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Dog's bloody stool after heartworm treatment. Is it an emergency?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Miniature Poodle | Female | unspayed | 3 years and 4 months old | 12 lbs

My dog had her first heartworm treatment last night and this morning I found blood in her stool, it that normal or should I be worried? I've already called my vet but they won't be back in their office until tomorrow. Should I take her to an emergency vet?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Rodrigo Roca, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on May 22nd, 2018

Hello, depending on which medications she has, side effects may include GI signs such as the ones you saw this morning. If she continues to have blood her stool contact your veterinarian in the morning. However, if she develops profuse watery and bloody diarrhea with other GI signs such as vomiting and inappetence then she should be seen by an emergency veterinarian. Hope this helps and best of luck.

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    Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Poor girl. IF she is acting normal, eating drinking well, then she likely has a bit of colitis (inflamed colon) due to stress. You can try giving her some probioitcs (over the counter Culturelle works well in dogs) for now and give her a bland diet of boiled plain chicken and rice for a few days. Contact your vet in the morning to let them know what is going on and they will likely prescribe her a short course of antibiotics to clear things up. I hope everyting works out well for your pet Mya and that she continues her heartworm treatments with no major side effects. Take care!

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