Your dog may vomit blood due to different diseases. Blood vomiting, also known as hematemesis, is a severe symptom and should never be overlooked. Immediate diagnosis and treatment are needed to help the pet and prevent complications or death.
Main Causes of Vomiting Blood
Dogs that vomit blood may be severely ill and may also have other symptoms. The blood in the vomit may be dark brown, black (digested blood) or bright red, depending on what causes the hematemesis. Common causes of blood in the vomit may include:
- Tumors in the digestive system, which may bleed sporadically
- Polyps in the digestive system, which can irritate the stomach or esophagus and may bleed, but only in rare cases
- Severe bleeding of the gums, which may be caused by periodontal disease
- An open wound in the dog’s mouth, which bleeds and the dog may ingest the blood, which can cause an irritation of the esophagus and the stomach and lead to vomiting
- A nose bleed, especially if the dog ingests the blood
- Ingestion of blood (i.e. from an injury), as dogs will often lick themselves if injured
- Gastric ulcers, which are lesions of the stomach that bleed on a regular basis and the blood may cause nausea and vomiting. Often, the dog may have blood in the feces as well.
- Esophagus ulcers
- Duodenal ulcers
- A perforated organ that causes internal bleeding (may be caused by the ingestion of a sharp object such as a bone splinter or needle)
- Foreign objects that cause injuries and bleeding of the esophagus or the stomach
- Drugs that may produce intestinal bleeding
- Internal parasites
- Internal hemorrhage
- Hemophilia, an autoimmune disease that causes impaired blood coagulation and may also present intestinal bleeding.
In some cases, what you think is blood may only be food that has the color and consistency of blood. However, if you suspect your dog is vomiting blood, take a sample of the vomit for analysis. Always wear protective gloves when handling dog vomit and make sure to disinfect the areas in the house with dog vomit.
Detect Additional Symptoms
You should detect other symptoms manifested by the dog to help the vet diagnose the dog’s problem and get treatment as soon as possible.
The vet will have to run a few tests to get a clear verdict. But meanwhile, the dog may be put under IV fluids, which will help him recover and keep him nourished and hydrated.
Cure for Dogs that Vomit Blood
If your pet vomits blood, he should receive treatment immediately.
The treatment will be established by the vet, depending on the findings and the additional symptoms of the pet.
The dog may receive medication treatment and will be kept under surveillance for several days, to ensure he will no longer vomit blood.