Is a Dog Vomiting Blood an Emergency?

If your dog suddenly vomits something pink or red or contains flecks or clots of blood, this can be alarming.

Although vomiting is relatively common and often of little concern, vomiting blood is a different story when it comes to our furry friends.

Vomiting blood can indicate a serious underlying medical issue, and it is always something we want to take seriously. While some cases remain mild, others can become rapidly life-threatening.

What Does It Mean When a Dog Vomits Blood?

Bloody vomit usually indicates a problem within the upper gastrointestinal tract.

What is the Difference Between Fresh Blood and Dark, Coffee-Ground Vomit?

Identifying the type and quantity of blood is really key to determining how significant this symptom is.

Fresh blood will be bright red and has usually come from the mouth, food pipe, or perhaps the stomach, very recently.

Conversely, dark or coffee-ground type blood has been digested, meaning it has been sitting in the stomach and has had time to be digested.

Signs Your Dog's Vomiting Blood is an Emergency

If your dog has vomited blood, it is always worth paying close attention. Monitor them closely for other symptoms such as:

Shaking

Shaking is not a specific sign and can have a range of causes, including nausea, a source of pain, a fever or low blood sugar.

It confirms that something is amiss, especially if it does not stop shortly after the vomiting episode.

Pale or White Gums

Your dog’s gums should be a salmon pink colour, and pale gums are a red flag. They can be a sign that your dog is losing blood internally or going into shock.

Weakness or Lethargy

Being weak or sleepy can signify that your dog is in shock, bleeding internally, or has a low red blood cell level (anaemia).

It can also be seen in dogs who are feeling extremely nauseous or who have severe abdominal pain or toxin build up.

Collapse

Collapse is a very serious indicator that your dog is not coping and can signal very low blood pressure, cardiovascular shock or organ failure. This is a true emergency situation.

Cold Ears or Paws

The extremities may feel cool to the touch when the body is trying to conserve internal organs by redirecting blood flow internally during shock.

Is There Blood in the Stool or Signs of Severe Pain?

Always monitor your dog’s toileting too. Blood in the stool may be bright red or black and tarry if digested.

With abdominal pain, you may notice symptoms such as a hunched posture, constant stretching, moving into the ‘downward dog’ position, a tense abdomen, or extreme reluctance to be touched.

What Causes a Dog to Vomit Blood?

There are several reasons your dog may bring up blood.

Can Gastrointestinal Infections or Ulcers Cause Bloody Vomit?

One of the most common causes would be an infection such as Acute Haemorrhagic Diarrhoea Syndrome (formerly known as HGE: 80% of these dogs also vomit, which is bloody about half the time), Seasonal Canine Illness, or gastroenteritis caused by Salmonella (more common in those who are raw fed).

Ulcers are also going to cause bleeding in the stomach and bloody vomit. These can be seen, for example, in those who have been taking NSAIDs or corticosteroid medicine for a prolonged time.

Can Foreign Objects or Toxins Trigger Internal Bleeding?

Both foreign body ingestions and toxicities are common considerations when a dog presents with vomiting blood.

Some of the more common culprits when it comes to blockages would include corn cobs, socks and underwear, and plastic toys.

For toxins, we often encounter dogs who have eaten their owners’ medicine (such as Ibuprofen) or ingested rat bait or a large quantity of toxic foods like chocolate or onions.

Can Trauma or Internal Injuries Lead to Blood in Vomit?

Injuries are a less common cause of bloody vomit. However, it is possible for a severe trauma, such as a fall from a height or a vehicle accident, to cause a food pipe or stomach tear, which would lead to this symptom.

There could be other considerations too, including things like severe pancreatitis, a heavy parasite burden, or liver failure.

When Should You Go to the Emergency Vet Immediately?

In some cases, when a dog is coping very well, and the blood is minimal, we may be able to see them during routine (rather than emergency) hours.

If unsure about the next step, please contact us to discuss when your dog should be seen.

How Much Blood is Too Much?

The amount of blood a dog can tolerate losing depends on their age, size, and general health. A few specks of blood are a lot less concerning than bringing up an egg cup amount or more.

Why Does Age or Existing Health Conditions Affect the Risk?

Very young or very old dogs are less able to cope with blood loss, as are those with underlying medical problems.

These dogs are already in a fragile state, and becoming unwell can affect them more profoundly, very quickly.

These dogs may already have a small blood volume or mild anaemia, making each drop of blood more precious to them.

How is Vomiting Blood in Dogs Diagnosed?

Once your dog is presented to the veterinarian, they’ll want to hear about what has been going on and will perform a full nose-to-tail check.

What Tests Will a Vet Perform?

Some of the most common diagnostic tests include a haematology and biochemistry blood profile, and imaging such as an abdominal ultrasound or endoscopy (a small camera into the stomach).

Your vet may also run a coagulation profile if there is concern about blood clotting.

How is a Dog Vomiting Blood Treated?

The treatment your dog receives will depend on how unwell they are and what is causing their bloody vomit.

Treatment typically involves intravenous fluid therapy, gastroprotectants and anti-nausea medicine. Those who have lost a lot of blood may require active warming, oxygen, and perhaps even a blood transfusion.

Does Treatment Depend on the Underlying Cause?

One of the main factors affecting treatment will be the underlying issue.

A dog exposed to rat bait will be treated with the antidote, Vitamin K. If the cause is a medication like an NSAID, it is likely to be abruptly stopped.

Bacterial infections, such as Salmonellosis, should respond to antibiotics.

Can Vomiting Blood Be Prevented in Dogs?

Sometimes, prevention is possible. This is the case when the vomiting is linked to a disease we vaccinate against (like Parvovirus), hookworms, or a toxicity.

It helps to keep your dog up to date on vaccines and parasite prevention, and to keep all potential toxins well out of reach and behind locked doors.

Get Emergency Veterinary Care for Your Dog

Call an emergency vet right away if your dog is throwing up large quantities of blood or if they have red flag symptoms such as weakness, pale gums or a known toxin exposure.

Dog Vomiting Blood FAQs

Is a Small Amount of Blood in a Dog's Vomit Always an Emergency?

If a dog is coping well and just has small flecks of blood in their vomit, this may not be urgent. This can be seen when the food pipe is inflamed.

What Should I Do If My Dog Vomits Blood at Home?

Monitor your pet closely for any other symptoms, and check the home and garden for potential toxin exposure. It is also a good idea to contact your vet to make a plan.

Can Stress or Diet Cause a Dog to Vomit Blood?

In some sensitive dogs, stress can cause inflammation of the digestive tract and may lead to bloody vomit or stool. An abrupt diet change is also notorious for causing an upset stomach, and this may mean bloody vomit for a small number of patients.

How Quickly Can a Dog Recover After Vomiting Blood?

Recovery and prognosis depend on the cause of the vomiting and how severely the dog is affected. Mild cases may resolve within the day, while more involved cases may take weeks to recover from.