

It’s also important to address the underlying cause, as this will direct treatment decisions and help to prevent reoccurrence.ĭiagnostic testing is important for figuring out what caused a dog to throw up blood. SEE ALSO: Why Is My Dog Not Eating or Drinking? Addressing the underlying cause

And in severe cases, a blood transfusion will save a dog’s life no matter what caused the bloody vomiting in the first place. Supportive care helps a dog feel better and slows down the bleeding and vomiting. Note: Never give medications to your pet without checking with your vet first, as some are harmful to pets. If severe, a blood transfusion (this is less common and only for severe blood loss).A bland diet (such as plain boiled chicken and white rice) or prescription diet for sensitive stomachs.Fluid therapy for dehydration and electrolyte balance.Supportive Careĭepending on a pet’s needs, supportive care may include some or all of the following treatments: Treatment usually includes two phases: Supportive care and addressing the underlying cause. Your dog is ill with other symptoms-such as a fever, listlessness, diarrhea, loss of appetite, inability to keep down food and water, etc.-in addition to throwing up blood.Young pups are prone to infections (such as Parvovirus), which can be severe and get worse quickly (and may be fatal). Severe blood loss can be fatal or require a blood transfusion. There’s a large amount of blood in their vomit (or stool/diarrhea).If any of these circumstances apply to your pup, emergency treatment should be sought: And your vet may have recommendations you can implement right away. A little blood right now may quickly turn into more blood later, depending on what’s causing the bleeding. SEE ALSO: How Can I Tell If My Dog Is Sick ? Is a Dog Vomiting Blood an Emergency?Īny time you see blood in your dog’s vomit, it’s best to seek veterinary care.Įven if it’s just a small spot of blood and your dog is otherwise acting fine, it’s still a good idea to at least call your vet’s office (or an emergency vet office, if after hours). Stomach ulcers, which may be caused by digestive conditions, whole-body diseases that increase acid in the stomach (such as kidney disease or liver failure), or as a side effect of certain medications.Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis, a serious condition that involves sudden, severe bloody vomiting and/or diarrhea.Swallowing something sharp (like a bone or stick).An obstruction in the digestive tract, caused by eating a foreign object (a sock, toy, or corn cob, for example) that got stuck in the stomach or intestines.Significant vomiting can result in inflammation of the stomach, upper intestines, or esophagus that may lead to bleeding. Prolonged or severe vomiting of any cause that is left untreated.In dogs, some of the most common causes of throwing up blood include: It’s also possible the bleeding and vomiting may both be triggered by one single factor (such as certain viral infections). Or, significant bleeding may fill the stomach, triggering vomiting. Vomiting may lead to irritation of the digestive tract, which in turn leads to bleeding. So which came first? The bleeding or the vomiting?Įither is possible. Bleeding may be caused by anything that leads to an injury, irritation, or inflammation of the lining of these organs. Also, occasionally, severe bleeding in the mouth or respiratory tract may lead to a dog swallowing blood and then vomiting it back up. The blood may come from the stomach, esophagus (tube between the mouth and stomach), or upper intestines (the part of the intestinal tract connected to the stomach). Note: Descriptions like these, or taking a picture with your phone, may help your veterinarian narrow down the underlying cause. Dark, tarry-looking stools may also be present and can be a sign of intestinal bleeding. The technical term for vomiting blood is “hematemesis.” Depending where the bleeding originates, episodes may include fresh, bright red blood or partially digested blood that looks more like coffee grounds. What Does It Mean If a Dog Throws Up Blood? So, is vomiting blood serious? What causes bloody vomiting in dogs? But when vomit contains blood, it sparks a whole new level of concern. Vomiting is unpleasant for your pet, and for you as the pet parent who has to clean it up.
