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Hello, my 22 lbs Boston Terrier recently defecated an odd black color. He eats a mixture of fresh and baked dog food and no supplements other than Ocu-Glow for his cataracts. He is 10 years old. He occasionally eats food off the floor but I have not noticed anything recent and he has NO change in behavior. Here is an attached picture. If you could please share your expert opinion on what the cause may be and if he needs immediate treatment, I would appreciate that.

Hello, my 22 lbs Boston Terrier recently defecated an odd black color. He eats a mixture of fresh and baked dog food and no supplements other than Ocu-Glow for his cataracts. He is 10 years old. He occasionally eats food off the floor but I have not noticed anything recent and he has NO change in behavior. Here is an attached picture. If you could please share your expert opinion on what the cause may be and if he needs immediate treatment, I would appreciate that.

Updated On March 11th, 2024

Pet's info: Dog | Boston Terrier | Male | neutered | 10 years and 1 month old | 22 lbs

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Answered By Jessica Desrosiers

Veterinary Technician

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Darker stools like this can be due to a number of things. If Milo recently ate something off the floor or had some minor digestive upset, it may cause a darkened stool. Eating a lot of leafy greens like spinach can also darken the stool. In some cases, dark or tarry stools can indicate issues such as GI bleeds in the stomach or intestines, or more severe intestinal irritation. If this has happened only once, I would continue to monitor Milo at home for any other signs of a problem such as a painful tummy, vomiting, not wanting to eat, etc. If you see those symptoms, the dark stools continue or worsen, or you notice anything else ongoing, then it's time to see your vet.

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