Dog Throwing Up Blood: What You Need to Know

If your dog is puking blood, it’s crucial to remain calm while recognizing the seriousness of the situation. This alarming sight, known as hematemesis, is more common than you might think and often indicates an injury to the upper digestive tract. Here’s what you need to know to keep your dog safe and help them feel better soon.

Why is My Dog Vomiting Blood

When a dog throws up blood, it’s a sign of bleeding somewhere along the digestive tract. As James M. Griffin, MD, and Liisa D. Carlson, DVM, explain in “Dog Owner’s Home Veterinary Handbook,” “Red blood in the vomitus indicates an active bleeding point somewhere between the mouth and the upper small bowel.”

The appearance of the blood can provide clues about its origin:

• Bright red blood: Likely from the mouth or throat
• Dark red blood: Probably from further down the gastrointestinal tract
• Blood mixed with mucus: Suggests an issue in the stomach or upper intestines
• Dark, tarry vomit (resembling coffee grounds): Indicates digested blood

Common Causes of Bloody Vomit in Dogs

While it’s important not to self-diagnose, being informed about potential causes can help you communicate effectively with your vet. Some reasons a dog might throw up blood include:

• Ingesting foreign object
• Antifreeze poisoning
• Parasites
• Chewing on sharp sticks and bones or swallowing the shards
• Parvovirus
• Bacterial infection
• Blood clotting disorder
• Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis (often accompanied by bloody stool)
• Stomach inflammation
• Pancreatitis
• Kidney disease
• Addison’s disease
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Respiratory tract disorder
• Cancer

What to Do If Your Dog Is Throwing Up Blood

A dog vomiting blood is considered an emergency. Contact your veterinarian immediately. Here’s what you should do:

1. Stay calm to avoid causing your dog further stress.
2. Describe your dog’s symptoms clearly, including the appearance of the blood in the vomit.
3. If possible, collect a sample of the vomit to bring to the vet.
4. Withhold food and water unless instructed otherwise by your vet.
5. Keep your dog warm, calm, and comfortable until you can get veterinary care.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Your veterinarian will likely perform a physical examination and may run blood tests, urinalysis, or imaging tests like X-rays or ultrasounds to determine the cause of the bleeding.

Treatment will depend on the underlying cause but may include:

• Intravenous fluid therapy
• Medications (e.g., antacids, anti-inflammatories, antibiotics)
• Supportive care
• In some cases, surgery may be necessary

Prevention

While not all causes of hematemesis can be prevented, you can reduce risks by:

• Keeping harmful objects and substances out of your dog’s reach
• Maintaining regular veterinary check-ups
• Staying up-to-date on vaccinations and parasite prevention
• Providing a balanced, nutritious diet

Remember, if your dog is throwing up blood, it’s always best to seek professional veterinary help promptly. Quick action can make a significant difference in your dog’s prognosis and recovery.

The Ollie blog is devoted to helping pet parents lead healthier lives with their pups. If you want to learn more about our fresh, human-grade food, check out MyOllie.com.