My dog's stools are often black after vomiting blood. Should I worry?

Question

My 3.5 lb. York ie had a vomiting spell for 24 hours. The last 6 hours was blood. Vet said gastroenteritis. Occasionally before she would have black stools, since, her stools are black frequently? How concerned should I be? Also will the quiac stool test, for blood in stool, used on humans work for animals? Thank you. Pet's info: Dog | Yorkshire Terrier | Female | spayed | 3.5 lbs

Jenna Beyer, DVM, MBA, cVMA · Accepted Answer

Black, tar-like stools are common with bleeding in the stomach, upper GI tract. Bleeding that occurs lower in the GI tract with have red blood in the stools. I have never needed a human test to check for blood in the GI tract. Gastroenteritis is a common cause for blood in vomit and/or stools. Some cases are mild and respond to medications and out-patient treatment, while others, such as HGE, require hospitalization, IV fluids, and IV medications. Some dogs will have very dark stools that are normal and do not contain blood.

My dog's stools are often black after vomiting blood. Should I worry?

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