I just found my dog Max with bloody diarrhea but he's acting normal. Should I be freaking out? He grabbed something off the counter yesterday that I couldn't identify. Do I need to call the vet ASAP? Is this dangerous? I'm completely overwhelmed!

Hi there! I know it’s really concerning to see Max have bloody diarrhea, especially since you're not sure what he got into. The good news is that if he's acting normal otherwise, it's not an immediate cause for alarm, but let's go through some steps to ensure Max stays healthy.

First, keep an eye on a few things:

• Any changes in his behavior like lethargy, vomiting, refusing food or water – these would be warning signs.
• The amount and frequency of the diarrhea – if it’s persistent or there’s a lot of blood, it’s time to call the vet.
• Check around the house to see if you can find out what he grabbed. Knowing that can help determine the risk level. For example, chocolate, grapes, raisins, and certain medications like paracetamol can be toxic to dogs even in small amounts.

When it comes to home care, you can:

• Make sure Max has plenty of fresh water to prevent dehydration. You can even offer some chicken broth for added flavor, as long as it’s low in sodium and doesn’t contain onions or garlic.
• Consider withholding food for 12-24 hours (while keeping water available) to let his digestive system rest.
• After that period, you might start with a bland diet like boiled chicken and rice for a couple of days to see if the symptoms improve.

Definitely call your vet if:

• The diarrhea doesn’t improve after 24 hours.
• There's a lot of blood, or if he starts showing other worrying signs like vomiting, severe lethargy, or if he refuses to drink water.

Remember, being proactive is always best. If you're unsure or your pet’s symptoms worsen, it's best to book a call with a vet on Dial A Vet for professional advice.