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Why is my dog pooping black liquid? What does it mean and what to do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Male | 1 year and 2 months old | 22 lbs

If my dog has black liquid poo. What does this mean? Is there anyway that i can cure this? We can't afford the vet yet.

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Silvia De Cecco, DVM, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Published on May 30th, 2017

I think this might be a repetition of a previous question. As previously suggested start him on a bland diet and keep him monitored but unfortunately, if he doesn't improve or get worse will need to be seen by a veterinarian. Good luck.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Mara Howard, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on April 20th, 2018

    Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I'm sorry to hear Charlie has been having some stool issues. Dark and liquid stool can be due to a variety of reasons, including intestinal parasites, dietary indiscretion, toxin ingestion, or due to blood in the stool, among others. I would recommend Charlie be evaluated by his regular veterinarian to determine the underlying cause for what you are seeing, have any necessary testing done (intestinal parasite screening, etc) and start any medications (anti-diarrheal, parasiticide, probiotic) that he may need to resolve it. I would also recommend that he eat a bland diet (white rice and boiled white meat chicken breast) for the next several days. Good luck!

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    Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

    Veterinarian

    Published on April 18th, 2018

    Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! If Dove is having dark tarry stools or frank bloodin her stools she should see your Vet. If it is brown colored diarrhea then if she is otherwise eating, drinking and acting normal then you can try a probiotic. I like Purina Fortiflora. If the diarrhea doesn't improve by friday night I would have her seen Saturday morning or sooner if worse. Causes of diarrhea can be: viral, bacterial, intestinal parasites, pancreatitis, primary GI disease like IBD, dietary indiscretion, toxin ingestion. I hope this helps and I wish Dove a speedy recovery!

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    Answered By Cara, DVM, cVMA

    Veterinarian

    Published on July 26th, 2017

    If Belle is having black stool she needs to see a veterinarian right away. Black stool can be a sign of gastrointestinal bleeding in the stomach or small intestine which can be very serious. Your vet will likely want to do blood tests and x-rays to determine what's going on with her.

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