Vomiting of Blood in Dogs

Written By hannah hollinger
Published: 04/23/2016Updated: 04/15/2021
Veterinary reviewed by Dr. Linda Simon, MVB MRCVS
Vomiting of Blood in Dogs - Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, Recovery, Management, Cost

What is Vomiting of Blood?

Vomiting of blood, called hematemesis, is a fairly common symptom in dogs that can be associated with a number of different diseases. Vomited blood is easily recognizable when it is fresh, but if it is partially digested it often has a dark grainy appearance, similar to old coffee grounds. Any problem that erodes the lining of the stomach can expose blood vessels and cause gastrointestinal hemorrhage that will make your dog vomit blood. Ulcers, gastritis or drugs like NSAID’s are common reasons. Tumors located in the stomach or esophagus can also cause this problem, as well as infections like Coronavirus and Parvovirus. Less obvious causes include liver or kidney disease, toxin ingestion, shock, internal trauma that bleeds into the stomach, and diseases that affect blood coagulation. Hematemesis should be distinguished from coughing of blood (hemoptysis), which is due to a respiratory problem, although occasionally dogs may swallow blood from a respiratory tract disorder and vomit it up in a similar way to hematemesis. Sometimes sores on the mouth or dental problems with bleeding are also mistaken if the source of the blood is not obvious. Hematemesis is a nonspecific symptom, but it can be a sign of serious disease.

Dogs may vomit blood for a variety of reasons. Veterinarians call this hematemesis. Depending on the amount of blood that is present, it can be associated with mild problems like stomach upset, or with serious life-threatening conditions.

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Symptoms of Vomiting of Blood in Dogs

Take your dog to see a veterinarian if you notice any of the following symptoms. Vomiting of large amounts of blood should be treated as an emergency.

  • Vomit containing specks of blood
  • Vomit with dark grains that look like coffee grounds
  • Vomiting large amounts of blood
  • Concurrent symptoms such as diarrhea, hematochezia (blood in the stool), fever, or shock
  • Pale gums, shallow breathing or cold body temperature

Types

Hematemesis may be either acute or chronic.

  • Acute – sudden severe symptoms
  • Chronic – regularly vomiting material that contains blood

Causes of Vomiting of Blood in Dogs

There are numerous different conditions that could cause your dog to vomit blood. These are some of the most likely:

  • Ulcers
  • Gastritis (acute, chronic, or hemorrhagic gastroenteritis)
  • Inflammatory bowel disease
  • Gastrointestinal cancer (Leiomyoma, Carcinoma, Lymphoma, Gastrinoma)
  • Infectious diseases (canine parvovirus, coronavirus)
  • Parasites (hookworm, roundworm, coccidia)
  • Drugs (NSAID’s, corticosteroids)
  • Shock (hypovolemic from blood loss, septic from toxicity, neurogenic from trauma to the brain)
  • Liver disease
  • Hypoadrenocorticism (Addison’s syndrome)
  • Kidney disease
  • Foreign objects
  • Coagulopathy (thrombocytopenia, disseminated intravascular coagulation, clotting factor deficiency)
  • Vigorous vomiting (usually produces only specks of blood)
  • Bleeding in the mouth
  • Swallowing blood from a respiratory tract disorder
  • Toxin ingestion (e.g. rat bait ingestion)
  • Cancer

Diagnosis of Vomiting of Blood in Dogs

Hematemesis is not a diagnosis in itself, but is an important symptom that will help the veterinarian identify your dog’s condition. You will need to give a complete medical history; the recent ingestion of medications like NSAID’s or corticosteroids can be especially important. Recent vaccination, exposure to poisoning, or potential trauma that could cause internal bleeding or shock are also relevant. A good description of your dog’s symptoms, including how much blood is present and whether the problem is acute or chronic, will help to eliminate some possibilities. Other symptoms like fever, diarrhea, or signs of shock can indicate what might be wrong with your dog.

Depending on the severity of the condition, blood tests will usually be taken to check for anemia, clotting disorders, or high levels of white blood cells from infection. This can also help to diagnose liver and kidney disease as well as paraneoplastic syndromes from cancer. Urine analysis can further evaluate many of these conditions. Ultrasound or x-rays may be necessary to check for cancerous tumors or internal injuries.

Treatment of Vomiting of Blood in Dogs

Dogs that are very ill and have lost a lot of blood may need immediate blood or plasma transfusions. Intravenous fluids and electrolytes will treat shock and balance dehydration from vomiting. Severe forms of gastritis, especially hemorrhagic gastroenteritis, can be life-threatening if they are not treated immediately. Viral infections like Parvovirus and Coronavirus will need to be managed symptomatically in this fashion also. Antibiotics may be given to treat vomiting caused by bacterial infection.

If the problem is related to chronic gastritis or ulcers, the veterinarian will treat your dog with antacids and antiemetics. Further treatments may then focus on eliminating the source of these diseases. Dogs may need to be treated for an autoimmune problem or follow a strict diet to avoid allergens. Activated charcoal may be given for drug overdoses or poisoning. Other medications may focus on eliminating parasites as well as treating liver or kidney disease. NSAID’s will be discontinued. Dogs with cancerous tumors, foreign objects, or internal injury may need surgery. In the case of an injury such as a gut laceration, emergency surgery could be required. For cancer, chemotherapy may be recommended post-surgery, or in the case of inoperable tumors.

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Recovery of Vomiting of Blood in Dogs

The veterinarian will evaluate your dog’s chance of recovery upon diagnosis. Many conditions, especially those with only a small amount of blood can be treated easily and your dog will make a full recovery. Some conditions, like cancer, or liver and kidney disease, may require long-term management. Others can be immediately life threatening. Effective treatment will depend on the severity of your dog’s condition and the promptness of medical treatment.

Vomiting of Blood Average Cost

From 69 quotes ranging from $300 - $3,500

Average Cost

$1,100

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Vomiting of Blood Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals

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German Shepherd

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Nine Years

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30 found this helpful

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30 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Throwing Up Blood
What do I do

Sept. 28, 2020

Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM

30 Recommendations

Thank you for your question. It is difficult to say why this may be happening without examining your dog, unfortunately, but they need to see a veterinarian, for sure. They will be able to examine your dog, see if there is an intestinal or stomach problem, and see what treatment might help. I hope that all goes well.

Oct. 7, 2020

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Choc lab

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8 or 9 years old

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7 found this helpful

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7 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
None
She has been picky eating which is new. She has always been a good eater. There was a little blood with like water throw up on the floor this morning. About the size of an peach.

Aug. 2, 2020

Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM

7 Recommendations

Thank you for your question. She may not be feeling well if you are noticing vomit and she doesn't feel like eating. If this continues for any length of time, it would probably be best to have her seen by your veterinarian. They will be able to examine her, see what might be going on and get medication if she needs it. I hope that she feels better soon.

Aug. 2, 2020

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Vomiting of Blood Average Cost

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Average Cost

$1,100

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