Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

My Chihuahua has bloody diarrhea and is lethargic. Is it an emergency?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Chihuahua | Female | unspayed | 2 years and 4 months old | 3 lbs

My two year old you Chihuahua has been having bloody diareaha and acting slightly lethargic since last night. I am starting to get really worried...until about 9pm tonight she was acting very sick, going and laying by herself. She would get up and take a couple drinks of water. She was able to jump up on the living room chair. She will barley even move out of my son's room now. Light diareaha and the stool is very dark. I don't know if there is a way to send you a picture..? I don't know what to

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Dr. Heidi DVM, CVA, CCRT, CVTP, CVSMT, CVCH

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist, Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner

Published on February 27th, 2018

I'm so sorry that Rosie is not feeling well. Anytime diarrhea is bloody or associated with lethargy, we recommend having them evaluated by a veterinarian. And especially since it sounds like Rosie is getting worse, I would worry that she is getting dehydrated (which can happen very quickly in a small dog), so I would anticipate that she will continue to get worse until she is treated. There are anti-diarrheal medications that your veterinarian can prescribe that will likely help very quickly I would recommend having her examined ASAP, but if your veterinarian cannot get her in today and she is stil eating normally, we will often recommend a bland easily digested diet consisting of ½ cooked white rice and ½ cooked white meat chicken (boiled without any skin or bones). Once her diarrhea has resolved, then you can slowly transition back to her normal diet over a few days. I am also attaching a couple of links that may be useful for you below. Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.co/article/most-common-causes-of-diarrhea-in-dogs/ Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.co/article/6-things-you-can-do-at-home-if-your-pet-has-diarrhea/ Good luck! I hope that was helpful and that she feels better soon. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Vote icon

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

  • Image profile

    Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

    Licensed Veterinary Technician

    Published on

    Infection (bacterial, parasites), dietary indiscretion, or toxicity are all possibilities. Ideally, Rosie should be examined by your veterinarian today. Submit a stool sample to diagnose intestinal parasites or bacterial overgrowth. Diarrhea, especially in such a small dog, can quickly lead to dehydration which may complicate an underlying condition. She may need supportive care (IV or subcutaneous fluids, anti-diarrheals, etc.) until your vet reaches a diagnosis.

    Vote icon

    0Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Image profile

    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on March 15th, 2017

    Unfortunately, there is no way to send photos on the forum. You can request a consult with an expert online, and you can send photos there and receive more in-depth help. Bubba's bloody diarrhea could be due to the food that he was fed recently, even though he's had it before. Sudden changes in diet can cause the blood diarrhea. Vienna sausages are high in fat, and have the potential of causing pancreatitis. Pancreatitis is fatal without treatment, and it does require intensive hospitalization to treat. I would not give it to him again in the future. Other causes include a severe GI illness, eating something rotten, a foreign body, trauma to the GI tract, hemorrhagic gastroenteritis, GI ulcers, or eating something toxic among other causes. Because he's been having diarrhea for three days and now there appears to be blood in his feces, it's time to see the vet right away. The vet can diagnose what is causing this blood in his feces and how best to treat it.

    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
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
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My dwarf hamster has a shut eye and is limping. What should I do?
Is your dwarf hamster struggling with eye issues or limping? A trusted vet offers expert guidance on symptoms and crucial next steps for comfort and care.
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