A Vet’s Guide: Why Is My Dog Throwing Up Blood? Causes, Diagnosis & Care (2025) 🩸🐶 

By Dr. Duncan Houston BVSc

Hello—I’m Dr Duncan Houston BVSc, veterinarian and Ask A Vet founder. Seeing blood in your dog’s vomit (hematemesis) is alarming. Whether it appears bright red or digested ("coffee grounds"), it often indicates bleeding in the digestive tract. In this **vet‑approved guide**, we will:

• 🩸 Define types & appearance of bloody vomit
• 🔍 Explore possible causes—from mild to serious
• 🚨 Identify when it becomes an emergency
• 🩺 Guide diagnostic steps and treatments
• 🛠️ Highlight supportive care tools: Ask A Vet

1. Understanding Types of Bloody Vomit

• Bright red blood: Indicates fresh bleeding from the mouth, esophagus, or upper GI (esophageal, cranial stomach).
• Dark, coffee‑ground appearance: Signifies digested blood from the stomach or upper intestine.
• Specks or pink‑tinged foamy vomit: Suggests minor irritation or early mucosal damage.

2. Common Causes of Bloody Vomit

• Gastritis & Peptic Ulcers

Dogs exposed to NSAIDs, steroids, or dietary irritants may develop mucosal inflammation and ulcers—leading to vomiting up blood or coffee‑ground material.

• Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis (HGE)

A sudden, severe condition marked by profuse bloody vomiting and diarrhea due to GI tract inflammation.

• Foreign Body Ingestion

Sharp objects (bones, sticks, toy pieces) can tear the GI lining, causing bleeding.

• Toxins & Medications

Ingestion of rat poison, NSAIDs (e.g. ibuprofen), detergents, or toxic plants can damage the lining, triggering bleeding vomit.

• Parasites & Infections

Hookworms, heavy parasite loads, or Helicobacter infections can lead to GI bleeding.

• Tumors & Coagulopathies

Gastrointestinal tumors, hemangiosarcoma, or clotting disorders may result in hemorrhage.

• Systemic Illness

Liver/kidney disease, sepsis, or vascular diseases (e.g. DIC) may manifest as bloody vomiting. ---

3. When to Seek Emergency Care

Even small amounts of blood warrant immediate veterinary attention. Seek urgent care if your dog:

• Exhibits continuous vomiting of blood or worsening symptoms.
• Shows lethargy, collapse, bloody diarrhea, or weakness.
• Is a puppy, elderly, or immunocompromised—higher risk of severe illness.

4. Veterinary Diagnostics & Emergency Management

• Physical exam, medical history (diet change, toxin exposure, med use).
• Bloodwork & clotting profiles—check organ function, anemia, coagulopathy.
• Fecal tests & parasitic screening.
• Imaging (X-ray, ultrasound) to spot foreign bodies, obstructions, masses.
• Endoscopy or GI biopsy when an ulcer or tumor is suspected.
• Treat underlying cause—fluids, anti‑vomitants (Cerenia, omeprazole), blood transfusion, antibiotics, surgery, clotting support.

5. Home & Telehealth Support

• Ask A Vet App: Upload videos, photos of vomit/stools, and receive guidance on monitoring and medications.
• Diet transitions: Begin bland meals (boiled chicken/rice), small and frequent, under vet supervision.
• Medication adherence: Administer anti‑emetics, protectants, or prescribed treatments precisely as directed.

6. Real Vet Case

Case: “Milo”, 5‑year‑old Terrier mix
Milo vomited dark, coffee‑ground material for two episodes. He was lethargic with mild fever. Vet work‑up revealed an NSAID-induced gastric ulcer. He received fluids, omeprazole, Cerenia and recovered in 48 h. Owner used Ask A Vet for follow‑up, fed bland meals. Follow-up endoscopy confirmed healing in 2 weeks.

7. FAQs

• Is coffee‑ground vomit serious?
  Yes—it’s digested blood and indicates gastric bleeding, requiring immediate care.
• My dog ate a toy but seems fine—should I worry?
   Watch for vomiting, blood, and lethargy. Seek a vet exam immediately.
• Can I try home remedies?
  No—bloody vomit is an emergency, and delay can be deadly.
• Will my dog need surgery?
   Possibly, depending on the cause (e.g., foreign body, tumor). Many cases resolve medically.

📌 Final Thoughts from a Vet

Blood in your dog’s vomit is never something to ignore. Swift veterinary assessment—including diagnostics and treatment—is essential. With Ask A Vet telehealth and guided dietary care, you can support your dog’s recovery and help identify and resolve the underlying cause safely in 2025. When in doubt—act quickly. 🐾❤️