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Bleeding from the Mouth in Dogs
Written By Grace Park
Published: 06/22/2017Updated: 07/01/2021
Veterinary reviewed by Dr. Linda Simon, MVB MRCVS
What is Bleeding from the Mouth?
It can be very upsetting to find your dog bleeding from the mouth. A small amount of blood from a nick should not cause you to be concerned. However, if your dog is continuously bleeding from the mouth or there is a lot of blood, he must be seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible.
A foreign object could cause breathing difficulties and a condition such as an abscess could quickly become painful.
Bleeding from the mouth may be caused by:
- Laceration on the dog’s tongue or mouth
- Oral trauma
- Canine ulcerative paradental stomatitis (CUPS)
- Abscess or fractured tooth
- Gingivitis
- Foreign object lodged in gums or throat
- Blood clotting disease such as Von Willebrand’s Disease
It is important to find the cause of the bleeding. Excessive bleeding is a serious condition which can cause your dog to go into shock. A bleeding dog with a clotting disorder may need to have an emergency blood transfusion.
Why Bleeding from the Mouth Occurs in Dogs
Laceration on the Dog’s Tongue or Mouth
Your dog may have cut his mouth or tongue by chewing on toys, sticks or even rocks. A laceration can be caused by another animal bite (dog, cat, raccoon, rat or possum). If your dog got into the garbage, he may have cut himself on a can or other sharp object.
Oral Trauma
Oral bleeding may be caused by a fall, impact with a car or by being physically hit on the mouth. Additionally, tongue trauma can occur during freezing temperatures; a dog licks metal and must then rip his tongue free (tongue gets stuck).
Canine Ulcerative Paradental Stomatitis (CUPS)
Canine ulcerative paradental stomatitis is a disorder that causes painful ulcers on the lining of the dog’s mouth. The ulcers are triggered by plaque on your dog’s teeth. The ulcers can open and bleed. Breeds that are more predisposed to CUPS are the German Shepherd, Dachshund, Labrador Retriever and the Maltese.
Abscess or Fractured Tooth
An abscess or a fractured tooth may be causing your dog to bleed from the mouth. The abscess may cause additional symptoms such as facial swelling, fever, pain and loss of appetite.
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is the inflammation of the gums due to bacteria and plaque. Gingivitis is a very common condition in dogs. The infected gums can become very painful, swollen and can also start to bleed.
Foreign Object
Dogs can get a piece of toy or stick stuck in between their teeth or in the roof of their mouth. Grass seeds, fishing hooks and porcupine quills can also pierce the tongue, face, under the tongue or the gums. Foreign objects lodged in your dog’s mouth can cause great discomfort and bleeding.
Blood Clotting Disease
Von Willebrand’s disease is the most common inherited, blood clotting disorder in people and in dogs. It is caused by the deficiency of a clotting protein. There are three different types of Von Willebrand’s disease. They are classified by whether the clotting protein is reduced, moderate or completely absent. Without the clotting protein, the platelets are unable to bind together to stop bleeding. Without proper medical treatment, the patient can bleed to death.
What to do if your Dog is Bleeding from the Mouth
If your dog has prolonged or repeated bleeding from the mouth, he should be examined by a veterinarian.
If your dog is heavily bleeding, the veterinarian team will first need to stabilize him. They may administer IV fluids to help keep your dog hydrated. If the patient has lost a lot of blood, he may need a blood or platelet transfusion.
After the patient is stable, the veterinarian may recommend a complete blood count (CBC) and x-rays. If the CBC determined a low platelet count, the veterinarian may recommend a buccal mucosal bleeding time test and a specific blood test for Von Willebrand’s disease, which measures the levels of the clotting protein.
Dogs with dental or gum conditions may be referred to a veterinarian dentist. Deep and large lacerations may need sutures. The mouth will need to be cleaned several times a day with a disinfectant. Your pet will not be able to eat hard kibble. The doctor may prescribe antibiotics to help prevent a bacterial infection.
If the veterinarian finds a foreign object in the dog’s mouth he will remove it. Your dog will need to be sedated or anaesthetised during the procedure.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for Von Willebrand’s disease in dogs but the disease can be managed and controlled. The veterinarian may also recommend soft, wet food instead of dry kibble, which can cause gum bleeding. Hard chew toys and rough housing should be avoided.
Dogs with clotting disorders should generally not be given nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), estrogens, heparin or sulfonamide antibiotics. Additionally, if your dog ever requires surgery, let the surgeon know that your companion has a clotting disorder. The surgical team is then prepared and will have blood transfusions available. It is also a good idea to know your dog’s blood type, in case of a bleeding emergency.
Prevention of Bleeding from the Mouth
Regular visits to a veterinary dentist may help prevent a tooth abscess, plaque and gingivitis. It is a good idea to keep an eye on your dog when he is playing outside. Unsupervised dogs can chew on things they should not be chewing on (sticks, rocks grass seeds). Additionally, they can be attacked by wild animals or exposed to physical abuse.
Von Willebrand’s disease is an inherited genetic condition. The only way to prevent the disease is to not breed carriers of the disease.
Cost of Bleeding from the Mouth
The cost of treatment will depend on the veterinarian’s diagnosis. The treatment of canine ulcerative paradental stomatitis may range from $500 to $4500. The cost of treating gum disease can be $800.
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Bleeding from the Mouth Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
austrailan bulldog
Ocky
2 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Bleeding From Mouth
Why would my Australian bulldog be bleeding from his mouth quite a bit every time he goes on a walk. Even if its not the far at all. Like maybe 300m. He doesn't really have any other symptoms that i notice.
June 17, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
I'm not sure why Ocky is bleeding from his mouth when he walks, but that is not normal for a dog to have that problem. He may have a problem with his teeth, his mouth, or his lungs, and it would be a good idea to have him examined by a veterinarian to see what is going on that is causing that problem so that you can treat it for him.
June 17, 2018
Ethan to use in the meantime?
Sept. 22, 2018
Whylly
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Dauchound
Ozzie
13 Years
1 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Blood From Mouth, Diahreha
Mini Weenie dog, 13 yrs old. Has history of pancreatitis. This time I am not sure that is what he is dealing with. Yes he got his normal diarrhea. But has had that before without subsiqent problems. It usually stops in a few hours to a day or so. So far I see no blood in the stools I always watch for that when he has it. He was laying on the couch and all of a sudden i saw him licking blood off of the couch, the blood was on his chin, i washed it off him and the couch. I looked in his mouth didn't see any blood in his mouth. His teeth are aweful and he has had one extracted in the past. Vet treated him for pancriatitus last a few months ago, and we changed his food to food with probiotics in it and he has seemed better till now.. What can I do? Vet is not open there is no emergency center near me. I don't want to lose my pet.
Feb. 10, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
1 Recommendations
Thank you for your email. Unfortunately, without examining Ozzie, I can't determine where the blood is coming from, but it is possible that it is his teeth or an oral lesion. If he isn't vomiting, seems normal otherwise, and is eating and drinking normally, you should be okay to wait until your veterinarian opens to have him examined. If he starts vomiting, or having blood in his stools, or seems lethargic or is having problems breathing, your veterinarian should have an after hours number to contact in case of emergency. i hope that everything goes well for him.
Feb. 10, 2018
15 yrs. old, 50mg carprofen, lots of bleeding coming out of mouth often. Discontinued use to see if that was the cause and he,qu it bleeding. He has been back on for few days aND bleeding started again. If I stop giving to him will he be ok w/o seeing vet. Can't afford
March 7, 2018
Nancy Carol L.
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Pit bull
Badi
5 Months
2 found this helpful
2 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Pale Pink Gums
Blood Cloth In Mouth
Red Round Spots
Badi is a pitbull 5 month old. He has got red spots all over his belly and body. And also he is changing teeth. Since 2 days ago when sleeping the saliva coming out the mouth is mixed with blood. And yesterday blood cloth came out his mouth. He is active and eating quite ok. Gum is a bit pale. No high temperature. It has sores on his gum as well.
Feb. 3, 2018
2 Recommendations
It is not unusual for a dog to have an increase in saliva production and even have a little blood present during teething especially if he is chewing a lot on toys, sticks or other objects. Keep an eye on him and ensure that his mouth is kept clean, but if there is a large quantity of blood or you have other concerns you should visit your Veterinarian. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Feb. 4, 2018
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mini griffon
Lily
6 Weeks
1 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Sleepy
Wheezing
Blood From Mouth
my mom was really mad today and she threw a shoe on her head (high heels) and my dog fell shacking and wheezing and blood starting coming from her mouth she is now in the vet but im crying and just praying idk what to do i dont know if she will live please help
Jan. 24, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
1 Recommendations
Thank you for your email. I'm not sure if Lily will survive, that is very sad. If she sustained a head trauma from the heel, she may not make it. The best place for her to be is at the veterinarian, as they will be able to try and help her. I hope that she is okay.
Jan. 24, 2018
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English Springer Spaniel
Shevy
14 Years
2 found this helpful
2 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Bleeding
Bleeding, Loss Of Apetite
My dog is an English springer-spaniel with teeth in horrible condition and shes had a red substance(maybe blood) coming from her mouth along with a loss of appetite, shes otherwise a healthy dog and very calm, can someone help?
Dec. 9, 2017
2 Recommendations
If Shevy’s teeth are in a bad condition, you should have them checked by your Veterinarian as poor dental hygiene can lead to pain whilst eating which in turn leads to a loss of appetite. You should try to clean her teeth with a toothbrush and dog toothpaste (not human toothpaste) and examine the mouth for growths, dental anomalies or anything else that shouldn’t be there. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Dec. 10, 2017
Thank you!
Dec. 10, 2017
Shevy's Owner
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