Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

Should I take my dog to the vet for bloody diarrhea after food change?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Female | spayed | 35 lbs

About 4 days ago I changed my dogs food, she normally does fine with different foods. The last 48 hours shes been having really stinky wet poops, and has had a few accidents in the house which is uncommon for her. However she is acting like her normal self otherwise. Well today she went out and there was blood that came out with the liquid poop. I am wondering if I should take her to the vet which is expensuve where I live, or could it still be just the food change?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Sarah Derksen, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on June 9th, 2017

It could potentially be from the food. It is difficult to know for sure. Ideally, she should be taken in for medications for the diarrhea, as well as a fecal check. If you want to monitor her for a couple days, you could feed a bland diet of rice and boiled chicken to see if that improves it.

Vote icon

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

  • Image profile

    Answered By Dr. B. DVM, DACVIM (Oncology)

    Veterinarian

    Published on September 8th, 2018

    Did you do a slow transition to the new diet over 5 to 7 days? If not, this could be the culprit. Sudden diet changes can cause diarrhea that can sometimes contain fresh blood. Also if the new diet is high on fat this can sometimes upset some dogs gi tracts. If so, you can try a bland diet for a few days until the diarrhea resolves, and then do a slow transition to the new food. But if the stools do not improve or the blood is copious or does not improve, the appetite decreases, or you notice vomiting a visit to your family vet is advised. Is this change to the odor of the mouth new and has coincided with the new food? If so, i would just make sure the food is not spoiled. Some foods high in fats can spoil. This is uncommon but worth checking. If the smell is not new then is there evidence of dental disease? Does your pup have a habit of eating feces? Any cats in the house that he may be finding their litterbox? If no to all these then sometimes it can be a symptom of something else (gi origin or other organ system). I hope this helps and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

See More Answers

Related Questions

Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Why is my mouse's eye swollen, cloudy, and has pus?
Is your mouse's eye swollen, cloudy, and pussy? Dr. Melanie, a certified vet, discusses severe eye issues like infection or abscess, urging an immediate visit.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
What fish dog food helps dry skin if my dog eats Science Diet?
Is your dog's dry skin a concern? A certified vet offers expert advice on finding the best fish-based dog food alternatives to Science Diet for essential oils.
Updated on February 04, 2026
Petco Pet Education Center
Food & Nutrition
Can chickens eat bell peppers daily and what about veggie salads?
Can your chickens eat bell peppers and salads? Veterinarian Dr. Elizabeth offers expert advice on safe feeding, frequency, and how fresh veggies boost vibrant yolks.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Food & Nutrition
Is Purina Layer Pellets good for chickens? What other feeds exist?
Is Purina Layer Pellets the right choice for your flock? Get expert advice from a Petco veterinarian on Purina and other top chicken feed brands for your chickens.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Food & Nutrition
My mice eat all their food together from one bowl. Is this normal?
Do your mice quickly eat together from one bowl? A Licensed Vet Tech explains normal mouse eating behavior and when to watch for aggression. Get expert insights.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My pet is breathing hard, not eating, and lethargic. What's wrong?
Is your rat breathing heavily, won't eat, and has no energy? A Licensed Vet Tech explains potential causes like infection and age, urging a vet visit for diagnosis.
Updated on December 04, 2025
image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Sponsored