Panting combined with nose bleeding in dogs can be alarming. While panting is often normal, sudden or persistent panting paired with blood from the nose may indicate an underlying health concern that requires attention.
We outline the common causes of panting and nose bleeding in dogs, what you can do at home, and when to seek veterinary help.
Dog Panting and Nose Bleeding — Why It Happens
Panting combined with nose bleeding in dogs are signs of nasal irritation as well as more serious issues like trauma, infection, high blood pressure, or even nasal tumors. The stress or discomfort from bleeding may also increase panting.
Since nosebleeds in dogs are never normal and can indicate a serious underlying problem, it’s important to contact a vet promptly if this happens.
Dog Panting and Nose Bleeding: Common Causes
Trauma or Injury
Physical trauma is a leading cause of nosebleeds in dogs. A fall, bump, or rough play can injure the delicate blood vessels in the nose, resulting in bleeding.
Panting often accompanies trauma due to pain, stress, or increased effort to breathe if nasal passages are swollen or blocked.
You may notice other signs like swelling, bruising, or reluctance to move.
Even minor injuries can cause significant bleeding in dogs, so veterinary evaluation is important to rule out fractures or internal injuries.
Read more: Dog Panting and Nose Running (Why it happens and what to do)
Foreign Objects
Foreign objects lodged in the nasal passages can trigger both panting and nose bleeding.
Grass seeds, small sticks, or dirt can scratch the nasal lining, causing irritation and bleeding. Panting may increase as the dog struggles to breathe comfortably or reacts to discomfort.
Look for sneezing, pawing at the nose, nasal discharge, or rubbing the face. Early removal of the object by a veterinarian prevents infection or further damage to the nasal passages.
Infections
Bacterial, viral, or fungal infections can lead to nosebleeds and increased panting. Infections may inflame the nasal tissues, causing bleeding, and stress or fever may result in heavier panting.
Other symptoms often include nasal discharge, foul odor, lethargy, and loss of appetite.
Timely veterinary treatment, including antibiotics or antifungal medications, is crucial to resolve the infection and prevent complications.
Blood Disorders
Blood clotting disorders or platelet abnormalities can cause spontaneous nosebleeds in dogs. Conditions like thrombocytopenia, hemophilia, or vitamin K deficiency affect the body’s ability to form clots, leading to excessive bleeding. Panting may be present if the dog is anemic or stressed.
Additional signs can include bruising, bleeding gums, or bleeding from other sites. Prompt veterinary diagnosis is essential, as these disorders can be life-threatening without treatment.
Tumors or Nasal Polyps
Growths in the nasal passages, such as tumors or polyps, can trigger nosebleeds and panting. These growths can damage blood vessels or obstruct airflow, causing difficulty breathing and stress-related panting.
Owners may also notice facial swelling, foul-smelling discharge, or sneezing. Early detection by a veterinarian allows for proper imaging, biopsy, and treatment, which may include surgery or medication.
High Blood Pressure
Hypertension in dogs can sometimes manifest as nosebleeds accompanied by panting. Elevated blood pressure can cause fragile blood vessels in the nose to rupture. Panting may occur due to underlying heart disease, stress, or discomfort.
Other signs may include restlessness, weakness, or changes in behavior. Managing blood pressure through veterinary guidance helps prevent recurrent nosebleeds and protects overall organ health.
Toxins or Medications
Exposure to certain toxins or medications can lead to bleeding and panting. Rodenticides, anticoagulant drugs, or chemical irritants may disrupt clotting mechanisms or irritate the nasal lining.
Watch for additional symptoms such as vomiting, lethargy, or bleeding from other areas. Immediate veterinary care is necessary if poisoning or adverse drug effects are suspected.
What to Do If Your Dog Is Panting and Nose Bleeding
Keep your dog calm and in a quiet environment to reduce stress and panting. Minimize physical activity to prevent worsening the bleeding.
Gently apply a cold compress to the bridge of the nose if the bleeding is mild, as this can help constrict blood vessels. Avoid inserting anything into the nostrils.
Monitor your dog’s breathing, panting rate, and overall behavior. Record the onset, duration, and any accompanying signs such as lethargy or vomiting.
Ensure your dog has access to fresh water but avoid force-feeding or force-drinking if the dog is weak or stressed.
Seek veterinary evaluation promptly, even if the bleeding seems minor. Proper diagnosis ensures underlying causes like trauma, infection, or blood disorders are addressed before complications arise.
When to Call or Visit Your Vet
Immediate veterinary attention is warranted if your dog displays:
Heavy, persistent, or recurrent nosebleeds
Panting at rest or difficulty breathing
Weakness, collapse, or pale gums
Vomiting, lethargy, or other bleeding sites
Facial swelling, foul nasal discharge, or severe distress
Prompt evaluation can identify serious conditions such as blood disorders, tumors, or severe trauma, ensuring timely and effective treatment.
Read more: Dog Sneezing and Bleeding from Nose (Causes and treatments)
Key Takeaway
Panting and nose bleeding can be caused by trauma, foreign objects, infections, blood disorders, tumors, hypertension, or toxins. While some causes may be minor, others can be life-threatening.
Monitoring your dog, maintaining a calm environment, and seeking veterinary care for persistent or severe symptoms are crucial.