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My puppy has red, loose stool after new treats. Is it blood?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Golden Retriever | Male | unneutered | 4 months and 19 days old | 66 lbs

My puppy has had loose stools for 24 hours. I gave him new treats to try that i heard were safe for dogs (watermelon, carrots, frozen banana/peanut butter and a kong ziggies) Yesterday there was a little mucus and red tint in his stool. This morning his stools seem to be close to normal but this afternoon they were back to the mucus/red tint.As I was looking through it i noticed undigested carrots. Could the watermelon or kong treat be causing the red color? I am worried it’s blood. Thank you.

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Elizabeth

Veterinarian

Published on June 17th, 2019

I also agree that I am concerned that it’s blood. Food coloring does not typically look like this in the stool. I recommend to play it safe and have Carmine examined by the veterinarian. A bland diet, probiotic and possibly an antibiotic may be recommended. In the future, when giving new treats, stick to one type of treat at a time and don’t give very many. Gradually build up to more treats and more variety. Otherwise it is difficult to know if one treat in particular is causing stomach upset or if it is just too much of a new thing. Best of luck.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Lindsey Edwards MVB, BSc, IVCA
Veterinarian
Published on January 28th, 2019
Persistent diarrhoea and straining will often be accompanied by some bright red blood due to injury to the lining of the bowel. Worms, infections, dietary intolerance and changes to diet (including new treats/raiding garbage etc) can all trigger such signs and symptoms and as long as he is bright and eating I would not be overly concerned overnight
22Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Jenny, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on March 18th, 2018
Diet change and stress can cause this. If all else is normal, playful, good appetite, no vomiting, then I would monitor the stool. If it becomes diarrhea or more blood then he needs to be checked immediately.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Maria DVM
Veterinarian
Published on December 22nd, 2018
If Bentley is feeling better otherwise then it is ok to monitor him. If he has softer stool then a veterinary check up is warranted or he is vomiting/lethargic or not eating.

I get concerned with blood in stool when it is consistent or a lot of blood. I would drop a stool sample off at your veterinarian to check for intestinal parasites.

If the blood continues he needs to see a veterinarian as soon as possible. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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