My dog is lethargic with black stool and not eating. What should I do?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Loss of appetite and lethargy can be observed with many conditions such as gastroenteritis, dietary indiscretion, kidney disease, pancreatitis, among many other possibilities. I recommend that you have Gracie Mae evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. They would be able to check for these possibilities and others depending on the findings on exam. Treatment would be based on findings. Good luck and have a great day! Hoping for a speedy recovery!

Poor Luna! She could have an infection (parvo, etc) or a parasite. Since she has bloody stool and is lethargic, she should be examined by a vet to determine the cause and treat. Your vet can test a stool sample to help diagnose and then prescribe medications to treat the problem. She might also need some fluids to prevent dehydration. Hope she gets better soon!

It sounds like Moose may have some gastro-intestinal upset. You didn't mention vomiting-- If there's been no vomiting then that is good. However, decreased appetite and the loose stools are concerning. When the colon (large intestine) is inflamed, sometimes they feel like they need to poop even though there isn't anything more coming out. As for what may be causing the GI upset, it could be gastroenteritis which is inflammation of the stomach and or intestines-- this could be from eating something out of the ordinary such as getting into the garbage or eating mulch, etc, or it may be secondary to anything from kidney disease to cancer. I don't see Moose's age listed; if he is older, the concern that there is a more serious underlying problem is higher. If he is a younger dog, gastroenteritis is more likely. Since he seems lethargic, I strongly recommend that you take him in to the vet at your first convenience. If the lethargy is getting worse, or if he starts vomiting or having blood in the stool or vomit, seek emergency care. If you are unable to take him to the vet, you can offer a bland diet (boiled chicken and white rice) for a couple of days and see if that helps. If it is not improving, please get him in for an exam. Thank you for asking Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

The clinical signs in combination with the age of your dog are causes for concern for the parvovirus. I would make sure she is tested for this immediately, because of how aggressive this disease process can be. It often requires significant hospitalization and therapy in order to make things right.

I am sorry to hear about Sheena. These symptoms are concerning especially in a young dog. Lethargy and inappetance make us concerned about ingestion of a foreign object and parvovirus if your dog hasn't had all her vaccines. Certain parasites can also cause these symptoms. Combined with dark runny stool (a dark tarry color can indicate bleeding in the upper GI tract), these signs indicate that she needs to see a vet today for an examination. They will likely check the stool for parasites (bring a sample of you Gabe one) and do a parvotest and may recommend an X-ray.

These signs could be compatible with an inflammation infection of the gastrointestinal system and surrounding organs (like pancreas and liver). Dark feces could be compatible with a gastrointestinal bleeding in the upper part of the intestine. A clinical examination at your local veterinarian is immediately essential to confirm these clinical suspicions and treat appropriately. Antibiotics and possibly further investigations (like abdominal imaging as ultrasound or radiographs) may be needed. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

The ocular discharge may or may not be related to his lethargy, decreased appetite, and usual stool volume and color. As long as the eye is not red, I would not worry too much. The lethargy, decreased appetite, and stool are suggestive of a primary gastrointestinal, pancreatic, or liver problem. You are doing a good job of trying to keep him hydrated. Continue the pedialyte and offer some chicken and rice. Discuss bloodwork including testing for pancreatitis, and abdominal x-rays with your veterinarian.