Seeing blood in your dog’s vomit is an alarming experience for any pet parent, but we don’t want you to panic!  

Hematemesis (hee·muh·teh·muh·suhs) is the umbrella name for the dog's medical condition of vomiting blood. It has many causes along the spectrum. While it is common, hematemesis could signal a serious medical problem that needs to be addressed.

The following chart is to try to diagnose the issue in front of you. It is meant to calm your anxieties and may save you from an unnecessary trip to the emergency clinic in the middle of the night. 

Below, you see three options: the wait-and-see approach, wait until morning to contact your vet, or take your dog to the emergency clinic NOW.

DISCLAIMER: This chart is not meant to replace or diagnose your official veterinarian. If you have any doubts or questions, immediately call your veterinarian or the emergency clinic.

Keep in mind: The lighter the blood, the lighter the emergency.

The darker the blood, the more chance you need to call your vet NOW!

Dog Vomit Self-Diagnosis Chart

If You Need To Go NOW

Take your dog to the emergency veterinarian clinic, which is open 24 hours a day and does not need a scheduled appointment.  Ultimately, you should always contact your vet, even if the blood and/or vomit lessens. Describe the blood that you saw and ask if you should come in for tests. Depending on the source/cause of the blood, the veterinarian will know how to heal your dog and if you can continue the recovery at home. 

Causes of Hematemesis

Hematemesis in dogs derives from a variety of sources and disorders, including the following:

Ingesting Foreign Object

Your dog might ingest many objects. Vomited blood can derive from a cut in the mouth, a wound in the esophagus, or an ingested toxic chemical. If your dog is choking, use quick home remedies such as removing the object from the opened throat or trying the dog Heimlich maneuver. Call your vet before you induce vomiting. 

Vet Solution: Sedate the dog to perform gastrointestinal surgery. Call ASPCA poison control if your dog ingested something poisonous.

Food allergy

Dogs can have an allergic reaction to any dog food due to the ingredients, so do your research before giving human food to your pet as a snack. Allergies can cause bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain, and bloody vomit in extreme situations.  

Vet solution: Diagnose your dog’s food allergy with a skin, saliva, or blood test.

Stomach Ulcer

Stomach ulcers are extremely painful. They are caused by an excessive amount of stomach acid that erodes the gastrointestinal lining of the stomach. This can cause severe bloody diarrhea or hematemesis that looks like dark coffee grounds, which is a sign of digested blood. 

Vet Solution: Prescribe effective medication to reduce stomach acid and treat ulcers. Some medications include Famotidine and Sucralfate. 

Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory bowel disease resembles stomach ulcers where excessive stomach acid erodes the gastrointestinal lining of the stomach and causes severe pain. It also causes inflammation and swelling. Your dog might also have a pre-existing condition that causes bloody vomit. 

Vet solution: Prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs, such as Metronidazole, Flagyl, or Sulfasalazine.

Antifreeze Poisoning

Antifreeze, or ethylene glycol, is liquid drainage often used as brake fluid, motor oil, and removing wood stains, solvents, and paint. It can be found in the kitchen cabinet and as an automotive radiator coolant. Left untreated for 8+ hours, a dog may develop kidney disease and die. Call your vet!

Vet solution: Send to poison control or prescribe ethanol or fomepizole to flush out the antifreeze.

Parasites

Tiny parasites like hookworms and heartworms can attach themselves to the dog’s intestinal lining and ingest its nutrients. A significant amount of parasites can cause bloody puke.

Vet Solution: Prescribe a medication with pyrantel pamoate that prevents and controls the parasites in dogs, such as Sentinel and Trifexis. 

Bacterial Infection

Leptospirosis from salmonella, campylobacter, or E. coli can result in severe bloody vomiting.

Vet Solution: Send the dog for immediate hospitalization and aggressive treatment. Fluid therapy for dehydration, antiemetic for anti-vomiting, and blood transfusion for hemorrhaging. Prescribe antibiotics, such as Ampicillin, for at least four weeks.

Blood clotting disorder

This can be a pre-existing condition of your dog that causes internal bleeding and throwing up blood. Liver failure, cancer, and ingestion of toxins can cause the dog’s blood clotting ability. Blood clots can cause severe abdominal pain and large amounts of vomited blood. 

Vet Solution: Blood or platelet transfusions, but there is no specific treatment.

Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis

Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis and other related issues can cause bloody vomit and diarrhea. The cause is bile and mucus buildup that disrupts the intestinal lining. Before taking him to the vet, try to hydrate your pup since he lost an immense loss of water. You can use such digestible products as NaturVet Anti-Diarrhea for Dogs. 

Vet Solution: Intravenous fluid therapy.

Bilious vomiting syndrome

A buildup of yellow or green bile can irritate the dog’s gastrointestinal tract and lead to specks of blood in their vomit. This happens if a dog is not fed for a long time.

Vet Solution: Prescribe a medication that improves digestion, such as Metoclopramide, or a medication that protects the stomach lining.

Cancer

If diagnosed with stomach or esophageal cancer, your dog may experience bloody vomiting, weight loss, and diarrhea. 

Vet solution: Critical tests, such as surgical removal, radiation, and chemotherapy.

Canine Parvovirus (CPV) Infection

CPV is a highly contagious viral illness that affects mostly puppies from 6 weeks to 6 months. It can manifest as gastrointestinal or cardiac issues. The resulting dehydration and loss of electrolytes can cause severe bloody vomiting or diarrhea. The survival rate is 70% with veterinary intervention.

Vet Solution: Since there is no cure, the dog requires hospitalization with aggressive emergency treatments such as intravenous fluid, anti-vomiting medications, and antiviral medications.

Steps to Take If Your Dog Is Vomiting Blood

If your dog is vomiting blood, don't panic, but don't delay in seeking medical attention either. It's a scary sign that may indicate a serious illness or injury, but there are many things that can cause it. Knowing what causes vomiting blood and how to tell if your dog's condition is serious can help you decide how urgently you need to visit a vet (and what kind of treatment they might need).

Stop Feeding

If your dog is vomiting blood, you’ll want to stop feeding her. Remember, the less food she has in her stomach, the less likely she is to vomit up blood. If possible, remove any food that may be left in your dog's mouth by using a paper towel or rag dampened with water and gently rubbing around their teeth and gums. Do not use a sponge or washcloth, as these will increase the risk of bleeding from abrasions caused by rough cleaning materials.

If you can't get rid of all traces of food from your dog's mouth, keep an eye on them for about 20 minutes after feeding time ends (if they're an enthusiastic eater) or one hour after their last meal (if they're more relaxed with mealtimes).

Call your vet right away

If your dog is vomiting blood, don't wait for the next day or week. Call your vet right away! If you can't get in touch with them immediately, try calling on a weekend morning instead of during a weekday rush hour. The sooner they are able to look at him and find out what's going on, the better off he'll be. You want to make sure he gets seen as soon as possible and has his health stabilized so that you can start making plans for treatment and recovery.

Take the dog's temperature

To take your dog's temperature, you'll need a digital thermometer and a little patience. If you don't have one handy, ask your vet for one.

First, brush or comb the hair away from where you want to take its temperature. Some people prefer to use rectal readings because they are more accurate. But if your dog has had previous bad experiences with being poked in the butt (or if they just don't like it), then an oral or axillary reading is a better option.

Take a photo of the vomit and blood for your vet

If your dog is vomiting blood, you should take a photo of the vomit and blood. This is because:

• It's easier to send a picture than describe it over the phone.

• Your vet will be able to tell if there are any important details that they need to know about, like whether your dog has been eating small bones or large pieces of metal (both of which could cause serious injuries).

• If it's safe for you to do so, try taking a photo of your dog's face while they're vomiting. This can help provide additional information about what might be causing their symptoms.

Clean up the mess quickly to minimize your dog's exposure to it

The next step is to clean up the mess. The best way to do this is with paper towels or a rag. It's important not to use your hands, as they can be infected with the virus too and can transmit it to your dog (and other people) if you touch your face without washing it afterward. Don't use bleach or other chemicals that may harm your dog's stomach lining. Just rinse off any blood-stained surfaces thoroughly with water, then throw away all soiled items in a plastic bag outside until you can get them washed later on at home or in the laundry room at work.

Prep for your visit 

If your dog is vomiting blood, be prepared before you head to the vet. Write down everything he's eaten in the last few days, and take a stool sample for testing. You can also bring any remaining food with you to give to the doctor. This is especially important if you suspect that his symptoms may be caused by food poisoning.

If you're worried about possible food poisoning or other causes of vomiting (like a toxin), take a stool sample with you when you go to see the vet so they can examine it for signs of trouble.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can cause a dog to vomit blood? 

Kidney disease, Addison’s disease, pancreatitis, respiratory tract disorder, and metabolic/neurological/viral infections. A pet owner may also see blood in a dog’s vomit following a traumatic incident such as heatstroke, head wound, severe burns, major surgery, or interaction with metal toxins or toxic plants.

Why is it an emergency if the vomit looks like fruit punch or coffee grounds?  

If the vomit looks like a fruit punch (bright red and a large amount), the source is the esophagus, stomach, or upper gastrointestinal tract. If the vomit looks like coffee grounds (dark and dried), the assumption is that this oxidized blood has been partially digested and the bleeding has been going on for a while. 

Is your dog vomiting blood and having diarrhea?

Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis, allergic reaction, stomach ulcer, or cancer are common results. Your dog needs an immediate visit to the vet or emergency clinic NOW!

Is your dog vomiting blood and mucus?

Check the color and the amount of blood. If you see light-colored specks of blood in the mucus, use the wait-and-see approach and wait for behavioral change or if the situation worsens. If you see fresh to digested blood (i.e., looks like coffee grounds), go to the vet or emergency clinic NOW.

What information should I have available for the vet call?

The color of the blood, any dietary changes, any recent traumas, and any new lifestyle transitions.

What should I bring to the veterinarian for a check-up?

It's a good idea to take a sample of the vomit (with the mucus, if available), a picture of the vomit, and provide the details. All can lead to an accurate and speedy diagnosis.

How do I clean up my dog’s bloody vomit mess?

PetCareRx’s Nature's Miracle Stain & Odor Remover is safe for pets and children, eliminates vomit odors and bloodstains permanently, and leaves a fresh citrus scent.

Is a dog vomiting blood an emergency?

Why is my dog throwing up blood but acting normal?

Why would a dog throw up bloody mucus?

What will a vet do for a dog throwing up blood?

What does pink vomit in dogs mean?

Dog Vomiting Mucus? Here’s Why and What You Can Do About It

If you notice your dog vomiting mucus, it may be cause for concern. But before you freak out, make sure you know all the facts first.

Vomiting in dogs is often confused with two other health conditions—the regurgitation of food (which is often covered in mucus) and expectoration, or coughing up mucus.

Whether your dog is vomiting mucus or something else, it's important to know how to tell the difference. The first step is learning what causes dogs to vomit mucus in the first place. Then, you can make sure that your dog gets diagnosed and treated quickly so they can feel better and recover more quickly.

When you tell your vet that your dog has been vomiting mucus, she or he will likely want to rule out regurgitation and coughing as the culprits before determining what could cause your dog to vomit mucus.

Vomiting in Dogs

Vomiting often begins with a form of clear liquid leaving the mouth—drooling. When plagued with nausea, dogs often drool and swallow more than normal. You’ll notice that, unlike in regurgitation, yacking is an active condition—your dog’s stomach will move in an effort to bring up whatever’s going to come out of her or his mouth. Bile—usually a yellow or orange liquid—will often be present since this vomit has traveled from the stomach or intestines.

The cause: Some of the causes of vomiting in dogs include digestive issues, diabetes, and kidney failure. If your dog solely vomits foam or a yellow or clear liquid, it could indicate acute gastritis, pancreatitis, intestinal blockage, or other issues.

Regurgitating in Dogs

When regurgitating, your dog’s fluids and foods will escape easily—typically in a tube form (shaped like the esophagus it’s just traveled from), covered in a slick layer of mucus—without having to work at it. Your dog may even be as surprised as you are by this occurrence. There may be symptoms of coughing and gagging. Bile is not likely to be present. After regurgitation, your pet may want to eat the food that’s just resurfaced, so speedy cleanup is advised.

The cause: Usually, regurgitation is the result of a glitch in the throat, esophagus, or the valve between the esophagus and the stomach.

Coughing in Dogs

If you’ve witnessed your dog hacking up mucus or foamy liquids, your pet may be coughing, not vomiting. The parts of the body that move visibly while a dog is coughing are the chest and ribs.

The cause: This symptom could signal a problem with your dog’s esophagus, respiratory system, sinuses, or heart. To learn more, read about gastritis in dogs and coughing in dogs.

Why Is My Dog Vomiting Mucus?

Your dog may be vomiting mucus and not know why. There are many possible causes, but if your dog is vomiting mucus, it's important to get them to a vet as soon as possible because some of these conditions can result in death.

Diet troubles

Your dog's diet is a major factor in determining if it vomits mucus, and there are many things you can do to give your dog a healthy diet. Here are some foods that your dog could be eating that may cause mucus:

• Too much food at once.

• Too much protein or carbohydrates.

• Foods that contain dairy products, wheat, corn, or soybeans. These ingredients tend to cause allergic reactions in dogs who don't tolerate them well.

• Foods containing preservatives such as BHA/BHT (butylated hydroxyanisole and butylated hydroxytoluene) and ethoxyquin (a natural vegetable oil preservative). These chemicals have been linked to certain cancers in humans, so it's best for both humans and animals alike if we avoid them!

Eating something that was not food

If your dog has eaten something that was not food, take it to the vet immediately. If you are not sure what your dog has ingested, keep a list of items and their amount so that the vet can help you determine how to proceed. The vet will also advise you on what to do next.

Allergies

Allergies are an unfortunate reality for many dogs, and they can cause a number of symptoms, including vomiting. If you aren't sure whether your dog's vomiting is the result of an allergy or something else (like a stomach bug), see if you can find any commonalities between their symptoms and other things your dog has eaten or been exposed to in recent months.

If your dog has allergies, it may be reacting to something they've eaten or come into contact with. If that's the case, then there are some steps you can take at home to help deal with their condition:

• Keep a record of what foods have caused allergic reactions in the past so that you know what not to feed them again in the future

• Start giving them an over-the-counter antihistamine pill once each day until it clears up. This should help reduce both sneezings as well as any itching/hives associated with histamine release during an allergic reaction

Gastrointestinal problems

Gastrointestinal problems are one of the most common reasons why pups vomit mucus. These problems can include diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, and bloating.

If your pup is experiencing repeated bouts of vomiting or has any other gastrointestinal symptoms, it would be wise to take them in for a check-up with their veterinarian. This can help identify whether they have an underlying health condition that may require treatment and prevent further complications down the road.

Liver disease and pancreatitis

Liver disease and pancreatitis are serious health conditions that can cause vomiting mucus. Liver disease happens when your dog's liver does not work properly and cannot remove toxins from his body. Pancreatitis is another illness that affects your dog's pancreas, which is responsible for producing digestive enzymes to break down food and other substances in the stomach.

There are many causes of liver disease, including genetics, certain medications, tick bites, viral infections such as parvovirus or distemper virus (two very common diseases in dogs), immune system disorders like lupus erythematosus or diabetes mellitus (dogs with these conditions can often control them by eating a special diet), toxins such as lead poisoning or even cancer cells that have spread throughout the body via blood vessels or lymphatic vessels (lymph nodes).

Infection

If your dog is vomiting mucus and has other symptoms such as diarrhea, fever, or loss of appetite, it's possible that they are suffering from an infection. Infections can be bacterial or viral in nature and can be caused by parasites, fungi, protozoa (single-celled organisms), or foreign objects in the stomach or intestines. They may also result from bacteria entering the body through the mouth. The most common type of infection is gastroenteritis, an inflammation of the stomach that usually comes on suddenly, but any type of infection could cause dogs to vomit mucus.

Treating a Dog Vomiting Mucus

There are many reasons why your dog might vomit mucus. If this happens every now and then and it's not accompanied by other symptoms, you don't need to worry too much. However, if your dog is often vomiting and has other symptoms such as diarrhea and fever, then it's best to call the vet immediately.

First, you'll want to determine whether the vomiting is coming from the stomach or from the nose. If your dog is coughing and gagging but doesn't seem to be bringing up anything, then it's likely that he has an upper respiratory infection. If he's bringing up something slimy and greenish-yellow in color, then it's likely that he has a stomach infection.

If your dog is vomiting mucus and has an upper respiratory infection, there are several things that you can do:

1) Make sure that he gets plenty of rest so that his immune system can fight off whatever germs are making him sick.

2) Give him lots of water to help flush out any toxins in his body and keep him hydrated while he fights off whatever bug has taken hold of him.

3) Feed him boiled chicken or rice (or something else easy on the stomach) since these foods won't add any extra stress on his digestive tract as he tries to recover from whatever made him sick in the first place! Make sure their food and water are at room temperature. Too hot or cold food can cause vomiting in dogs as well as humans! Feed your dog more often in smaller amounts than usual if they seem to be having trouble keeping it down or keeping food down. This helps keep their stomachs active and able to hold on to food without getting too full too fast, which could lead to vomiting mucus when they try eating again later on down the road (or sooner).

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean when your dog throws up slime?

What should I do if my dog is throwing up mucus?

What color is pancreatitis vomit in dogs?

What are the signs of pancreatitis in dogs?

How do I know if my dog throwing up is serious?

Is Your Dog’s Vomit Foamy? Why and What You Can Do About It

Now that we’ve covered blood and mucus, you should be aware of another type of dog vomit: white and foamy. Even though white foamy vomit may not be a reason for concern sometimes, you should still know what caused it and when to see a vet. 

Dr Brian Collins from the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine says white foam can result from coughing or vomiting. The underlying causes for both can vary a lot. Some are benign, while others can be quite serious, so you should be informed and vigilant. You can tell them apart based on the circumstances and symptoms, which can help you decide whether to seek emergency veterinary attention, schedule an appointment, or follow home remedies. 

Coughing

Your dog might cough a few times before throwing up a small puddle of white foam on the floor, which can be caused by a few conditions. 

Kennel cough is one of the most common reasons dogs cough up white foam. A dog will throw up white foam while coughing when saliva or liquid build-up in the lungs mixes with air and causes irritation. The simplest way to differentiate a dog coughing white foam from vomiting is to notice its stomach. Only the lungs contract when coughing, whereas you’ll notice the abdomen also contracting when your dog vomits. 

Besides kennel cough or respiratory viruses, your dog might cough up white foam due to heart disease, pneumonia, or collapsing trachea. 

If you think your dog is coughing up white foam and not vomiting, you should contact your vet immediately or take your dog to a veterinary emergency, depending on the severity of the symptoms. 

Vomiting

As we mentioned, if your dog’s abdomen contracts when it throws up white foam, it’s probably vomit. Apart from the stomach contraction, your dog might also heave. Your dog could also be making and swallowing saliva more than usual, indicating it is nauseous. There are several reasons why your dog might vomit white foam. 

• Acid reflux - Acid reflux is a common reason your dog vomits white foam. It occurs when your dog’s stomach acids flow back into the esophagus. 

• Gastroenteritis - Your dog might throw up white foam due to dietary indiscretions, which can include sudden changes in diet, allergies, infections, or eating something out of a trash can. Dietary indiscretions can cause inflammation in the stomach or intestines, causing your dog to vomit. 

• Pancreatitis - This inflammatory disease of the pancreas can also cause vomiting or abdominal pain, along with other symptoms. 

• Bloating - Bloating, also called gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV), can cause white foam vomit. It happens when your dog’s stomach fills up with gasses or food and gets twisted, which leads to retching or white foam vomit. This is a medical emergency. 

• Internal parasites - Internal parasites like worms or parvovirus can also be the reason your dog throws up white foam. Infections from leptospirosis or giardia can also be the reason for the ailment. 

• IBD, Liver, or Kidney disease

• Urinary blockage

• Certain types of cancer

Regurgitation

Regurgitation of white foam is uncommon in dogs, and the result can be difficult to differentiate from vomiting. However, regurgitation happens passively without any noise or stomach contractions. 

Regurgitation of white foam can occur in puppies due to congenital disorders or serious infections like parvovirus. In adult dogs, it can be due to irritation or dilation of the esophagus. It can also result from neurological disorders that might interfere with your dog's swallowing food or food movement through the GI tract. 

Is it an Emergency?

When a dog throws up white foam, the first thought that comes to a parent's mind is deciding whether to rush to an emergency. Emergency veterinary visits can give you peace of mind, but they can also be much more expensive than a scheduled vet visit. If you notice any of these symptoms when your dog throws up white foam, we advise you to immediately rush to the nearest 24/7 emergency veterinary services.

• Rapid and shallow breaths or straining to breathe

• Pale or bluish gums

• Repetitive coughing/heaving or vomiting

• Abdominal pain or bloating

• Excessive diarrhea

• Weakness, lethargy, or disoriented movements

• Pacing due to discomfort

• Collapsing

We also recommend that you call the emergency services beforehand to let them know you’re coming with a dog exhibiting such and such symptoms. 

Diagnosis and Treatment

A veterinary professional will first perform a physical examination, review your dog’s medical records, and ascertain whether the white foam was due to coughing, vomiting, or regurgitation. Depending on that and the other symptoms, the doctor might prescribe more tests, such as:

• X-ray exams

• Blood, urine, and stool tests

• Endoscopy

• Ultrasound 

• CT scan or MRI

Treatment will vary based on the results of these examinations. If the tests reveal that there aren’t any underlying causes, the veterinarian will prescribe treatment for the symptoms. However, you should still monitor your dog for the next few days and introduce food gradually. Depending on the test rate results, these are some of the treatments your dog might undergo.

• Bloating, GI blockage, or cancer - surgery

• Infections - antibiotics

• Acid reflux, pancreatitis, renal disorders, allergies - dietary changes

• Parasitic infection - antiparasitic medicines

• Kennel cough - cough suppressants

• Dehydration - IV fluids

The veterinarian may also prescribe anti-emetics for vomiting or nausea. 

Preventative Measures

We understand that it may not always be in your control to prevent your dog from throwing up white foam, but you can take certain measures to prevent the underlying disorders. Some of them are:

• Keep vaccinations up to date

• Use monthly preventative medicines for worms and parasites

• Schedule timely visits for regular veterinary checkups

• Prevent access to things your dog should not eat

• Feed a balanced diet

• Introduce new foods gradually

Frequently Asked Questions

What does parvo vomit look like?

If your puppy is infected with Parvovirus, the vomit may be clear, yellow, or brown. Vomiting will also be accompanied by diarrhea, and the stool is light yellow or mustard color. You’ll often find blood in the stool.

Should I give my dog water after vomiting?

You should give your dog water in small quantities to prevent dehydration. However, it’s best to give your dog’s GI system rest for 12-24 hours to recoup from the symptoms. Also, do not give too much food or water, which might aggravate the symptoms. It’s best to talk to the vet about your dog’s eating and drinking requirements during the treatment and after the symptoms subside. 

What can I give my dog to settle his stomach?

Veterinary professionals would usually advise a bland diet to recover from vomiting and other symptoms. Rice and chicken are the most commonly prescribed foods for such ailments. They might also prescribe veterinary diets that can rebalance your dog's digestive system.

Can I give my dog Pepto Bismol for vomiting?

If the symptoms are not severe, you can give your dog pepto bismol in moderation, but only under veterinary guidance. It can help with symptoms like nausea or gastrointestinal discomfort. However, frequent and long-term use can lead to side effects like constipation or toxicity. Veterinarians usually advise a dosage of 1 teaspoon per 10 lbs of body weight. 

How PetPlus Can Help

Whatever the cause of your dog's upset stomach, PetPlus has all the medication they might need to cure it. Meds like metoclopramide that can help ease their upset stomach can be purchased at a fraction of their retail cost, saving you a considerable amount (over half off in the case of metoclopramide).

This information is for informational purposes only and is not meant as a substitute for the professional advice of, or diagnosis or treatment by, your veterinarian with respect to your pet. It has, however, been verified by a licensed veterinarian for accuracy.