Why Is My Dog Throwing Up Blood? Understanding Hematemesis in Canines

Discovering blood in your dog’s vomit can be alarming for any pet owner. One moment your furry friend seems fine, and the next you’re faced with a mess that includes blood. While your first instinct might be panic, understanding why your dog is throwing up blood, also known as hematemesis, and knowing the appropriate steps to take is crucial. This guide will walk you through the potential causes of vomiting blood in dogs, what to look for, and when to seek immediate veterinary care.

Recognizing Blood in Dog Vomit: What to Look For

Hematemesis, the veterinary term for vomiting blood, can manifest in different ways, and the appearance of the blood can provide important clues about its source. Paying close attention to the characteristics of the vomit is extremely helpful for your veterinarian. When you notice your dog has vomited blood, observe the following:

Bright Red Blood (Fresh Blood): If the blood is a vibrant red and liquid, it usually indicates that the bleeding is occurring in the esophagus or mouth. This is because bright red blood signifies fresh blood that hasn’t been digested. Heavy bleeding from the mouth can sometimes be swallowed and then vomited back up, also appearing as bright red blood.
Dark Red or Coffee Grounds-Like Blood (Digested Blood): Vomit that is dark red, clotted, or resembles coffee grounds suggests that the blood has been partially digested by stomach acid. This typically means the blood originates from the stomach or the upper part of the intestinal tract. The digestion process alters the blood’s color and texture, giving it this characteristic appearance.
Pink-Tinged or Speckled Blood (Irritation): If the vomit is foamy and has a pinkish tinge or contains small specks of blood, it often points to irritation in the upper digestive tract. While still requiring attention, this presentation is frequently less severe than cases with large amounts of bright red or digested blood.

It’s beneficial to not only observe the vomit but also to document it. Taking photographs and collecting a sample of the vomit in a plastic bag can provide your veterinarian with valuable diagnostic information.

Understanding the different appearances of blood in your dog’s vomit can help you communicate vital information to your veterinarian.

Vomiting Blood vs. Coughing Up Blood: Knowing the Difference

Distinguishing between vomiting blood and coughing up blood is essential as it indicates different underlying issues and locations of bleeding. Vomiting blood (hematemesis) signifies bleeding in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, while coughing up blood suggests bleeding in the respiratory tract. Your veterinarian will need to differentiate between the two, and your observations can be incredibly helpful.

Vomiting Blood:

Abdominal Heaving: Vomiting is characterized by noticeable abdominal contractions or heaving motions that precede the expulsion of vomit from the mouth. You will see your dog’s abdomen contract forcefully.
Expulsion from Mouth: The blood and vomit are expelled forcefully from the mouth after these abdominal contractions.

Coughing Up Blood:

Neck Extension: A dog coughing up blood will typically extend their neck forward.
Coughing Sound: The cough is often accompanied by a distinct sound, sometimes described as similar to a goose’s “honk.”
Blood with Coughing: Bloody material may be brought up during, after, or even re-swallowed during a coughing episode.
Gagging at the End: Many dogs will finish a coughing fit with a gag, which can resemble vomiting as they attempt to clear their airway.

If possible, capturing a video of your dog while they are bringing up blood can provide your veterinarian with crucial information to accurately diagnose the source of the bleeding.

Immediate Actions: What to Do If Your Dog Is Throwing Up Blood

In most situations, a dog vomiting blood is considered a veterinary emergency that requires prompt attention. Even if your dog seems otherwise well, internal bleeding can be a sign of a serious underlying condition. When in doubt, it is always safer to seek immediate veterinary care. Delaying treatment can allow a minor issue to escalate into a severe or even life-threatening situation within hours.

Emergency Signs to Watch For:

Alongside vomiting blood, be vigilant for these additional signs that indicate a serious emergency:

Lethargy or Weakness: Unusual tiredness or reluctance to move.
Pale Gums: Gums that are white or pale pink instead of healthy pink.
Difficulty Breathing or Increased Respiratory Rate: Labored breathing or rapid breaths.
Collapse: Sudden loss of consciousness.
Abdominal Pain or Distention: Signs of pain when touching the abdomen or a bloated abdomen.
Black, Tarry Stools (Melena): Dark, sticky, and foul-smelling stools, indicating digested blood in the feces.

If your dog exhibits any of these signs along with vomiting blood, immediate veterinary intervention is critical.

First Aid Steps:

Withhold Food and Water: Remove both food and water to rest the digestive system until your dog is examined by a vet.
Do Not Administer Oral Medications: Avoid giving any medications by mouth unless specifically instructed by a veterinarian, as this could complicate diagnosis.
Collect Samples: Take photos of the vomit, collect a sample in a plastic bag for the vet to examine. Also, photograph your dog’s food bag or brand, as dietary history is important.
Seek Emergency Veterinary Care: Immediately transport your dog to the nearest veterinary emergency clinic or your regular veterinarian for an emergency appointment.

Important Note: Avoid Home Remedies: Contrary to some outdated advice, do not give bread or other home remedies to a dog vomiting blood. These are not helpful and can interfere with necessary diagnostic testing.

Potential Causes: Why Dogs Throw Up Blood

Numerous factors can cause a dog to vomit blood. Determining the underlying cause is essential for effective treatment. Some common reasons include:

Prolonged or Severe Vomiting (of Any Cause): Persistent vomiting, regardless of the initial cause, can irritate the esophagus due to stomach acid exposure, leading to bleeding.
Intestinal Parasites: Parasites, particularly in puppies or dogs not on regular deworming schedules, such as Giardia, can cause bloody vomiting and diarrhea.
Viral and Bacterial Infections: Infections like parvovirus (especially dangerous in young or unvaccinated dogs) can lead to severe gastrointestinal upset and bloody vomit.
Foreign Body Ingestion: Swallowing foreign objects (toys, socks, rocks) can cause obstructions and injury to the stomach or intestines, resulting in bloody vomit.
Sharp Object Ingestion: Sharp items like bones or sticks can lacerate the upper GI tract, causing significant bleeding.
Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis (HGE): HGE is characterized by sudden, severe bloody diarrhea and/or vomiting, rapidly leading to dehydration.
Stomach Ulcers: While less common in dogs than in humans, stomach ulcers can cause bloody vomit.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): IBD can sometimes manifest with bloody vomit due to inflammation in the digestive tract.
Poisons and Toxins: Certain poisons, especially rodenticides (rat poison) that interfere with blood clotting, are a serious concern and can cause vomiting blood.
Trauma: Physical trauma can result in both bloody vomit and bloody diarrhea.
Cancer: Although less frequent, cancer in the digestive tract can be a cause of bloody vomit.

A thorough examination by a veterinarian is crucial to diagnose the cause of your dog’s hematemesis.

Diagnosis: How Veterinarians Determine the Cause of Hematemesis

When you bring your dog to the veterinarian for vomiting blood, the immediate priorities are to stabilize your dog and perform a thorough examination. Your vet will gather information about your dog’s history, diet, and recent activities.

Diagnostic testing is usually necessary to pinpoint the cause. Depending on the initial assessment, the veterinarian may recommend:

Fecal Examination: To check for intestinal parasites.
Complete Blood Count (CBC) and Blood Chemistry Panel: To evaluate organ function and overall health.
Coagulation Tests: To assess blood clotting ability and rule out bleeding disorders, especially if toxin ingestion is suspected.
Radiographs (X-rays): To look for foreign bodies or other abnormalities in the abdomen.
Infectious Disease Testing: Specific tests to identify viral or bacterial infections, such as parvovirus tests.

Based on the initial findings, further diagnostic tests might be needed. For example, if a foreign body is suspected, endoscopy (using a camera to visualize the digestive tract) or exploratory surgery might be required. Abdominal ultrasound can also be used to visualize the abdominal organs.

Treatment: Addressing Vomiting Blood in Dogs

Treatment for a dog vomiting blood is tailored to the underlying cause. Dogs with mild symptoms might be treated and discharged, while those with severe signs often require hospitalization for intensive care and further diagnostics.

Specific treatments vary greatly depending on the diagnosis:

Parasitic Infections: Deworming medications to eliminate parasites and supportive care to manage symptoms.
Foreign Bodies: Surgical removal of the foreign object is often necessary.
Viral Infections: Hospitalization for supportive care, including intravenous fluids, nutritional support, and medications to manage symptoms and secondary infections.

Regardless of the cause, most dogs vomiting blood will benefit from supportive care to manage symptoms and aid recovery. This commonly includes:

Intravenous (IV) Fluid Therapy: To correct dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. Oral fluids are typically avoided in vomiting dogs.
Antacids: To reduce stomach acid production and alleviate stomach irritation.
Antiemetics (Anti-nausea Medications): Injections to control vomiting.
Gastric Protectants: Medications to coat and protect the stomach lining, promoting healing of irritated areas.
Bland Diet: Once vomiting is controlled and your dog is recovering, a bland, easily digestible diet is recommended to ease the transition back to normal eating.

While seeing your dog vomit blood is undoubtedly distressing, prompt veterinary care and appropriate treatment lead to full recovery for most dogs. Don’t hesitate to seek veterinary attention immediately if you observe blood in your dog’s vomit – early intervention is key to a positive outcome.

With timely diagnosis and treatment, most dogs recover fully from vomiting blood and return to their happy, healthy selves.