It's never pleasant when your dog vomits; no one wants to see their pooch feeling sick. When you spot blood in your pet's vomit, however, it takes things to a new level. No doubt if your dog is throwing up blood, you are alarmed and worried about what that means.
Hematemesis is the technical term for throwing up blood. In some cases, your pet's vomiting may cause digestive irritation, which causes bleeding in the intestinal tract. In other cases, blood that is filling the stomach causes your pet to vomit. Many different things can cause this to happen.
What Causes a Dog to Throw Up Blood?
Vomiting blood is a symptom of a long list of potential problems. Some of the most common reasons a dog might have blood in his vomit include:
- Viral or bacterial infection
- Intestinal parasites
- Obstructions in the digestive tract
- Swallowing a sharp object
- Swallowing a toxic substance
- Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis
- Stomach ulcers
- Traumatic injuries
- Cancer
- Bleeding due to inflammation of the digestive tract (especially if your dog has been sick/vomiting before the blood)
What Should I Do If My Dog Threw Up Blood?
First of all, try not to panic. You will serve your canine companion better right now if you can think clearly.
Call a veterinarian immediately. Even if it was only a little blood spot in the vomit, it might be a serious problem that will keep getting worse.
Note whether the blood looks fresh (bright red), or partially digested (which looks like coffee grounds). Take a picture of it if you can to show your vet.
What Happens at the Vet?
Your veterinarian will conduct diagnostic tests to determine the cause of the bleeding. Once the cause is known, the vet can treat it accordingly. Depending on the problem, your dog may need some type of medication or may require surgery. If dehydrated your pet may need fluids, and if blood loss was severe a transfusion may be necessary.
How We Can Help When Your Dog Throws Up Blood
We here at The Animal Doctors are ready to help you and your dog with highly qualified and dedicated staff. We offer state-of-the-art diagnostic procedures, on-site laboratory testing, surgery, and end-of-life hospice counseling and support. We combine excellent modern care with old-fashioned caring and compassionate values to ensure you and your pet gets the best of care in your time of need.
The Animal Doctors have been serving patients in the San Francisco Bay area for over 40 years now. We are among the 15% of vets in the United States who are accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), meaning we uphold rigorous standards in cleanliness, professionalism, patient care, and quality of veterinary medicine.
If your dog is throwing up blood, don't delay. Prompt treatment may be your best chance to help your pet recover. Let us help you. We service the areas of the San Francisco Peninsula, including Atherton, Cupertino, East Palo Alto, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Menlo Park, Mountain View, Palo Alto, Portola Valley, Redwood City, Stanford, and Woodside.
