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What to do if my dog has bloody diarrhea and I can't afford a vet?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Shih Tzu | Male | unneutered | 8 years and 4 months old

My 7 year old Shih Tzu has been having diarrhea for the last 4 days. As of today there's blood in his stool which is diarrhea. Unfortunately, I do not have the money to afford a vet at this time what can I do?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Published on June 17th, 2017

He might have eaten something spoiled that is causing this. withhold food for 12 hours then offer Noah boiled boneless chicken and rice every 6 hours in small portions. if he is eating and not vomiting, continue with this diet for 2 days.

After 2 days, you can put him back gradually on his normal food.

If the bloody diarrhea does not resolve, you will have to find a way to take him to the vet to get treatment.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Jenny, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on May 3rd, 2018
I would withhold food and water for 4-6 hours after the last time he vomited. You can try plain rice or a small amount of water or ice to see if he is interested. If the vomiting persist and the blood progresses I would not wait to take him in.
Anytime there is blood in the stool, it is recommended to see a vet. In older, smaller patients, this can lead to dehydration and extreme weakness if it gets worse.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on October 19th, 2017
Poor Max! And I'm sorry that you are stuck due to flooding. Be sure he drinks plenty of water (it's very important he stays hydrated), and rest him as much as possible. You can offer him a bland diet of boiled white meat chicken (no bones) and white rice in small amounts several times a day. If he refuses to eat that and continues to poop watery and bloody feces, I would get him into the vet as soon as you can. I hope this helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Laura Johnson VMD
Veterinarian
Published on May 8th, 2018
Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Poor Gus! I am glad he has stopped vomiting. I would offer water as small amounts frequently. If the diarrhea is still severe I would continue fasting for a full 24 hours then start the bland diet of boiled chicken breast or hamburger with rice. Feed 1 cup per 20 lbs per day until 2 normal stools. The blood indicates inflammation with in the colon. Ideally antibiotics should be started so it isn't wrong to bring him to the vet. The prescription diets like Hill's i/d and Royal canin GI tend to improve GI conditions quicker than home cooked diets.

If the vomiting restarts, the diarrhea isn't improving or he won't eat then he definitely should see the vet.

I wish Gus the best!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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Related Questions

Why is my dog having bloody diarrhea but still eating treats?

If he is acting normal then you can withhold food for 12 hours and then offer him a small amount of a bland diet, like boiled chicken and white rice, and see how he does with that. You could also add a probiotic to his food. If the diarrhea continues, he starts vomiting, and/or becomes lethargic then he needs to be examined by a vet for treatment. He could have an infection, parasite, colitis, HGE, etc. and your vet can run lab-work to help diagnose and treat. Hope he feels better soon!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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My old dog has bloody diarrhea. What affordable food can I give?

If it is persisting you may need an ultra to measure and look at the intestines or. A biopsy for a diagnoses. persistent diarrhea can be a sign of cancer or inflammatory bowel or a food allergy You can feed boiled chicken and rice or continue with the I/D, I know it is expensive but it does help. You can also try a hypoallergenic diet such as royal canine rabbit and potato. The goal of a hypoallergenic diet is a single protein and single carb to not make their GI track work as hard and decrease allergies You should also add a probiotic to the diet as this will help return normal bacteria population to the gut Sometimes a low dose of cortisone can help get rid of inflammation to help also

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My dog has bloody diarrhea from treats. When is it an emergency?

The diarrhea could be irritating Odin's GI tract, leading to the bleeding. The bland diet of chicken and rice is a good idea. Feed it in small amounts several times a day for a couple of days. Then slowly add back in his normal diet. If the diarrhea continues on the bland diet, there is still blood in his feces on the bland diet, he starts vomiting food, stops drinking water, starts vomiting water, or becomes very lethargic, he will need to see a vet right away. Best of luck.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My dog has bloody diarrhea. What to do if vet costs are too high?

Please take Max to the veterinarian. Let them know your financial restrictions but this could be something easily treatable such as parasites or gastritis. If it is something more involved theb discuss your concerns with maxes veterinarian and euthanasia may be a reasonable option. Best of luck and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Food & Nutrition

My dog has diarrhea and no appetite, but I can't afford a vet.

Other causes of diarrhea include intestinal worms, eating something rotten, a foreign body, or a GI illness. I can give you a home remedy to see if that helps Suzi's diarrhea, but if it doesn't, you will need to take her into the vet. At the bottom of my answer, I can give you some resources that may help you afford a vet should you need to take her in. Home remedy: Withhold food for 12-24 hours, then feed a bland diet of boiled white meat chicken (no bones) and white rice in small amounts several times a day for a couple of days. Then slowly add back in her normal diet. If the diarrhea continues on the bland diet, she starts vomiting food, stops drinking water, starts vomiting water, or becomes very lethargic, she will need to see a vet right away. Affording a vet: You can see if your vet accepts payment plans, if there is a low cost clinic in your area, or you can apply for Care Credit online. There is also an organization called Red Rover that give grants for treatment of sick animals, and you can see if you qualify for one of their grants. Best Friends also has a list of resources that offer financial assistance on their website. http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/trouble_affording_pet.html?credit=web_id91754962 https://www.redrover.org https://www.carecredit.com http://bestfriends.org/resources/financial-aid-pets http://lessonsfromaparalyzeddog.com/when-pet-owners-cant-afford-veterinary-bills/ God's Creatures Ministry helps pay for veterinarian bills for those who need help.  The Onyx & Breezy Foundation has many programs including helping people with medical bills. They are a good resource for information.  Brown Dog Foundation provides funding to families with a sick pet that would likely respond to treatment, but due to circumstances, there is not enough money immediately available to pay.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My dog won't eat, has bloody diarrhea, and vet said wait. What now?

Poor guy. It sounds like you should go to another vet for a second opinion here. Something is definitely causing your pets inappetence and GI symptoms. Some things to consider as causes would be addison's disease and pancreatitis. I would recommend going back to the vet to have bloodwork analysis and a urinalysis to start. They may also want to do radiographs as well. In the meantime it is best to offer small portion meals of boiled plain chicken or lean ground turkey and white rice with some pedialyte (non-flavored) diluted 50:50 with water to help replace some of the electrolyte losses. Best of luck with your pet going forward. Take care

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My dog vomited blood and water. What should I do if I can't afford a vet?

Offer very small amounts of food and water today. If he can eat it and it stays down wait a couple of hours and repeat. If he is painful in his belly, looks bloated or continues to vomit this may be severe and you need to figure out how to get him to the vet.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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