Why Is My Dog Throwing Up Blood?

Seeing your dog throw up blood can be a frightening experience for any pet parent. Your dog throwing up blood is a condition known as hematemesis, where the vomit may contain bright red streaks or appear dark and coffee-colored. This symptom can signal anything from minor stomach irritation to a serious internal condition that needs urgent attention. Understanding why it happens, what it may look like, and when to seek emergency care can help you act quickly and protect your pet’s health. If your dog is vomiting blood, contact Hershey Animal Emergency Center in Hershey, PA at (717) 298-7883 right away.

 

 

What It Means When You See Blood in Your Dog’s Vomit

When a dog throws up blood, it means that bleeding has occurred somewhere along the digestive tract, from the mouth and throat to the stomach or small intestine. The color and consistency of the vomit often provide helpful clues. Bright red blood typically indicates fresh bleeding near the upper digestive tract, while darker, grainy material suggests that blood has been partially digested, pointing to internal bleeding further down the system.

Several possible conditions could lead to your dog throwing up blood, ranging from irritation and injury to infection or poisoning. Even if your dog seems otherwise normal, vomiting blood should always be treated as an emergency. Prompt evaluation helps identify the underlying issue and prevent complications.

Causes for a Dog Throwing Up Blood

A variety of factors can cause a dog to vomit blood. Some are relatively mild, while others require immediate medical attention.

Stomach and Intestinal Irritation

Irritation of the stomach lining, known as gastritis, is one of the most common causes. It can occur if a dog eats something they shouldn’t, like spoiled food, foreign objects, or harsh chemicals or after taking certain medications on an empty stomach. The inflamed lining may begin to bleed, resulting in visible blood in the vomit.

Ulcers in the Digestive Tract

Gastrointestinal ulcers can form due to stress, infection, or prolonged use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These ulcers cause bleeding and pain, and dogs may vomit dark, tar-like blood or partially digested material that resembles coffee grounds.

Ingesting a Foreign Object

Dogs are curious by nature, and swallowing a toy, bone, or other object can lead to internal injuries or blockages. A lodged object may scrape or puncture the stomach or intestines, causing bleeding and vomiting.

Toxin Exposure or Poisoning

Certain toxins such as rodent poison or household chemicals can interfere with blood clotting or cause internal bleeding. If a dog throws up blood after possible exposure to a toxin, this situation is life-threatening and requires immediate emergency care.

Trauma or Injury

Injuries to the mouth, throat, or digestive tract from rough play, car accidents, or chewing sharp objects can also result in bloody vomit. Even a small cut can lead to visible streaks of blood in the vomit.

Serious Illnesses

More severe health conditions such as liver disease, kidney failure, or certain infections can cause a dog to vomit blood. In these cases, vomiting may accompany other symptoms like weakness, pale gums, or loss of appetite.

What the Color and Texture of the Blood Can Tell You

Not all blood in vomit looks the same, and the differences can reveal where and why bleeding is occurring.

Bright Red Blood

Fresh, bright red blood usually indicates recent bleeding near the upper digestive tract, such as the mouth, throat, or stomach. This could result from irritation, minor trauma, or ulcers close to the stomach’s surface.

Dark or Coffee-Ground Vomit

When blood appears dark brown or black and grainy, it suggests that it has been partially digested. This indicates internal bleeding further down in the gastrointestinal tract. Such vomit often points to ulcers or more serious internal issues that need urgent evaluation.

Blood Mixed with Mucus or Bile

If you notice mucus or bile mixed with the blood, it can suggest irritation or inflammation in the stomach or small intestine. While some cases may resolve once the irritant passes, it’s always best to have your dog checked to rule out serious problems.

Accompanying Symptoms to Watch For

Bloody vomit rarely appears alone. Pay attention to other symptoms that may help identify what’s happening inside your dog’s body.

Lethargy or Weakness

Blood loss, dehydration, or pain can make your dog seem tired, disinterested, or slow to move. This can signal a serious internal problem that needs attention.

Diarrhea or Bloody Stools

If your dog’s stool also contains blood, it may indicate that the bleeding extends throughout the digestive system, suggesting a systemic issue.

Pale Gums

Pale gums often point to anemia or blood loss, both of which require prompt veterinary evaluation.

Loss of Appetite or Abdominal Pain

If your dog refuses food or appears uncomfortable when you touch their abdomen, there could be inflammation or internal bleeding. Even if only one of these symptoms is present, calling Hershey Animal Emergency Center at (717) 298-7883 is the safest step.

How Is Throwing Up Blood Diagnosed?

When you bring your dog to Hershey Animal Emergency Center, our team begins by stabilizing your pet and assessing their condition. A detailed medical history helps us determine possible causes such as recent dietary changes, toxin exposure, or medication use.

Diagnostic Testing

Veterinarians may perform several tests to identify the source of bleeding, which can include:

• Bloodwork to assess organ function and detect anemia or infection.
• Fecal tests to check for parasites or blood.
• X-rays or ultrasounds to visualize the digestive tract and look for obstructions or tumors.
• Endoscopy to examine the stomach and upper intestines for ulcers or lesions.

These diagnostics allow our emergency team to identify the root cause quickly and determine the next steps for care.

Why You Should Never Wait to Seek Help

When it comes to a dog throwing up blood, time matters. Even small amounts of blood can point to significant internal irritation or damage. Waiting too long to seek help can allow the condition to worsen, making treatment more difficult and increasing risk.

Hershey Animal Emergency Center offers 24/7 emergency veterinary care for dogs and cats in Hershey, PA, and surrounding communities. Our experienced team is trained to handle all types of emergencies, including vomiting blood, trauma, poisoning, and gastrointestinal issues. If you notice blood in your dog’s vomit, call (717) 298-7883 or bring your pet to our emergency facility immediately.

Supporting Your Dog’s Health After an Emergency

After your dog has been treated for vomiting blood, follow-up care is important to promote healing and prevent recurrence. Your veterinarian may recommend monitoring your pet’s diet, avoiding harsh medications, and returning for recheck appointments to ensure the digestive system is functioning properly.

If your dog has a chronic condition that affects their digestive tract, ongoing management may include specialized diets, routine testing, or medication to prevent irritation. Staying alert to changes in appetite, stool, and energy levels can help you catch early warning signs before they become serious. At Hershey Animal Emergency Center, we’re here to support you every step of the way. From advanced diagnostics to compassionate emergency care, our mission is to help your dog feel better, faster.