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My dog is lethargic with black stool and not eating. What should I do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Female | spayed | 50 lbs

June has been acting differently lately. At first I thought her seasonal allergies were acting up. She began not eating her dog food. I ended up switching brands after she had a violent vomiting attack. After the change, June ate some but not all. She began to stop drinking her water so I began pouring water into her food bowl to ensure she was getting water. Now she has been extremely lethargic. Her last bowel movement was black like tar. What should I do?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Shaneez Wallani, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on May 3rd, 2020

Based on your description of the black stool, lethargy, and decreased appetite, I am concerned that June may be very ill. The black stool could be blood in the stool, which could be caused by parasites, change in diet, toxin ingestion, infectious viral diseases, blockage in the intestines caused by ingestion of a foreign body, or a mass/growth in the gastrointestinal tract. Please make an appointment to have June seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible, as blood in the stool can lead to anemia, and can be very dangerous if left untreated. In the mean time, if she is not eating well, you can try boiling boneless skinless chicken in water, shredding the chicken, and feeding her small amounts of the resulting chicken broth and cooked chicken once it has cooled. I recommend taking in a fecal sample from June to your vet as well, as that may aid them in making a diagnosis. Good luck, and I hope she feels better soon!

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

    Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

    Published on August 30th, 2017

    Hi there! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! The symptoms that you describe are concerning. Black stools are most of the time associated with stomach or small intestinal bleeding as it usually means digested blood which gives it that color. Heavy breathing can be observed with anemia, among many other possibilities primarily affecting the respiratory system such as pneumonia. Anorexia and lethargy can be seen with many conditions but can definitely be observed with possible gastrointestinal ulceration and anemia or pneumonia as mentioned previously. I highly recommend that you have Tyson evaluated by your veterinarian as soon as possible for further assessment and treatment. Good luck!

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