Dark black stool often with a tar like consistency.
This can mean that there is bleeding in the gut. That black color can indicate digested blood. This is a serious concern.
A large amount of watery or jelly-like stool that looks like blood.
This is consistent with a disease called acute hemorrhagic diarrhea syndrome or previously known ashemorrhagic gastroenteritis (HGE). These pets can get sick really fast and often need treatment. This can happen at any age and to any breed.
Bright red blood in the stool.
While this can be upsetting to see, a small amount of bright red blood on the stool can be minor. Bright red blood that accompanies mucous is commonly from inflammation in the colon and will resolve on its own. However, if you note a large volume of blood, the stool is watery, or it gets worse with time, this is a problem.
Is your pet a puppy and not up to date on vaccines yet?
Or have they just finished a series of vaccines in the last week? Puppies are at risk for serious infections before they are fully immune. Even when they have all of their shots it can take time for their bodies to develop the right amount of immunity. Parvovirus is a serious disease and highly contagious.
What about worms?
Have you seen any in the stool? Are they taking a dewormer that was prescribed by a veterinarian? Some over the counter products are ineffective against certain types of worms. Sometimes you won’t see the worms in the stool until much later in the process of infection or not at all. If you are not sure if your pet is on an appropriate deworming routine, make sure you ask a veterinarian!
Have they also stopped eating and drinking?
If so, they can quickly become dehydrated and need supplemental fluids and/or electrolytes.
Are they also vomiting?
This is another risk of serious dehydration and also makes it much harder to treat your pet at home.
Dark black stool often with a tar like consistency.
This can mean that there is bleeding in the gut. That black color can indicate digested blood. This is a serious concern.
A large amount of watery or jelly-like stool that looks like blood.
This is consistent with a disease called acute hemorrhagic diarrhea syndrome or previously known ashemorrhagic gastroenteritis (HGE). These pets can get sick really fast and often need treatment. This can happen at any age and to any breed.
Bright red blood in the stool.
While this can be upsetting to see, a small amount of bright red blood on the stool can be minor. Bright red blood that accompanies mucous is commonly from inflammation in the colon and will resolve on its own. However, if you note a large volume of blood, the stool is watery, or it gets worse with time, this is a problem.
Is your pet a puppy and not up to date on vaccines yet?
Or have they just finished a series of vaccines in the last week? Puppies are at risk for serious infections before they are fully immune. Even when they have all of their shots it can take time for their bodies to develop the right amount of immunity. Parvovirus is a serious disease and highly contagious.
What about worms?
Have you seen any in the stool? Are they taking a dewormer that was prescribed by a veterinarian? Some over the counter products are ineffective against certain types of worms. Sometimes you won’t see the worms in the stool until much later in the process of infection or not at all. If you are not sure if your pet is on an appropriate deworming routine, make sure you ask a veterinarian!
Have they also stopped eating and drinking?
If so, they can quickly become dehydrated and need supplemental fluids and/or electrolytes.
Are they also vomiting?
This is another risk of serious dehydration and also makes it much harder to treat your pet at home.
Does your pet need Urgent Care?
If it’s just one minor episode, probably not today. But if it is prolonged or there are any of the serious symptoms mentioned above Yes! Remember also to trust your gut too. If you think it’s serious it probably is. Scout is here to help!
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