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My 10-week puppy has bloody diarrhea, never been outside. What to do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Male | unneutered | 3 months and 4 days old

My ten week old puppy has bloody diarrhea. He has not been outside at all because he can't get his shots for two more weeks. What can I do?

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7 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

Published on July 5th, 2016

Bloody [diarrhea](https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/diarrhea-1/) in a 10 week old puppy could be caused by a few different things. If he is behaving normally otherwise (eating and drinking fine, active and playful, no vomiting), then he may have parasites that are causing the diarrhea. [Roundworms](https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/roundworms/) and [hookworms](https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/hookworms/) are very common in puppies and can cause loose bloody stool. If he is not feeling well, laying around and not eating, then I would be much more concerned that he could have [parvovirus](https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/parvovirus/) or another [serious illness](https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/hemorrhagic-gastroenteritis/). Unfortunately, puppies can still catch things even if they don't go outside because we can carry in germs on our hands, clothing, and shoes without even realizing it. I would recommend taking your [puppy](https://www.petcoach.co/article/your-puppys-first-year-8-important-milestones) to the veterinarian for an exam. Submit a [stool sample](https://www.petcoach.co/article/how-to-tell-if-your-pet-has-worms) to diagnose intestinal parasites. The appropriate medication can be dispensed or administered afterwards.

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52Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

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    Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    In puppies this is usually due to a gastrointestinal infection or parvo, if he has not been outside or in contact with other dogs it's less likely to be parvovirus though. Nevertheless you need to take him to the vet ASAP in order to get treatment, he will need an antibiotic course.

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    9Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

    Licensed Veterinary Technician

    Published on

    It could be intestinal parasites or GI infection. You can submit a stool sample to your vet and then give a specific dewormer or a broad spectrum dewormer. If your pup has other symptoms (lethargy, vomiting, loss of appetite, etc.) then you should have him seen by your vet today or tomorrow at the latest. Diarrhea can lead to dehydration which can complicate any underlying condition, especially in puppies. If he is drinking, offer a 50/50 solution or water and unflavored PediaLyte. A band diet can be fed until the stool is normal if he is active and eating.

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    18Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    If Todd acts healthy while having bloody diarrhea, it is likely caused by intestinal parasites such as giardia or worms,. This means he needs to be wormed. You will need to take a fecal sample to your vet to determine which parasites are causing this, and then the proper medication can be applied (giardia need a different medication than worms). If your puppy appears lethargic, will not eat, is pale or also starts vomiting, you will need to take it to a veterinarian ASAP, as it may have a serious infection or even parvo.

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    17Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Dr. Leigh, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on November 28th, 2018

    The puppy could have a parasite or an infection causing the bloody diarrhea so he should be examined by a vet to determine the cause and treat. The vet should test a fecal sample for parasites and possibly parvo. Once diagnosed, the vet can determine the best way to treat.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Dr Stafford, BVetMed, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on July 12th, 2017

    It is most likely a touch of colitis which is an inflamed colon, this can be due to diet, infection or worms. In a puppy parvo is always a possibility but it tends to make them very sick and tge diarrohea is profuse and stinks. I would makr sur he is up to date on worming, starve him 12 hours then feed him plain chicken and rice. If he is no better or is going downhill see the vet asap.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Dr. Elizabeth

    Veterinarian

    Published on December 12th, 2019

    Poor Coach! A bloody stool could be related to many conditions including worms, giardia, a new food/treat or something even more severe like parvovirus. Parvovirus is a very serious infection and it is best addressed as early as possible. Have him examined as soon as you can get him in to be tested. Bring in a stool sample and monitor him very closely for any signs of lethargy, not eating well, continued bloody stool, diarrhea or vomiting. A bland diet of boiled white meat chicken and boiled white rice (all plain) will be easier to digest than his normal puppy food. Also encourage him to drink a lot of water. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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