Seeing your dog vomiting blood can stop any pet parent in their tracks. It’s scary, it’s shocking, and it’s not something you ever want to ignore. If you notice bright red blood or dark specks in your dog’s vomit that look similar to coffee grounds, it usually means something isn’t right with your dog’s gastrointestinal tract (GI tract).
While not all causes are life-threatening, some can lead to serious complications like severe blood loss, dehydration, or even the need for a blood transfusion. Here’s what pet owners need to know about bloody vomit, possible causes, and when it’s time to get your dog to the vet.
Hematemesis in Dogs: Bloody Vomit
The medical term for vomiting blood is hematemesis. It’s one of those symptoms that can make any pet parent panic—and for good reason. Bloody vomit isn’t normal, and it’s often a warning sign that something is wrong in your dog’s digestive system, stomach lining, or even their respiratory tract.
Depending on where the bleeding is happening in your dog’s gastrointestinal tract (GI tract), the vomit can look different. You might notice:
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Bright red blood: This usually indicates fresh bleeding, which could be coming from the upper GI tract, such as the dog’s stomach or esophagus. It could also come from the respiratory tract, especially if your dog has been coughing or has swallowed blood from a nosebleed or injury.
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Dark brown or black specks: This looks like coffee grounds and usually means the blood has been partially digested. This type of blood often comes from deeper in the digestive system, such as the intestines, or from stomach ulcers caused by excessive stomach acid, medications, or other health problems.
In some cases, you may also notice bloody diarrhea or other signs of abdominal pain alongside vomiting, which can point to more severe issues in your dog’s GI tract.
While it’s easy to hope it’s a one-time thing or not serious, a dog vomiting blood should never be ignored. Whether it’s caused by something as simple as irritation from stomach acid or as serious as an internal injury, identifying the underlying cause quickly is key to protecting your dog’s health.
Possible Reasons Your Dog is Vomiting Blood
Anything from stomach ulcers and intestinal parasites to bacterial infections or even cancer could be the underlying cause. Sometimes the issue is with the dog’s stomach, and other times it starts deeper in the dog’s digestive system or respiratory tract. The key for pet parents is to recognize that bloody vomit means something isn’t right and get your pup checked out as soon as possible to figure out what’s going on.
Digestive Tract Disturbances
A common culprit behind bloody vomit is irritation or injury to your dog’s stomach or intestines. Things like stomach ulcers, caused by excessive stomach acid or certain medications, can lead to your dog vomiting blood. Intestinal parasites are another common cause, especially in puppies or dogs who aren’t on a regular deworming schedule.
Other digestive issues, like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), can inflame your dog’s GI tract and cause both bloody diarrhea and vomiting.
Canine Parvovirus or Other Infections
Some of the most serious causes of bloody vomit are viral or bacterial infections. Canine parvovirus, commonly known as parvo, is one of the most dangerous infections, especially in puppies and unvaccinated dogs. This highly contagious virus attacks the dog’s digestive system, leading to prolonged or severe vomiting, bloody diarrhea, fever, lethargy, and life-threatening dehydration.
Without immediate treatment, parvo can be fatal. In addition to parvo, other bacterial infections in the stomach or intestines can irritate the GI tract, which could result in your dog throwing up blood. These infections often require antibiotics, fluid therapy, and supportive care to help your dog recover safely.
Trauma or Internal Injury
Dogs love to chew, but sometimes their curiosity can get them into trouble. If your dog has been chewing on sharp or hard objects like sticks, bones, or toys, they could accidentally swallow something that scratches, punctures, or injures their digestive system. This kind of trauma can lead to internal bleeding, showing up as bloody vomit.
If your dog is a heavy chewer, consider switching to a chew-proof dog bed to reduce the chance of accidental ingestion of bedding materials.
In more serious cases, blunt force trauma—such as being hit by a car or falling from a height—can cause internal injury to the dog’s stomach or intestines. These injuries may not always be visible on the outside but can result in internal bleeding, abdominal pain, and other dangerous complications. Any suspected injury should be treated as an emergency.
Cancer or Tumors
Unfortunately, cancer or tumors in the dog’s digestive system can sometimes be the reason behind bloody vomit. Tumors can form in the stomach, intestines, or other parts of the GI tract, disrupting normal function and causing internal bleeding or abdominal pain.
While cancer is not the most common reason for bloody vomit, it is something your vet may want to rule out, especially if your dog is older or showing other signs like weight loss, lethargy, or loss of appetite. Early detection and treatment can make a big difference in managing cancer-related health issues.
Blood Clotting Issues
If your dog’s body can’t clot blood properly, even small injuries inside the GI tract can lead to bloody vomit. Health conditions like kidney disease or liver disease can interfere with your dog’s ability to produce the clotting factors needed to stop bleeding. Exposure to toxins like rat poison can also prevent blood from clotting, leading to internal bleeding that may show up as vomiting blood or even bloody diarrhea.
These cases are serious medical emergencies. Your dog may require fluid therapy, medication to reverse the toxin’s effects, or even a blood transfusion if severe blood loss has occurred. Acting quickly can be life-saving in these situations.
When to Seek Veterinary Help for a Dog Throwing Up Blood
Any dog vomiting blood should be seen by a veterinarian. But you should consider it an emergency if you notice:
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Large amounts of red blood in vomit
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Repeated or severe vomiting
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Bloody diarrhea alongside vomiting
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Signs of weakness, pale gums, or collapse (could mean severe blood loss)
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Abdominal pain or bloating
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No interest in food or water for more than 24 hours
Your vet will work to identify the underlying cause and may recommend tests like bloodwork, X-rays, or an ultrasound. Treatment might include IV fluids to prevent dehydration, medications to reduce stomach acid, or specialized care if a more serious condition is found.
How to Keep Your Dog Comfortable at Home
First and foremost, follow your vet’s treatment plan exactly as prescribed. This might include medications to reduce stomach acid, antibiotics to fight bacterial infections, or special care instructions to help manage any underlying cause your vet identified. Stick to the schedule and dosage to give your dog the best chance at a full recovery.
Diet and Hydration
If your vet recommends it, offer a bland diet such as plain boiled chicken and white or brown rice. This is easy on your dog’s digestive system and can help settle their stomach while they heal. Start with small, frequent meals and gradually increase the amount as your dog begins to feel better.
Hydration is just as important as nutrition, especially after severe vomiting or bloody diarrhea. Encourage small sips of water throughout the day to help replace lost fluids. Avoid letting your dog gulp down large amounts at once, which could trigger more vomiting. Your vet may also recommend fluid therapy if your dog is dehydrated.
Calm and Comforting Space
Create a calm, quiet space where your dog can relax without too much stimulation. Rest is an important part of healing, so keeping your dog away from loud noises, other pets, or too much activity can make a big difference.
And don’t forget their comfort! Make sure your dog has a supportive, orthopedic dog bed, especially if they’re dealing with abdominal pain, weakness, or fatigue. Our beds are designed for large and extra-large dogs, providing orthopedic support that eases joint and body discomfort. Plus, they come with removable, washable covers—making cleanup quick and easy if your pup has any accidents while recovering.
We know how frightening it is to see your dog throwing up blood. While not every case is life-threatening, it’s always worth checking in with your vet to find out what’s going on inside your dog’s gastrointestinal tract. Early intervention can make all the difference, especially when vomiting, diarrhea, or signs of severe blood loss are involved.
Your dog depends on you to be their advocate—so if you’re ever in doubt, trust your gut and call your vet. Your best friend’s health is always worth it.
