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My dog has bloody diarrhea with fatty substance. Should I worry?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Female | spayed | 20 lbs

My dog had diarrhea this morning that was the consistency of oatmeal. Then several hours later she had diarrhea that was nothing but like fatty gelatinous substance with poop and red blood in it. Is this cause for serious concern, or should I wait it out? It’s New Year’s Eve and my bet is closed.

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on December 31st, 2019

Hello. This all depends on how Luna is feeling & doing otherwise. If she is eating & drinking & acting normal, you can try just fasting her for the next 8-12 hours, & then feeding her a bland diet consisting of cooked white meat chicken & plain boiled whole grain rice ( not instant or minute rice ). Feed her a couple of teaspoons every few hours & see how she does. If the diarrhea should worsen, contain more blood, or Luna starts vomiting, please see a veterinarian as soon as possible. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Heidi DVM, CVA, CCRT, CVTP, CVSMT, CVCH
Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist, Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner
Published on February 4th, 2018
I'm sorry that Luna is not feeling well. We very commonly recommend a bland diet of 1/2 cooked white rice and 1/2 cooked white meat chicken (no skin or bones) for dogs who have diarrhea. I believe that Royal Canin GI has both chicken and rice in its ingredients, so I would not expect Luna to have any problem with that bland diet. If Luna does not eat, does not seem to feel well, vomits, has diarrhea for more than 3 days or develops blood in her diarrhea, then I would recommend having your veterinarian examine her. If she does well with a bland diet and her diarrhea resolves, you can slowly transition her back to her normal diet over a few days.
Good luck! I hope that was helpful and that Luna feels better soon. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on December 25th, 2018
Thank you for contacting Pet Coach with your question about Luna! I'm sorry she's sick. Changing a diet suddenly can cause the vomiting. Water is fine, so do not prevent her from drinking. Vomiting can cause dehydration, and not allowing her water will increase that risk. I would withhold food for 6 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 (the same food she was getting before you got her). If the vomiting continues in the absence of food, she vomits the bland diet, develops diarrhea, stops drinking water, starts vomiting water, or becomes very lethargic, she will need to see a vet right away. Best of luck, I hope this helps and happy holiday!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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