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My puppy has diarrhea, vomiting, and bloody stool after food change. What to do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Hi! I think I changed my puppies food too fast and now he has diarrhea and has thrown up a couple of times. Now today he has a bloody stool but he’s acting playful still. What should I do please?!

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4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on March 2nd, 2021

Oh no poor puppy! You are right that changing food too quickly can cause these issues, and the problem here is that he is vomiting, has diarrhea, and now has bloody stool. Even though he's acting normally, his symptoms need to be checked out by a vet immediately. Please take him into one now to get these treated. Best of luck.

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on January 19th, 2017

    Poor Bella! This sudden change in diet could cause the vomiting and diarrhea, but I'm very concerned about the bleeding. Whenever a dog vomits blood or has diarrhea with blood, it's serious and requires an immediate trip to the vet. Her symptoms require medical attention now, so I would take Bella into an ER vet or find a vet on call to see her ASAP.

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on January 28th, 2017

    If adding in this wet food was the first time Princess had received it, it could be that this food is what caused the bloody diarrhea. Other causes include hemorrhagic gastroenteritis, eating something rotten, intestinal parasites, GI illness, GI ulcers, GI tumors, or a foreign body. If this is the first time she received the wet food, then you can try a home remedy to see if that helps. Withhold food for 12-24 hours, then feed a bland diet of boiled white meat chicken (no bones) and white rice in small amounts several times a day for a couple of days. Then slowly add back in her normal diet. If the diarrhea continues on the bland diet, she starts vomiting food, stops drinking water, starts vomiting water, or becomes very lethargic, she will need to see a vet right away. If Princess had this wet food before, then there could be a more serious cause of the bloody diarrhea, and I would have her seen by a vet right away.

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    Answered By Kevin Sanada, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on August 12th, 2018

    Red blood in the stool indicates that there is inflammation in the colon, which is a problem they can have with a sudden diet change. It's good to have them evaluated soon when this happens, but is usually not an emergency and often gets better soon after treatment. It is definitely a good sign that they are energetic. You can help them get through this by feeding bland food (boneless chicken and rice is good). Feed small portions (1/4 cup or less) three times a day. You can also add probiotics to the food (can get this at the pet store), which has demonstrated some efficacy for improving diarrhea. Ensure fresh, clean water is always available. I hope this helps and they get better soon.

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