Why Is My Dog Vomiting Blood 2025? Vet Guide to Causes & Treatment 🩸🐶

By Dr. Duncan Houston BVSc

Finding blood in your dog’s vomit can be frightening—and it should always be taken seriously. Whether you notice bright red streaks or dark "coffee-ground" material, this comprehensive guide helps you understand what’s going on, what to watch for, why early vet care matters, and how you can support your dog’s recovery.

1. 🧭 Understanding Hematemesis: What the Appearance Tells You

Vomiting blood—called hematemesis—is a sign that your dog’s stomach, esophagus, or upper intestines are bleeding. The color and texture contain clues:

• Bright red blood: Suggests fresh bleeding from the mouth, esophagus, or upper stomach.
• Dark, “coffee-ground” vomit: Indicates partially digested blood—most likely from the stomach.
• Specks or foamy pink vomit: Often from irritation of the upper digestive tract.

2. ⚠️ Common Causes of Bloody Vomiting

Dogs may vomit blood for a range of reasons—some mild, some life-threatening:

• Gastritis / Gastric ulcers

Caused by chronic NSAID use, stress, or disease—ulceration in the stomach lining lets blood bleed into the stomach.

• Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis (HGE)

This serious condition causes sudden bloody vomiting and diarrhea; the cause is unclear—it could be bacterial or immune-related.

• Intestinal parasites

Hookworms, Giardia, and coccidia can damage the gut lining—causing bleeding and vomiting, often with diarrhea.

• Foreign objects & trauma

Sharp objects (bones, sticks) or stomach blockages can damage the intestine, causing bleeding.

• Toxins or medications

Ingestion of NSAIDs, rat bait, and cleaners can cause severe GI ulceration or bleeding disorders.

• Pancreatitis

Severe pancreatic inflammation may trigger vomiting, occasionally with blood.

• Infections (viral/bacterial)

Parvovirus, salmonella, E. coli can cause severe GI damage—bloody vomiting is typical.

• Cancer or coagulopathy

Tumors or clotting disorders from liver disease or rodenticide can cause bleeding.

• Oral/respiratory bleeding

Sometimes the blood originates in the mouth, throat, or lungs, and is then vomited up.

3. 🚨 When Vomiting Blood Becomes an Emergency

If you notice any of these, seek immediate veterinary attention:

• Large amounts of fresh or dark blood.
• Frequent vomiting with blood present.
• Lethargy, weakness, collapse, or pale gums.
• Bloody diarrhea, severe pain, or fever.
• Young puppies—they're at high risk of diseases like parvovirus.

4. 🏥 What to Expect at the Vet

Vets will perform a thorough evaluation with the following:

• Physical exam (gums, hydration, pain).
• Blood work, clotting panels, and fecal tests for parasites.
• X‑rays/ultrasound for foreign bodies or tumors.
• Endoscopy or biopsies if ulcers or tumors are suspected.

5. 🧾 Hospital-Based Treatments

• Supportive care

• IV fluids to rehydrate and balance electrolytes.
• Anti-nausea medications (Cerenia, ondansetron).
• Antacids (famotidine, omeprazole) and sucralfate to protect the stomach lining.

• Specific interventions

• Parasite treatment if needed.
• Antibiotics for infection.
• Surgery or endoscopy to remove foreign objects.
• Blood transfusions for heavy bleeding.

6. 🏡 Home Care After Veterinary Treatment

• Keep on a bland diet (boiled chicken/rice or prescription GI diet).
• Offer small, frequent meals.
• Allow sipping water or ice chips, not large gulps.
• Use probiotics like FortiFlora to support gut health.
• Track symptoms: vomiting frequency, stool appearance, and appetite.
• Schedule follow-up bloodwork and imaging as directed.

7. 🧩 Tools & Services to Support Recovery

• Ask A Vet App: Get 24/7 guidance on symptoms, medications, and next steps during recovery.

8. 🧬 Breed & Age‑Specific Considerations

• Puppies: At high risk of parasites and parvovirus—act fast on bloody vomit.
• Seniors: More prone to ulcers, cancer, liver/kidney disease.
• Brachycephalic breeds: Prone to regurgitation vs vomit; distinction matters.

9. 🛡️ Preventing Bloody Vomit

• Avoid NSAIDs unless vet-approved.
• Prevent access to toxins (cleaners, rat bait, meds).
• Supervise and restrict chewing of sharp materials.
• Ensure up-to-date vaccinations (Parvo, distemper).
• Use regular deworming and parasite control.
• Maintain consistent, balanced nutrition—not sudden dietary changes.

10. 📌 Final Takeaways

• Blood in vomit is always a concern—act early.
• Bright red vs dark coloring provides diagnostic clues.
• Causes range from mild gastritis to serious emergencies.
• Seek vet evaluation, diagnostics, and supportive care.
• Home care, diets, stress reduction, and follow-up are essential.
• Prevention through vaccination, toxin control, and parasite care helps keep your dog safe.