Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Become a credit card member today!Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!APPLY NOWLearn More About Petco Pay Benefits
My dog's not eating, shaking, and has dark, bloody stool. What to do?
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Female | spayed
Hi.My jack russel is not eating/she is shaking/her stool is a dark brown/black color with a hint of red.She is also licking her private parts.What can I do for her
3 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on October 9th, 2018
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.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpfulRelated Answers from Veterinarians
Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA
Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer
Published on March 26th, 2017
Oh dear! I'm afraid this is very serious - if Remi is not eating, very weak or lethargic, vomiting, and having dark liquid stool, these are symptoms of a life-threatening problem. If he isn't fully vaccinated, I would be concerned that he may have parvo - this is a serious illness that is unfortunately very common in puppies. He could also have an intestinal blockage due to something he swallowed, a systemic illness like liver or kidney disease, or may have ingested something toxic.
I'm afraid that he really needs to see a vet immediately, or he may not survive - there is really nothing you can do at home for such a serious illness. If costs are a concern, you can see if there is a low-cost SPCA clinic in your area that could help. You can also apply online for Care Credit, which is a payment plan accepted by most vet clinics: www.carecredit.com1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on January 19th, 2018
Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. I would recommend switching the food to something like Science Diet or Royal Canin and add in a probiotic such as Purina Fortiflora which can be found online quite easily. If this does not help or it worsens, I would recommend having a veterinarian take a look at Finn so that the most appropriate diagnostic and treatment recommendations can be made. I hope this helps guide you in the right direction! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful