Dog Throwing Up Blood: What to Do

Seeing your dog throwing up blood is frightening. Vomiting blood, called hematemesis, can range from a small streak caused by irritation to a sign of a serious problem. Because some causes are life-threatening, it is best to contact a vet right away.

What the blood looks like

• Bright red blood or streaks: fresh bleeding, often from the mouth, throat, esophagus or stomach
• Dark brown “coffee grounds”: partly digested blood from the stomach or upper intestine

Take a photo before cleaning up. It helps your vet.

Possible causes

• Stomach irritation or ulcers, sometimes from medications like certain pain relievers
• Eating something sharp, such as bones or sticks
• Severe or repeated vomiting that irritates the esophagus
• Gastroenteritis, including hemorrhagic gastroenteritis
• Infections, such as parvovirus in unvaccinated dogs. See parvo in dogs.
• Toxins, including rat poison that stops blood from clotting. See rat poison and pets.
• Swallowed objects causing damage or blockage. See signs of intestinal blockage.
• Liver or kidney disease
• Tumors of the stomach or intestines
• Clotting disorders

When it is an emergency

Go to an emergency vet right away if your dog:

• Vomits a lot of blood or vomits blood more than once
• Has pale gums, weakness or collapse
• Has a swollen or painful belly
• Has bloody diarrhea too
• May have eaten rat poison, medications or a sharp object
• Is a puppy or has not been vaccinated

Call ahead so the team can prepare. See can I take my dog to any vet in an emergency?

If it was just a small streak

A tiny streak of blood once, in a dog who is otherwise acting normal, may come from irritation after vomiting. Still, call a vet for advice. It is better to be safe.

What not to do

• Do not give human medications, like aspirin or ibuprofen, which can make bleeding worse
• Do not force food or water if your dog is still vomiting

What the vet may do

Your vet may run blood tests, check clotting, take X-rays or an ultrasound and give fluids and medications to protect the stomach. Treatment depends on the cause.

Other vomiting guides

See dog vomiting once vs. multiple times and why is my dog throwing up yellow bile?

Frequently asked questions

Is a dog vomiting blood always an emergency?

Not always, but it often is. Because serious causes are possible, call a vet promptly.

What does coffee ground vomit mean?

It usually means digested blood from the stomach or upper intestine and needs urgent attention.

Did your dog just vomit blood? Ask a vet

Talk to a licensed vet 24/7, even on holidays, by chat, voice call or video call. Your first month is free with code FREEMONTH, then US $9.99/month, at nyptelevet.com/. One membership covers up to 6 pets, and you can cancel anytime.

Our vets can’t prescribe medication, but they’ll tell you what’s likely needed and when an in-person visit is the next step.

Sources

• Disorders of the Stomach and Intestines in Dogs, Merck Veterinary Manual
• Vomiting in Dogs, VCA Animal Hospitals
• Anticoagulant Rodenticide Poisoning in Dogs, VCA Animal Hospitals