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

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Blue Heeler | Male | unneutered | 1 year and 5 months old | 30 lbs

My dog is having extremely explosive diarrhea. Started about 4 hours ago. It changes from clear like glue too bright yellow and then black. Then goes back to yellow and clear.. Should i be worried? Both spots in the picture are his poop

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Kevin Sanada, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on February 1st, 2018

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.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Vanessa Yeager DVM MPH
Veterinarian
Published on March 2nd, 2018
Hi there and thanks for your post!

Sorry to hear Nox has been vomiting and experiencing some diarrhea lately. There can be many medical causes for her symptoms such as a parasitic infection, bacterial or infection, pancreatitis, or perhaps eating something she shouldn't such as a object or human food.

I would recommend Nox see her veterinarian for an exam and a fecal test to help determine what the cause may be. Your veterinarian may run additional diagnostic testing as needed depending on what your veterinarian suspects it may be after an exam. I would be sure to bring a fecal sample with you to your appointment so it can be tested if needed.

In the mean time, you can try giving Nox a bland diet of boiled chicken, plain rice, and plain canned pumpkin (not the pie filling) to help settle her stomach a bit.

I hope this helps and thanks again for posting! Best wishes to you and Nox!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Amy Poole, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on June 16th, 2017
Diarrhea can make dogs feel pretty awful, so poor Nox. I am concerned that Nox may be getting dehydrated from the combination of diarrhea, vomiting, and inability to drink water. Dehydration alone will make dogs feel miserable, so I do think you should take him in for an exam with a vet. I would recommend having his stool checked for intestinal parasites as well as any abnormal bacteria he could have picked up that could have caused this. He also may have eaten something that upset his entire GI tract, so he may need some supportive care, for example anti-nausea medication, ant-diarrheal medication, and possibly some fluids to rehydrate him.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Laura Johnson VMD
Veterinarian
Published on October 3rd, 2018
Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Chopper!

Causes of diarrhea are: intestinal parasites (even if stool was negative), viral or bacterial infections (the water or parvo if not fully vaccinated), dietary indiscretion, toxin ingestion, pancreatitis, food allergy, reaction to a new food/treat/table food.

The blood indicates inflammation in the colon which is common with severe diarrhea but it usually makes us (the vets) want to put them on an antibiotic like metronidazole. If you aren't ready to take him in for an exam I would fast him for 12-24 hours to rest his GI tract then resume feeding with a bland diet of boiled chicken or hamburger with rice. Feed 1 cup per 20 lbs per day until 2 normal stools. You can also start a probiotic like Purina Fortiflora or Nutramax Proviable.

I wish Chopper a speedy recovery!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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