate bleeding in the upper GI tract, which could be life threatening. I would discontinue the prednisone until she is evaluated by a vet.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on March 8th, 2018
Stop giving the prednisone. Prednisone can cause bleeding ulcers, even after giving it only for 1 1/2 days. This does not happen often, but it can happen. Black feces could be caused by digested blood, ie a bleeding stomach ulcer. Feed Zeus some boiled white rice and white boneless chicken tonight and contact your vet tomorrow morning.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Jenny, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on January 28th, 2018
Stop the prednisone for now. change his diet to boiled chicken and rice and you can get canine probioitcs from a pet store to add to his food the help. I would do this until you can contact you vet for a recheck and a change in medication. If he starts vomiting or has a change in appetite then I would find an emergency clinic to check him
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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