Black stool, whether solid or liquid, is usually caused by bleeding in the stomach or upper intestines, as the blood comes into contact with digestive juices and turns black.
Common causes include:
- Taking anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs or steroids) or drugs that irritate the digestive tract for a long period of time, which can lead to stomach ulcers.
- Ingesting foreign objects that scrape the stomach or intestinal walls, causing wounds or irritating chemicals.
- Upper gastrointestinal infection
- Gastrointestinal parasites
- Acidosis from renal failure
- A tumor or cancer that causes gastrointestinal bleeding
However, some foods and medicines can turn your pet's feces black, but they do not have any short-term negative effects on your pet, such as grilled liver, boiled animal blood, blood tonics that contain iron, activated charcoal, etc., or even ingesting your own blood from mouth sores or nosebleeds.
If other abnormalities are found, such as pale mucous membranes, lethargy, vomiting, loss of appetite, the pet should be taken to the veterinarian for urgent diagnosis because severe anemia may occur.
Information from:
Dr. Kuncharee Prakalung (Dr. Kookkai)
Department of Internal Medicine, Unit DepartmentBlood Bank
Veterinarian, Taling Chan Animal Hospital