Seeing your dog vomit and pass bloody stool is one of the most alarming experiences for any dog owner. These symptoms can point to anything from stomach irritation to life-threatening conditions.
We outline the common reasons why a dog being sick and pooping blood may happen, what you can do at home, and when to seek veterinary help.
Dog Being Sick and Pooping Blood — Why It Happens
When a dog vomits and has blood in their stool, it signals irritation or damage within the digestive system. This can be due to infections, parasites, dietary indiscretions, ulcers, or more serious problems like poisoning or cancer.
While sometimes the issue may be minor and resolve quickly, other times it can worsen fast and put your dog’s health at risk. Blood in vomit or stool is never normal and deserves close attention.
Dog Being Sick and Pooping Blood: Common Causes
Gastrointestinal Infections
Bacterial or viral infections can inflame your dog’s stomach and intestines. This irritation often causes vomiting and diarrhea, which may contain blood due to damaged tissue.
Dogs may also show fever, lethargy, and loss of appetite. Infections can become serious quickly, especially in puppies or older dogs.
Read more: Dog being sick and diarrhea (What’s really going on?)
Parasites
Intestinal worms such as hookworms, roundworms, and whipworms can injure the gut lining and cause bloody stools.
Severe infestations may also lead to vomiting, weight loss, and weakness. Since parasites drain nutrition, they can leave your dog more vulnerable to other illnesses.
Dietary Indiscretion
Dogs are notorious for eating things they shouldn’t—whether garbage, spoiled food, or foreign objects.
These items can upset the stomach, trigger vomiting, and cause bloody diarrhea if the intestines are irritated or damaged. Sharp items may even cause internal injury.
Gastric Ulcers
Ulcers form when the stomach lining erodes, often due to medications (like NSAIDs), stress, or underlying disease.
They can cause vomiting that contains blood (sometimes looking like coffee grounds) and black, tarry stools. Ulcers are painful and potentially dangerous if untreated.
Poisoning
Certain toxins, such as rat poison or toxic plants, can interfere with blood clotting or damage the gut.
This can result in vomiting and bloody stool, sometimes alongside weakness, pale gums, or seizures. Poisoning is always an emergency and requires immediate veterinary care.
Cancer
Gastrointestinal cancers can cause chronic vomiting, weight loss, and bloody stool. While cancer is more common in older dogs, it’s possible at any age.
Tumors can block or erode the digestive tract, leading to both bleeding and sickness.
What to Do If Your Dog Is Being Sick and Pooping Blood
If your dog shows these symptoms, the first step is to stay calm and monitor their condition closely.
Offer small sips of water to prevent dehydration but avoid giving food until vomiting settles. Do not administer human medications, as many are toxic to dogs.
You can collect a sample of vomit or stool to show your vet, as it helps with diagnosis. If your dog recently ate something unusual, make note of it. Ensure your dog rests in a quiet, comfortable space and avoid stressful activity until they’re assessed.
Some mild cases may improve with bland diets such as boiled chicken and rice after the stomach settles, but only under veterinary advice. If the symptoms persist or worsen, prompt medical care is critical.
When to Call or Visit Your Vet
You should contact your veterinarian immediately if your dog:
Vomits repeatedly or continuously.
Passes large amounts of blood in stool or vomit.
Shows weakness, collapse, or pale gums.
Refuses water or cannot keep fluids down.
Is a puppy, senior, or has a chronic illness.
Even if the blood seems minimal, it’s safer to let a professional rule out serious causes. Timely care can prevent complications and save lives.
Read more: Dog being sick and panting (Why it happens)
Key Takeaway
When your dog is sick and pooping blood, it’s a red flag that shouldn’t be ignored. While some causes may be minor, others can become life-threatening in a short time.
Offer comfort and hydration at home, but reach out to your veterinarian for guidance as soon as possible.
Your attentiveness and quick action can make all the difference in your dog’s recovery and long-term health.