My dog has diarrhea and pale gums. Could diarrhea cause anemia?

Question

My dog had a supposedly digestible nylabone that didn't agree with him Sunday night. He had diareah for most of the day yesterday with softened pieces of the bone in it. It was normal color, but had pieces of the bone in it. I am going to start him on a bland diet today because I withheld food last night. He seems to be acting normal currently, normal energy, normal happiness,normal breathing. My concern is his gums are less pink than normal. Can diareah cause anemia in dogs? Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 4 years and 3 months old | 63 lbs

Lauren Jones VMD · Accepted Answer

Unless there is massive blood loss in the diarrhea, resulting in the presence of frank blood or digested blood (the stool looks black in these cases), diarrhea cannot cause anemia. I'm glad to hear that Jack is still acting normally despite his diarrhea and slightly lighter pink gums. Gum color can change for a wide variety of reasons, including those associated with blood loss and low blood pressure. A bland diet of boiled white meat chicken and white rice sounds like a great idea for Jack. If his diarrhea continues or worsens, or if he becomes lethargic, vomits, refuses to eat or drink, or has any breathing changes, I recommend taking him to the vet for further evaluation. I hope he's feeling better soon!

My dog has diarrhea and pale gums. Could diarrhea cause anemia?

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