Nose Bleed in Dogs: What You Need to Know

Whether your dog sneezes up a few drops of blood or there is a steady trickle coming from their nose, any sort of nasal bleeding is alarming for an owner to witness.

The medical term for a nose bleed is ‘epistaxis’, and this is not an uncommon occurrence in dogs (much rarer in cats). The priority for your vet will be to determine what has caused the nose bleed, so the most appropriate treatment can begin.

Although some milder bleeds can be initially managed from home, where large amounts of blood are being passed, or the nose bleed is not stopping, you will need to seek emergency care for your furry friend.

What is a Nose Bleed in Dogs?

Any blood coming from the nose is called a nose bleed, and it is never a normal occurrence. It is a symptom that there is something amiss and there are plenty of potential causes, which we’ll discuss in detail below.

What Are the Symptoms That Accompany a Nose Bleed?

A dog who is experiencing sudden nasal bleeding may have additional signs. Monitoring your dog closely can help provide useful information.

As well as a bloody discharge, your dog may experience symptoms including:

• Sneezing
• Face rubbing
• Pale gums
• Weakness
• Coughing
• Vomiting of blood
• Snorting, or a change in their breathing

For most, while a nose bleed can be disconcerting, there are no signs of pain.

Bleeding From One Nostril vs Both Nostrils

Check to see if your dog is bleeding from both of their nostrils, or just one. If there is a lot of blood, you may need to wipe away the excess to be able to check this.

When is a Nose Bleed Considered an Emergency?

Any nose bleed that is not stopping warrants urgent vet care. Similarly, if your dog is passing large quantities of blood, they should be seen immediately.

It is also an emergency if your dog has had known exposure to a toxin or a recent trauma, or if they have accompanying symptoms such as weakness, lethargy, trouble breathing or pale gums.

What Causes Nose Bleeds in Dogs?

There are many potential causes for epistaxis, with trauma, tumours, and infection listed as the most common ones.

Trauma or Injury to the Nose

The nose is highly vascular, meaning it contains a great deal of blood vessels. For this reason, if your dog bangs it, there’s likely to be some bleeding.

Traumatic injuries include being hit by a ball in the nose or falling onto the face while running.

Foreign Objects Lodged in the Nasal Passages

Grass awns are the typical foreign object that a dog will sniff up their nose when out and about. Their arrow shape means they are great at burrowing deep within the nostrils and getting firmly lodged inside.

Other things we sometimes see inside the nose include splinters, thorns, and even ticks.

Infections and Inflammation

Upper respiratory infections and chronic rhinitis can cause a myriad of symptoms, including sneezing, nasal discharge, and inflammation of the respiratory tract. For more severe or longstanding cases, this can potentially lead to a bloody discharge.

Fungal infections are seen more in longer-nosed breeds, such as the German Shepherd and Greyhound. Their nose may be very sensitive, and there is often a loss of pigment.

Blood Clotting Disorders

If your dog has an ineffective blood clotting system, perhaps due to a medical issue such as thrombocytopaenia or Von Willebrand's Disease, they are prone to bleeding. The nose would be a typical location for this to occur, as it has many blood vessels and is easily bumped.

Dogs with lungworm can develop blood-clotting disorders, and we may see nose bleeds as well as bruising and the development of a new cough.

Tumours or Growths in the Nasal Cavity

Bleeding can also be due to a growth within the nose. Cancerous tumours are more common in older dogs. As well as bloody discharge, owners may notice a swelling of the nose or a lack of facial symmetry.

Poisoning or Toxin Exposure

Some toxins that can cause nose bleeds would include rat bait and medicines such as Ibuprofen. They affect the body’s ability to clot the blood, leading to bleeding from the nose and other areas, too.

Some toxic foods, like onions and garlic, can cause Heinz body anaemia. In severe cases, the platelet count and clotting function could become impaired.

High Blood Pressure and Systemic Diseases

Certain chronic medical issues, like hypertension and liver failure, can lead to nose bleeds. Often, these patients will present with other symptoms such as weight loss, chronic vomiting, excessive thirst, or weakness.

Can Certain Dog Breeds Be More at Risk?

Absolutely, both genetic and environmental factors will play a role here.

Long-Nosed vs Short-Nosed Breeds

Long-nosed dogs are more likely to suffer from fungal nasal infections and nasal tumours.

Brachycephalic (short-nosed breeds) are prone to dental disease and abscesses, as well as to chronic URIs, thanks to the shape of their face.

Breed-Specific Health Conditions Linked to Nose Bleeds

Dog breed plays a role, too. Some breeds, like the Doberman, are more likely to have blood-clotting disorders (such as Von Willebrand’s Disease) due to their genetics.

These dogs may show other signs, such as prolonged bleeding after their claw is nicked or after neutering surgery.

What Should You Do If Your Dog Has a Nose Bleed?

If you notice your dog’s nose is bleeding, you’ll want to assess their surroundings and try to manage the situation from home- at least initially.

Immediate Steps to Take at Home

Stay calm, as your dog will pick up on your stress levels. If you have one, place an ice pack over the bridge of the nose to constrict blood vessels and slow bleeding.

Have your dog lie down and keep the room calm, dimly lit and quiet to help slow your dog’s heart rate.

What Not to Do During a Nose Bleed

Refrain from putting anything up the nose (such as tissue or a tampon) as this can actually exacerbate the bleeding and cause a sneezing fit.

Avoid giving your dog any medication unless directly told to do so by their veterinarian.

When Should You Take Your Dog to the Vet?

It is not always clear when a vet visit is warranted, and owners are generally unsure if they should bring their pet straight in or not.

Signs That Require Urgent Veterinary Care

We advise seeking emergency vet care if the nose bleeding does not quickly stop (within 10-15 minutes), if there is a large amount of blood or if your dog has additional signs, such as weakness, vomiting, or trouble breathing.

Questions Your Vet May Ask

Your vet will want to know about any possible toxin exposure or recent trauma. They’ll be keen for you to roughly quantify the amount of blood that has been lost, and for you to let them know how your dog is coping.

Your vet may also want to know about your dog’s lungworm treatment status.

How Vets Diagnose the Cause of Nose Bleeds in Dogs

Your vet will check your dog from nose to tail and ask about any relevant medical history. In some cases, diagnostic tests will be recommended.

Blood Tests and Imaging

Haematology and coagulation tests can assess blood cells and clotting function and identify inflammation or infection. A biochemistry blood test will assess organ function and check protein levels.

X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs of the skull may be useful for diagnosing conditions such as advanced dental disease, tumours, and severe fungal disease.

Rhinoscopy and Advanced Diagnostic Tools

For some dogs, a small camera (rhinoscope) can be placed inside the nose to improve visualisation of what is happening.

This can allow the vet to remove any foreign object or to take a biopsy. When infection is suspected, a swab can be collected for culture and sensitivity testing.

What Are the Treatment Options for Nose Bleeds in Dogs?

Once first aid has been carried out, treatment largely depends on the cause of the nose bleed.

Medical Treatments

Medicine such as antibiotics, antifungals or anti-inflammatories may be issued. Those with very low blood or platelet counts may require blood product transfusions.

Toxicities will be treated accordingly. For example, the anecdote for rat bait toxicity is usually Vitamin K.

Surgical or Advanced Treatments

Foreign bodies are generally removed while the patient is under heavy sedation or anaesthesia. Similarly, if there is a dental abscess, the infected tooth can be extracted.

Some nasal tumours may be surgically debulked or removed, with some patients also receiving chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy.

Antifungal infusions and a debridement of fungal plaques may be needed to effectively treat fungal infections, such as Aspergillus.

How to Prevent Nose Bleeds in Dogs

Not all nose bleeds can be prevented, but some strategies may be useful.

Reducing the Risk of Injury and Trauma

Be sensible about your dog’s risk exposure. Avoid boisterous play with poorly socialised or aggressive dogs.

Keep your dog on a lead when in an area with lots of fox tails and burrs. Never allow your dog to catch a thrown stick or to chew on sticks or wood.

Regular Check-Ups and Early Detection

Dogs should be seen at least once a year, and more regularly than this when they’re seniors. This allows vets to detect medical issues, such as dental disease or nasal tumours, before they progress.

Get Emergency Vet Care for Your Dog

Contact us at any time, day or night, if your dog is experiencing a nosebleed and you are concerned.

Nose Bleed in Dogs FAQs

What Are the Signs of a Serious Nosebleed in Dogs?

A serious nosebleed may involve heavy or continuous bleeding, bleeding from both nostrils, lethargy, pale gums, breathing difficulty, facial swelling, or frequent recurring episodes. Nosebleeds following trauma, poisoning, or accompanied by weakness or bruising should be treated as urgent. If bleeding lasts longer than a few minutes or your dog seems unwell, contact a vet immediately.

How Can I Prevent Nosebleeds in My Dog?

Prevention depends on the cause. Keep your dog away from toxins (such as rat poison), manage allergies, maintain good dental health, and avoid rough play that could cause facial injuries. Regular vet check-ups help detect underlying conditions such as infections, clotting disorders, or tumours early. If your dog has frequent nosebleeds, your vet may recommend tests or preventative treatment.

How Long Should a Dog’s Nose Bleed Last?

A mild nosebleed should usually stop within 5–10 minutes with gentle rest and minimal disturbance. If bleeding continues beyond 10–15 minutes, is heavy, or keeps returning, it may indicate an underlying problem such as injury, infection, or a clotting disorder. Persistent bleeding should always be assessed by a vet.

Can Stress Cause Nose Bleeds in Dogs?

Stress alone rarely causes nosebleeds, but it can contribute indirectly. Stress may increase blood pressure, worsen underlying conditions, or lead to behaviours like rubbing the nose, which can trigger bleeding. Most nosebleeds are caused by medical conditions such as trauma, infections, foreign bodies, or clotting disorders. If nosebleeds occur during stressful periods, consult your vet to rule out medical problems.