My senior dog has black, bloody diarrhea. Is it an emergency?

Question

Hello. My senior dog (~13 years old) since yesterday is having diarrhea with black, terry blood (melena). She doesn't have fever, but lost a lot of blood already. There is no sign of dehydration. Is there something I can do at home to identify the cause. And should I give her food before seeing a vet? Thank you. Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Female | spayed | 13 years and 5 months old | 60 lbs

Laura Johnson VMD · Accepted Answer

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Mei! If Mei is truly having melena there isn't anything to be done at home. Melena is digested blood from a high gastro-intestinal bleed. Usually from the stomach. Stomach ulcers, ulcer perforation, low platelets (thrombocytopenia), certain medications like NSAIDs and steroids can cause stomach irritation, uremia from kidney failure and cancer can cause this. I recommend you take her to the Vet this morning to have her looked at and blood work done to check her platelets. I recommend holding on food for now. I wish you the best of luck!

My senior dog has black, bloody diarrhea. Is it an emergency?

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