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My dog ate bones and has bloody diarrhea. What are the next steps?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Female | unspayed

My Dog Ate Bones and Has Bloody Diarrhea, Is She Ok?

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4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Debi Matlack

Veterinary Technician

Published on November 27th, 2015

Since you're seeing bloody stool or bloody [diarrhea](https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/diarrhea-1/), I recommend getting her in to see your vet as soon as possible. One of the sharp bone ends may have caused irritation or internal injury. Bright, red blood may indicate injury in the colon or lower intestine while dark, tarry stool may indicate bleeding in the stomach or upper intestine. If she is not passing the bones she needs to be seen right away. However, if she is behaving normally otherwise, you may be able to[ manage the bloody diarrhea at home](https://www.petcoach.co/article/6-things-you-can-do-at-home-if-your-pet-has-diarrhea). Help 'pad' the bones passing through by offering bulky meals for a few days and even consider adding some unflavored Metamucil to wet food for her. Monitor for the following symptoms: vomiting, diarrhea, obvious abdominal pain, black tarry stools or blood in the stool, lethargy. If any of these occur, getting in to [see the vet](https://www.petcoach.co/article/diarrhea-vomiting-in-dogs-when-to-call-your-veterinarian/) is strongly recommended.

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Related Answers from Veterinarians

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    Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on November 28th, 2019

    Poor guy. It sounds like Riley is having classic signs of hemorrhagic gastroenteritis, which is likely caused by the bones or something else he ingested. It is best to get him to your vet as soon as you can. However, if there is no one available today and he otherwise seems to be pretty energetic and isn't continuing to vomit, then you can do some things for now to help calm his stomach down. 1) Bland diet- boiled plain chicken or lean ground turkey and white rice 2) Fiber- 1-2 tsp of canned pumpkin (not the pie filling) added to his food daily to help firm things up 3) Probiotic- over the counter Culturelle or Fortiflora (available online) added to his food daily to help resotre his normal GI flora. When pets have blood in the stool this indicates their intestines are inflammed and the GI flora is imbalanced. If Riley seems to ill however, taking him to an ER vet today is highly recommended. I hope that your furry friend recovers well soon! Best of luck and take care. : )

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    Answered By Vanessa Yeager DVM MPH

    Veterinarian

    Published on September 20th, 2017

    Hi and thanks for your post on Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Blood in the stool can be caused by a hookworm infected, bacterial, or viral infection. I suggest taking Liyah to her veterinarian for a fecal test. Boiled chicken, rice, and canned pumpkin (not the pie filling) for a day may help but if no better, I would take her into her veterinarian. Thanks again for your post!

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on December 10th, 2016

    It sounds like the bone is causing trauma to his GI tract, and it could be stuck. This is a medical emergency, as it is not normal to have bloody diarrhea, and she needs to see a vet immediately. If paying for a vet is an issue, you can see if your vet accepts payment plans, if there is a low cost clinic in your area, or you can apply for Care Credit online. There is also an organization called Red Rover that give grants for treatment of sick animals, and you can see if you qualify for one of their grants. http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/trouble_affording_pet.html?credit=web_id91754962 https://www.redrover.org https://www.carecredit.com Please take her into a vet now.

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