What Should I Do if My Dog Vomits Bloody Mucus and Refuses to Eat?

Dear VetBabble,

My dog is vomiting bloody mucus and won’t eat his own food. I’m concerned and not sure what I should do. If it has been more than once or there’s a fair amount of blood, should I contact my emergency vet?

Friendliest Answer to a Worrisome Pet Owner

Hello Worried Pet Owner,

It’s natural to be concerned when we notice alarming signs in our beloved furry friends. In this case, it is crucial to be vigilant and informed about the common reasons behind bloody vomiting and a change in appetite and the appropriate steps to take for the well-being of your pet. As a friendly and informative veterinarian, I am here to share some insights about this issue, which may be helpful for worried pet owners like you.

Causes and Possible Treatments for Bloody Vomiting

There can be various reasons as to why a dog is experiencing vomiting with blood-tinged mucus. Some potential causes include gastrointestinal irritation, ingestion of a foreign object, gastritis, or even more severe problems such as gastrointestinal ulcers or tumors. The appropriate treatment depends on the underlying cause.

While sometimes these issues may resolve by themselves or with minor home remedies, it is always better to err on the side of caution, monitor your pet’s progress and consult your veterinarian for the most suitable action. We have a detailed guide on Vomiting in Dogs: Causes, Treatment & When to Worry to provide you with more information if needed.

Loss of Appetite and Diarrhea in Dogs

Loss of appetite and diarrhea can often accompany vomiting in dogs. In these cases, it is crucial to determine the root cause since it will dictate the treatment plan.

Diarrhea can stem from a variety of reasons such as dietary intolerance, food allergies, intestinal parasites, bacterial or viral infections, or even systemic illnesses. To gain a better understanding of a dog’s diarrhea, we recommend reading our article on Why Does My Dog Have Diarrhea?.

As a general rule of thumb, if the diarrhea is severe or contains blood, it may indicate a more severe issue and requires prompt attention from a veterinarian. If you need more clarity on this subject, check out our article Diarrhea in Dogs: When to Worry.

Returning to the loss of appetite, it can be related to the underlying issue leading to vomiting or diarrhea, or it could be due to another systemic illness. For example, urinary tract infections or cystitis can cause bloody urine, vomiting, and loss of appetite. Please do take a look at the article titled If There’s Blood in your Dog’s Urine it Could be Cystitis for more information about such a scenario.

Seeking Professional Help

As a loving pet parent, you always want to provide the best care and ensure your dog’s health and well-being. It would be reasonable and wise to contact an emergency vet or your regular vet in a situation where your dog is vomiting blood and failing to eat. Your veterinarian will be able to examine your pet thoroughly, run diagnostic tests, and help identify the root cause. Based on the cause, they will recommend the appropriate course of medical treatment to ensure your pet’s speedy recovery.