Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

    rewards header
    Become a member today!
    Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
    Already a member? Sign in
    Petco Pay LogoBecome a credit card member today!

    Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
    when you use Petco Pay!

    APPLY NOW
    Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

Dog has bloody diarrhea after Benadryl. Should I see an emergency vet?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Yorkshire Terrier | Female | unspayed | 2 years and 7 months old | 7 lbs

2 days ago my dog was stung by a bee and she was in pretty bad shape I took her to emergency and they gave her 2 shots and told me to give her 1/4 Benadryl every 8hrs for 3 days. She been fine since Yesterday we left her in the car for less than 10 min and she diarrheaed in the seat. Today she diarrheaed again only this time there was blood in the stool. So I took her outside and she pooped again but it was mainly blood in the grass? should I do take her back to emergency or stop the Benadryl.

This question includes photos that may contain sensitive content. Click to view.

View more to consider that the photos may include sensitive content.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Dr Stafford, BVetMed, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Published on August 26th, 2017

Poor Paisley! The good news in this situation is that the blood is very red mraning it has likely come from further down the GI tract. Blood in faeces can occur for numerous reasons but usually it is to do with diaorrohea and straining. I suspect Paisley has developed inflammation in the large or small intestine. This may be to do with the bee sting, but also could be a reaction to the benadryl. I imagine they may have given her a steroid jag which can cause GI upset in sensitive guts. I would stop the benadryl and starve her for 12 hours then feed plain chicken and rice to give her guts a break. If the diarrohea or blood is not improved within 24 hours it would be best to see the vet again.

Vote icon

2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

  • Image profile

    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Poor Paisley! I'm sorry you've had such a rough time with her lately! As a side effect, Benadryl can cause diarrhea, but not typically diarrhea with blood or mainly blood coming out. From the picture you provided, it looks like the blood is bright red, indicating bleeding in the lower intestinal tract. This could be caused by a foreign body, trauma to the GI tract, hemorrhagic gastroenteritis, or certain medications like steroids (I see she was given a short acting steroid shot). Because I can't see her in person to say she will be ok, I do think taking her into the ER vet again is the best option, especially since her last poop was mainly blood. It's always good to get something like this checked right away. Good luck, I hope this helps and she feels better soon!

    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
New Pet
Can my millipede live with other insects? What about walking sticks?
Got a new millipede? Wonder if it can share its habitat with other insects like Australian walking sticks? A Licensed Vet Tech guides you on safe vivarium mates.
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
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
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My pet has red spots all over. What's causing them and what to do?
See red spots on your pet? A certified Petco vet discusses common causes like allergies, infections, or mites, guiding you on diagnosis and treatment options.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My small pet is limping and can't bear weight. Should I see a vet?
Is your pet limping and can't bear weight? A certified vet explains why a suspected fracture needs immediate diagnosis and safe pain relief. Get expert guidance.
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