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Why is my senior dog bleeding from mouth and passing black stool?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Shih Tzu | Male | unneutered | 10 years and 7 months old

Just yesterday I notice alil but of blood on my pups blanket he is 10 yrs old ! He is a shih tzu AN today he is still bleeding out his mouth ... not a lot but enough to make me worry! His stool has been black as well. He is eating good AN drinking good AN is still active !

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on November 3rd, 2016

Chunk may have a bleeding ulcer in his mouth or throat, or a severe tooth infection. He is obviously swallowing blood which then gets digested and shows up in the feces (tarry black). You will need to take Chunk to your vet for an exam of the mouth and throat. Once the cause of the bleed is found it needs to be stopped, which could mean a dental cleaning with extractions of an abscessed tooth or other measures depending on where he is bleeding from. Please take Chunk to your vet ASAP.

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    If Chunk is bleeding out of his mouth, then it is likely related to a dental issue, such as a tooth root abscess or a broken or loose tooth. He could also have a oral tumor that is bleeding. His feces would be black due to digested blood, which suggests he is swallowing blood. I would take him into the vet today for an oral exam. The cause of the bleeding needs to be diagnosed so that he can be treated.

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