Newborn puppy's dark, tarry poop: Is it melena? Home remedies?

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Nayla! I am very glad Nayla is on the road to recovery! Yes, the diarrhea will persist for several days after parvo viral infections. More due to the fact that intestinal lining is what is affected from virus. It takes time for the lining to repair itself and for absorption to return to normal. Very black tarry stool indicates upper gastro-intestinal bleeding. It could be residual from stomach ulceration. If she has more black stool I would call your Vet and ask if that is the color of her diarrhea while she was hospitalized. They may want to add pepcid or another antacid if she isn't on one. I hope this helps and I wish Nayla continued improvement!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I highly recommend that you have Nico evaluated by a veterinarian as soon as possible for further assessment and treatment. Black tarry stools can be observed with upper gastrointestinal ulceration and bleeding. Things like parvovirus, gastrointestinal ulcers or parasites, among other possibilities can cause that. Good luck!

I would recommend taking Larbie to the vet ASAP. These symptoms don't fit with one disease process. I would be concerned about dehydration and inappropriate nutrition in a puppy showing signs of constipation. Tarry stools indicate blood in the GI tract, which could be a sign of Parvo viral infection or intestinal parasites. Weakness and paleness could be related to anemia, external parasites, internal parasites, infection, etc.

Hello, sorry to hear about Molly. Yes the dark stools are likely melena (digested blood) from her hemorrhagic enteritis which may take up to 10 days to resolve completely. As long as she is eating, not vomiting, and the frequency/volume/and consistency of her stools is improving, even if slowly, then Molly can continue to be monitored at home. If she develops inappetence, vomiting or recurrent diarrhea, then she should be evaluated by your veterinarian immediately. Hope this helps and best of luck.

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. Yes, this would be expected as the surgical site is likely oozing a small amount of blood causing the stool to become tarry black. If this does not resolve or worsens, I would recommend having the veterinarian recheck her. I would also recommend checking her gum color and ensuring it is nice and pink. If it is pale, you need to have her seen immediately. 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.

I would recommend that you find an emergency vet. Dark and tarry stools can indicate bleeding in the upper GI tract, which could be life threatening. I would discontinue the prednisone until she is evaluated by a vet.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Personally the color doesn't bother me but the consistency does. That is diarrhea. It is too soft and not formed. I would go back to the Royal Canin food as it sounds like he digests that one better. Be sure though that he has had his stool tested for intestinal parasites and is up to date on his DHPP vaccines. Good luck!