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Sneezing Blood in Dogs
Written By hannah hollinger
Published: 07/22/2017Updated: 07/23/2021
Veterinary reviewed by Dr. Linda Simon, MVB MRCVS
What is Sneezing Blood?
There are several reasons as to why your dog is sneezing blood. It could be an allergy, infection, or even a foreign body that was breathed into your dog's nose and has been trapped inside. Dogs noses don’t bleed easily, so it is something that needs prompt attention. If your dog is one of the long nosed variety (such as Labrador, German Shepherd and others), they are susceptible to nasal cancer and tumors. Cancer can cause bleeding from either one or both nostrils. Request that your veterinarian assess your dog to determine the cause, some of which are listed below.
- Foreign object
- Bacterial infection
- Allergies
- Tooth and gum problems
- Nasal cancer such as a tumor
- Blood clotting disorder
- Nasal polyp (benign growth)
Why Sneezing Blood Occurs in Dogs
Foreign Object
Your dog is the original sticky beak; they are always poking their nose in places to see what is there, huffing and snuffling as they do. Sometimes they sniff up pointed seed grains that can lodge in their nasal area which causes them to sneeze repeatedly to try and remove it, which often causes bleeding.
Fungal, Bacterial & Parasitic Infections
Any fungal or bacterial infection within the nasal area can cause your dog fits of sneezing, and because sneezing is a violent action, it can often cause nose bleeds. Look for other signs of infection such as our discharge and test to see whether air is coming from one or both nostrils. Nasal mite infestation can also cause sneezing which can produce blood in the fluids.
Allergies
Allergies can also promote sneezing bouts that can, in turn, cause bleeding. The allergy is usually a seasonal occurrence, such as late spring and early summer when all the plant and grass pollen is floating around. Other allergens can be cigarette smoke or commonly used cleaning products used around the house. For most, allergic reactions will not cause nasal bleeding.
Tooth and Gum Problems
Tooth problems, including gum disease and abscesses, can drain back into the nasal cavity and cause your dog to sneeze frequently, which in turn can cause bleeding. Tooth root abscesses would be a primary consideration. If left unattended, these pathological organisms can travel to other parts of the body and can turn the problems into long term chronic conditions.
Cancer and Tumors
While it is scary to contemplate, you need to be aware that in an older dog, you may encounter bloody sneezing which can be caused by the growth of a tumor in one of the nasal passages. The tumors start slowly with your dog only sneezing occasionally to clear the growth, but as the tumor expands and takes up more room, your dog will have frequent attacks of sneezing as he tries to expel the growth. The tumor usually only affects one side and blood loss in the affected nostril will be noticeable.
What to do if your Dog is Sneezing Blood
Because dogs should never have a nose bleed, it is a symptom that all is not right with your dog, especially when blood is a by-product of the sneeze. Some dogs won't allow you to peer up their nose, or into their mouth, so a trip to the veterinarian is the most effective solution.
For a foreign object lodged in the nasal area, your dog will be sedated while the veterinarian attempts to remove it. Afterwards, your dog will need an anti-inflammatory injection and antibiotics and should quickly return to normal health after removal of the item. Usually, this condition only affects one side of the nose.
Bacterial, viral or fungal infections will be prescribed a course of medication aimed at the type of infection present.
A dental clean under anaesthetic will help to clear the infection spread by diseased gums and cracked teeth. Often, a course of medication over two to three weeks can clear the infection and allow your dog to return to normal. For nasal mite infestations, special medications will be administered to kill the mites.
Allergies will cause your dog some discomfort, but if it is seasonal, you can make changes to your dog’s day by keeping them indoors more, especially on very windy days. Removal of any highly potent pollen producing trees or bushes around your home may help. Your vet may prescribe anti-histamines.
If your veterinarian cannot find any of the above causes, then he will check for tumors within the nasal area. A full examination of your dog will be carried out, checking the mouth and nasal area using x-rays of the skull and CT scans, and the vet may take a biopsy through the nostrils. An x-ray or CT scan will look for changes or destruction to the nasal area. If the damage is noted in the nasal bones, it is usually caused by infection or cancer. These tests can also show any infection within the teeth roots. Blood tests and vigorous flushing of liquid to clear the nasal area (with the fluid then being sampled and analysed) are other processes that will help determine the diagnosis. Surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy are sometimes available for treatment, but surgery in this area is very difficult with so many hidden pockets. Your veterinarian will be able to advise you on the right course of action to help your dog.
Prevention of Sneezing Blood
It’s hard to prevent your dog getting his nose into ‘stuff’ because that’s what dogs do. Keeping your dog on a lead when out walking will let you see what your dog is exploring, and you can guide him away from harmful things. Ensuring you have a good management program for your dog will help keep them healthy. Implement dental care, a healthy diet, plenty of exercise, and grooming. When grooming and when your dog is relaxed, it is a great opportunity to check your dog's ears, nose, eyes and belly for any changes. As an owner, through careful observation, you will notice subtle changes to your dog's behavior or personality which you can then take steps to remedy. Schedule a regular visit for your dog to go to the veterinary clinic. Like so many health issues, the sooner they are treated, the easier to solve.
Keep your dog up to date with their parasite prevention.
Cost of Sneezing Blood
Treatment may only cost the price of a clinic visit if it is a minor condition, but costs can vary depending on what condition your dog has. The treatment for mite infection within the nasal area could cost approximately $500 while the costs for treating a malignant tumor could set you back up to $12,000. The tooth abstraction and treatment of an abscess can cost anywhere between $500 and $1,500 depending on the severity. These costs are just an approximate price as it depends on the extent of treatment that your dog requires.
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Sneezing Blood Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Border Collie
Tippi
7 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Reverse Sneezing
Sneezing, Bloody
My 7 year old border collie has been reverse sneezing for months now. We took her to the vet and they told us not to worry about it, although it almost seems like the way a person does when she's sobbing and breathing in at the same time.
Recently, she's been sneezing out a little bit of blood until this morning blood came pouring out of her left nostril. Some were watery other looked very thickened and gooey.
She's eating fine, and is very active, and doesn't seem to be in any pain.
Aug. 20, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
I think that may be worrisome, and there may be a growth or infection of some kind in her sinuses. It would be a good idea to have her seen by a veterinarian and possibly have some x-rays taken of her nasal passages to see what might be going on and what can be done about it. I hope that Tippi is okay .
Aug. 20, 2018
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Golden Retriever
Patronus
5 Months
3 found this helpful
3 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Sneezing Blood
Exssesive Sneezing,
My puppy went outside to go to the bathroom this morning in our small fenced in yard and then she came in sneezing repeatedly. After it continued for maybe 2 minutes I got concerned and went to look at her. She had a tiny bit of light red discharge at the corner of one nostril. She stopped sneezing after another minute. She is currently laying down for her usual morning nap. She hasn't sneezed for a bit,no running discharge, and there was minimal discharge to begin with. However she's never had this before and my concern is that there are foxtail weeds in the yard and that one could be in her nose. My dad has been working on clearing them out. Do I need to take her to a vet ASAP or should I keep tabs on her today and see if she appears to have passed whatever the issue is.
June 30, 2018
3 Recommendations
Any source of irritation may cause repetitive sneezing which in some cases may lead to a small nosebleed. I would keep a close eye on Patronus for now, but if the sneezing fits continue, the bleeding starts again or Patronus starts pawing at the face you should visit your Veterinarian for a checkup to be on the safe side. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
July 1, 2018
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Labrador Mix
Buddy
16 Years
1 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Sneezing Sometimes Bloody
My 16 year old Labrador mix has been sneezing blood, sometimes pink but other times quite red for the past 2 months. We took him to the Vet and she prescribed an antibiotic and Benadryl. After the antibiotic finished he began to sneeze blood again and the Vet put him on a second round of antibiotics. We live in Florida and the pollen count here has been extremely high. I looked up which allergy medications were recommended for dogs and switched him to Claritin. The sneezing seemed to be easing but this could be a result of a change in the weather. Yesterday, he had a violent sneezing attack with quite a lot of blood. I'm concerned that we may be assuming that the sneezing is caused by allergies, but the other possibilities mentioned on your article don't seem to be the case with him because the Vet says his teeth are good and he isn't pawing at his snout as was mentioned if he had something blocking his nasal passage. The cost of ruling out other possibilities is daunting to us as we are on a fixed income. My question is are we possibly hurting him by continuing to treat him for allergies?
April 22, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
1 Recommendations
I'm not sure that you are causing harm if you continue to treat for allergies, as you have treated for infection as well. The possibility exists that Buddy has a mass in his nasal passages that would require endoscopy to diagnose, but treatment for that may not be an option, and if you are keeping him comfortable with the anti-histamines, you may be doing the right thing for him. I hope that he continues to do well.
April 22, 2018
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hound mix
Irie
1 Year
1 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Bleeding
Sneezing
Sneezing Blood
My recently adopted dog had a violent sneezing fit in the night and when I got up this morning, there was blood sprayed all over the blanket in her crate. We’ve had her for less than a week at this point and she came from a foster home where she’d been for a few months. Before that, she was a stray in the Bahamas. Could this be some kind of infection? A blockage? She hasn’t had any issues since, but should I take her to the vet?
April 17, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
1 Recommendations
I would take her to a veterinarian, yes, if she is sneezing so violently that she is bleeding. She may have a viral or bacterial infection, a growth of some kind, or a parasite that is causing this. I hope that she is okay.
April 17, 2018
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