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Carol
Sat, Aug 31, 2024
Diarrhea

I put seresto flea collar on her Sunday. Could this be the problem. This has never happened before.


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Dr. Brunermer
Dr.Tail Vet

I'm sorry to hear that your dog is experiencing diarrhea, especially with bloody or black stools. This can be quite concerning and may indicate a more serious underlying issue. While it's possible that the Seresto flea collar could cause some side effects, bloody diarrhea is not a common reaction to flea collars. There are several potential causes for bloody diarrhea in dogs:

First, infections such as bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections can lead to bloody diarrhea. Another possibility is dietary indiscretion, where your dog might have eaten something inappropriate or experienced a sudden change in diet, causing gastrointestinal upset. Additionally, ingesting toxins or poisons can result in severe gastrointestinal symptoms. Chronic conditions like inflammatory bowel disease, which involves chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, can also cause bloody stools. Lastly, stress or anxiety due to changes in environment or routine can sometimes lead to gastrointestinal issues.

Given that the diarrhea has been occurring multiple times a day for two days and has blood in it, I recommend taking the following steps:

First, as a precaution, you can remove the Seresto flea collar to see if there's any improvement. Ensure your dog stays hydrated by offering small amounts of water frequently. Temporarily switch to a bland diet, such as boiled chicken and rice, to help soothe the digestive system. Keep a close eye on her condition, especially for any additional symptoms like vomiting, lethargy, or a decrease in appetite.

Since bloody diarrhea can be a sign of a serious condition, I strongly recommend consulting with a veterinarian as soon as possible to get a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. If you have any further questions, please feel free to ask. Thank you.