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My chihuahua has bloody diarrhea and won't eat. What can I do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Chihuahua | Female | spayed | 7 years and 2 months old | 1.5 lbs

My 7 year old female chihuahua is fixed for the last 3 days she has been passing bright red blood when she tries to have a bowel movement it started out as diarrhea then went to bright red blood she still is drinking water pretty well but she has slacked off on not eating at all so I have been giving her broth and Pedialyte is there anything else I can do for her at home?she only weighs 1.5 to 2 lbs and that is what she normally has weighed

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

Veterinarian

Published on April 17th, 2018

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Sassy! The blood in the stool indicates inflammation in the colon and tends to occur after several days of diarrhea. When blood is seen it is best to have a Vet exam and medications started. She is very small and dehydration is a concern. You can try a bland diet of boiled chicken or hamburger with rice. You can also add a little meat flavored baby food on top to tempt her to eat. Considering a probiotic like Purina Fortiflora may also help. There are no safe human drugs that we can recommend. Causes of diarrhea are: intestinal parasites, viral or bacterial infections, pancreatitis, primary intestinal disease (IBD), dietary indiscretion, food allergy/intolerance, reaction to a new treat/food/table food. I wish Sassy the best!

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Ana M, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on December 1st, 2020

    Thank you for submitting your question regarding CJay. I recommend that he sees a veterinarian. I agree that it does look like there is blood in his stool. This can be due to an infection, a diet change, inflammation in the colon or a more serious issue such as hemorrhagic gastroenteritis or pancreatitis. The veterinarian will examine him and may recommend fecal testing and/or bloodwork to reach a diagnosis. I worry that he is dehydrated being a small breed dog. Losing extra fluid in the stool can cause this to happen. This can be corrected by the veterinarian administering fluids. Medications will likely be prescribed as well. I hope this information helps!

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on August 1st, 2017

    As most of these cases are often dietary related, and the presence of blood is quite characteristic of clitis (inflammation of the last part of the colon), I would suggest to start feeding with a bland diet based on boiled chicken and rice in small portion every 6 hours for the following 48hours. Then gradually reintroduce the normal diet over 5 days. I would definitively recommend a veterinary check up if the signs persist or you notice vomiting, lethargy or inappetence. Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

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    Answered By Lauren Jones VMD

    Veterinarian

    Published on August 2nd, 2017

    I'm sorry to hear that Judy isn't feeling well. It is not uncommon for dogs to go a few days without bowel movements after experiencing diarrhea. Blood in the stool can occur due to irritation of the colon, parasites, hemorrhagic gastroenteritis (this generally leads to profuse diarrhea and lasts for longer than 1 day), among others. Consider offering Judy a bland diet of boiled white meat chicken and white rice for a few days. If she eats this well, offer the bland diet for a few days, then gradually mix it with her normal food over another 5-7 days. If she refuses to eat, becomes lethargic, begins to vomit, or experiences more bloody diarrhea, I agree with your plan that taking her to the vet is the best option. I hope that she feels better soon!

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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