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My dog has black, tarry poop after meds. Is it an emergency?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | West Highland White Terrier | Female | spayed | 19 lbs

My dog was treated for abcessed ruptured anal gland with amoxicillin & prednisone for 2 weeks. Now her poop is black & tarry. My vet is out of town until Monday. She is eating very little but still drinks water. Is it ok to wait until Monday morning to go to vet? What can I do to help her until then?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jenna Beyer, DVM, MBA, cVMA

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

Published on June 22nd, 2019

I would recommend that you find an emergency vet. Dark and tarry stools can indicate bleeding in the upper GI tract, which could be life threatening. I would discontinue the prednisone until she is evaluated by a vet.

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    Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on March 8th, 2018

    Stop giving the prednisone. Prednisone can cause bleeding ulcers, even after giving it only for 1 1/2 days. This does not happen often, but it can happen. Black feces could be caused by digested blood, ie a bleeding stomach ulcer. Feed Zeus some boiled white rice and white boneless chicken tonight and contact your vet tomorrow morning.

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    Answered By Jenny, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on January 28th, 2018

    Stop the prednisone for now. change his diet to boiled chicken and rice and you can get canine probioitcs from a pet store to add to his food the help. I would do this until you can contact you vet for a recheck and a change in medication. If he starts vomiting or has a change in appetite then I would find an emergency clinic to check him

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