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My Shih Tzu has bloody diarrhea and runny stools. What should I do?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Shih Tzu | Female | spayed | 6 years old | 12 lbs

My friend dog a shih tzu., has runny stools and blood in it. She lives with me and I have 3 large dogs whom are perfectly fine. We clean the yard 3 times a week of debris and feces. The shih tzu is 6 y.o. Also she was groomed 4 days ago.

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Rodrigo Roca, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on December 3rd, 2018

Hello, sorry to hear about Paigee. It most instances, bloody diarrhea is caused by inflammation of the GI tract. If frank blood, this is most often a large intestine inflammation, if dark blood, then this could be from the stomach or small intestine. Most often, inflammation of the GI tract is caused by some form of dietary indiscretion and is self limiting to a few days. If signs worsen, if she develops vomiting, innapetence, pain or lethargy, then she should be seen by a veterinarian. If she has frank blood diarrhea, she should be seen by her veterinarian.

In the interim, you may try to feed her a bland diet of plain white rice, skinless and boneless boiled chicken, and low fat cottage cheese for the next 3-5 days. Hope this helps and best of luck.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Laura Johnson VMD
Veterinarian
Published on April 17th, 2018
Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Sassy!

The blood in the stool indicates inflammation in the colon and tends to occur after several days of diarrhea. When blood is seen it is best to have a Vet exam and medications started. She is very small and dehydration is a concern.

You can try a bland diet of boiled chicken or hamburger with rice. You can also add a little meat flavored baby food on top to tempt her to eat. Considering a probiotic like Purina Fortiflora may also help. There are no safe human drugs that we can recommend.

Causes of diarrhea are: intestinal parasites, viral or bacterial infections, pancreatitis, primary intestinal disease (IBD), dietary indiscretion, food allergy/intolerance, reaction to a new treat/food/table food.

I wish Sassy the best!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on December 1st, 2019
The dark diarrhea indicates blood in it, and that is very serious This cannot be treated at this point in time, Lexie needs to see a vet now. Please take her into an ER vet clinic; if there isn't one in your area, there will be a vet on call for emergencies. The information to reach that vet is found on a clinic's answering machine or website.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Laura Johnson VMD
Veterinarian
Published on October 14th, 2018
Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Panda!

I wouldn't panic over diarrhea with no vomiting. Stomach or intestinal obstructions 90% of the time are just vomiting. Diarrhea, even with blood, isn't common with foreign body obstructions. I would fast her for 12 hours (water is ok) and then start a bland diet of boiled chicken with rice. Feed 1 cup per 20 lbs per day until 2 normal stools. If blood develops, she starts to vomit or refuses to eat she should see your Vet.

Good luck!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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