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Dog has diarrhea and spot of blood, but acts normal. Is it serious?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Male | unneutered | 4 years and 10 months old | 55 lbs

have a 4year old german Shepherd heeler mix. He has diarrhea but doesn’t have loss of appetite. He’s eating and drinking and playing acting like his normal self. The diarrhea just started and I took his dog food away and gave him rice and chicken. When I went to wipe his butt there was a small spot of blood. He doesn’t have bloody stool just a light small spot of blood on the wipe. I’m freaking out and I don’t know if it’s because he has something wrong or his butt is just irritated

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Davis

Veterinarian

Published on November 23rd, 2018

You’re doing the right thing for the diarrhea. As far as the blood goes, he probably just has irritation around his anus or in the intestinal tract from the diarrhea. That is not uncommon in dogs and if it’s only a small amount once in a while it’s nothing to be overly concerned about. If it continues, or he develops bloody diarrhea then please take him in for an exam and treatment. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Milo.

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    Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on January 8th, 2018

    It sounds as Milo is suffering from a gastrointestinal condition, possibly an infection. i would recommend taking him to the vet the first chance you get, he will need to be checked first, if the vet thinks it's a simple gastrointestinal infection he will need an antibiotics course and a special food for a few days in order to get better.

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on September 17th, 2018

    I would take Milo into a vet immediately. His symptoms are very serious, and are a medical emergency. This is not something that can be treated at home, and if he's vomiting blood, I would worry this could be fatal without treatment. Please take him into an ER vet clinic; if there isn't one in your area, there will be a vet on call for emergencies. The information to reach that vet is found on a clinic's answering machine or website.

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