Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Pomeranian | Female | spayed | 5 years old | 9 lbs
My 6 year old female prom. Has been getting diarrhea with bright red blood on and off for a couple years but it always goes away after a couple of days, we have taken her to an emergency debut when we get there she acts all better and her vet just says it could be a tummy issue I am just worriedithasbeen 3 days and she would t eat her treats or much food
2 Answers

Answered By Christie Long, DVM
Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist
Published on May 7th, 2017
Answered By Kevin Sanada, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on March 8th, 2018
Dark diarrhea can indicate bleeding in the small intestine and the smell of blood is suggestive that this is the case. Bleeding in the small intestine can happen for a few different reasons, but in a young dog it's most often due to an infection, or ingestion of something caustic/poisonous. The fact that she is not eating indicates that this disease is more than a mild GI upset and I would recommend taking her to your vet in the next 24 hours for an evaluation and treatment. Bleeding in the small intestine is particularly concerning, because they can lose a great deal of blood this way and get anemic and/or dehydrated.
For now, it's best to try 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. Ensure fresh, clean water is always available. You can add pedialyte or oral rhydration salts to the water to help keep her hydrated.
I hope this helps and River gets better soon.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful