Seeing your dog pooping blood diarrhea while also vomiting can be alarming, as it often signals a significant digestive issue or underlying illness.
These symptoms are serious and require close monitoring to determine whether immediate veterinary care is needed.
We outline the common causes of dogs vomiting and having bloody diarrhea, what you can do, and when to seek veterinary help.
Dog Pooping Blood Diarrhea and Vomiting — Why It Happens
Blood in your dog’s diarrhea combined with vomiting usually indicates irritation or inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract. This can happen from infections, parasites, ingestion of toxic substances, or dietary indiscretions.
Other possible causes include stress-related digestive upset, rapid changes in diet, or underlying medical conditions affecting the stomach and intestines.
Dog Pooping Blood Diarrhea and Vomiting: Common Causes
1. Gastrointestinal Infections
Bacterial infections like Salmonella or E. coli, and viral infections such as parvovirus, can cause severe inflammation.
These pathogens damage the intestinal lining, leading to bloody diarrhea and vomiting.
Dogs may appear lethargic, refuse food, and show signs of abdominal pain. Infection can quickly lead to dehydration, making prompt veterinary care essential, particularly for puppies and senior dogs.
2. Parasites
Intestinal parasites, including hookworms, whipworms, and giardia, often result in bloody stools and vomiting.
Parasites irritate the gut lining and disrupt normal digestion, causing diarrhea streaked with blood.
Other signs may include weight loss, excessive gas, and general weakness. Proper diagnosis through fecal testing and subsequent deworming or antiparasitic treatment is crucial for full recovery.
Read more: Dog Pooping and Not Eating (What it means and next steps)
3. Dietary Indiscretions or Toxins
Eating spoiled food, garbage, or toxic substances can trigger vomiting and bloody diarrhea.
The ingestion of harmful items irritates the gastrointestinal tract, sometimes leading to acute inflammation and hemorrhagic stools.
You may notice a sudden onset of symptoms, drooling, or restlessness. These cases require prompt monitoring, and some toxins can necessitate emergency veterinary intervention.
4. Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis (HGE)
HGE is a condition causing sudden vomiting and diarrhea with blood, often without a known cause.
It is more common in small breeds and can result in severe dehydration. Dogs with HGE may exhibit weakness, pale gums, and rapid heart rate.
Immediate veterinary care is critical, as fluid therapy and hospitalization are often required to stabilize affected dogs.
5. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Chronic inflammation of the intestines can flare up, leading to bloody diarrhea and occasional vomiting.
Dogs with IBD may have recurrent gastrointestinal issues, weight loss, and decreased appetite.
Unlike acute infections, IBD is a long-term condition that requires dietary management, medications, and close veterinary supervision to control flare-ups and maintain gut health.
6. Pancreatitis
Inflammation of the pancreas can cause gastrointestinal upset, including vomiting and diarrhea that may contain blood.
Dogs often show abdominal pain, lethargy, and reduced appetite. Pancreatitis can range from mild to life-threatening, and severe cases require hospitalization, fluid therapy, and dietary management. Early detection is important to prevent complications and support recovery.
Read more: Dog Pooping Mucus and Diarrhea (why it happens)
What to Do If Your Dog Is Pooping Blood Diarrhea and Vomiting
Monitor your dog closely for signs of dehydration, lethargy, or worsening symptoms.
Ensure they have access to clean water, offering small amounts frequently if vomiting is present.
Feeding a bland diet of boiled chicken and rice can help ease digestive stress, but only if your dog can keep food down.
Avoid giving table scraps or rich foods until stools and vomiting resolve. Keep track of stool frequency, consistency, and blood presence to provide your veterinarian with accurate information.
When to Call or Visit Your Vet
Seek immediate veterinary care if your dog shows persistent vomiting, bloody diarrhea, or signs of dehydration.
Other urgent symptoms include pale gums, weakness, rapid heartbeat, abdominal swelling, or fever.
Puppies, senior dogs, and dogs with pre-existing health issues are particularly at risk of severe complications and should be evaluated promptly.
Your veterinarian may recommend blood work, fecal analysis, imaging, and supportive treatments like fluids or medications to stabilize your dog.
Quick action can prevent severe dehydration, organ complications, and prolonged discomfort.
Read more: Dog Pooping Blood No Other Symptoms (What it means)
Key Takeaway
Dog pooping blood diarrhea and vomiting is a serious symptom that can indicate infections, parasites, HGE, pancreatitis, or dietary issues.
While mild cases from dietary indiscretion may resolve with at-home care, persistent or severe symptoms always require veterinary evaluation.
Monitor your dog’s hydration, stool, and overall health, provide supportive care, and seek prompt veterinary attention when necessary.
Timely intervention ensures your dog recovers safely and maintains long-term digestive and overall health.