If your dog is sneezing and bleeding from the nose, it can be a frightening sight for any pet owner.
This combination of symptoms often points to something more serious than a simple cold or mild irritation, and it requires careful attention.
We outline the possible causes of dog sneezing and bleeding from the nose, what you can do at home, and when to seek veterinary help.
Dog Sneezing and Bleeding from Nose — Why It Happens
When a dog sneezes blood, it usually means there is irritation, trauma, infection, or another underlying health issue affecting the nasal passages. Causes can range from something as simple as a foreign object lodged in the nose to more complex problems such as infections, tumors, or bleeding disorders.
Some dogs may also experience this symptom after an injury, dental disease, or exposure to toxins.
Dog Sneezing and Bleeding from Nose: Possible Causes
Foreign Object in the Nose
Dogs often explore the world with their noses, and sometimes grass seeds, foxtails, or small debris can get lodged inside the nasal passage.
This irritation can cause frequent sneezing and may rupture delicate blood vessels, leading to nosebleeds. If left untreated, the foreign object can cause infection or worsen bleeding.
Read more: Dog Sneezing and Licking Nose (What it means for your pup)
Nasal Infections
Bacterial, viral, or fungal infections of the nasal cavity are another common cause of sneezing and bleeding.
Infections inflame the delicate lining of the nose, causing both sneezing fits and fragile blood vessels that break easily. You might also notice nasal discharge, foul odor, or lethargy in your dog.
Trauma or Injury
Rough play, accidental bumps, or even excessive sneezing from irritation can sometimes rupture blood vessels in a dog’s nose.
Dogs that dig, run through tall grass, or get into scuffles are especially at risk. Bleeding after trauma should always be monitored carefully, as it can also mask more serious internal injuries.
Dental Disease
Dental infections, particularly those involving the upper teeth, can spread into the nasal cavity. When bacteria or abscesses break through the bone, sneezing and nosebleeds may occur.
Bad breath, pawing at the mouth, and reluctance to eat hard food can be additional warning signs of this cause.
Nasal Tumors
Older dogs are more prone to developing growths or tumors in the nasal passages.
These growths can interfere with airflow, cause frequent sneezing, and rupture blood vessels, leading to visible bleeding. Tumors may grow slowly, so recurring nosebleeds should never be ignored.
Bleeding Disorders or Toxins
Some dogs suffer from clotting disorders, either inherited or caused by certain conditions such as tick-borne diseases.
Others may ingest toxins like rat poison, which prevent normal clotting and make nosebleeds far more dangerous. If your dog is bleeding heavily or in multiple places, this could indicate a clotting issue.
What to Do If Your Dog Is Sneezing and Bleeding from The Nose
If you notice your dog sneezing and bleeding, try to keep them calm and limit activity, as excitement or movement can worsen bleeding.
You can gently wipe away blood with a damp cloth to keep the nose clean, but avoid sticking tissues or cotton swabs inside the nostrils.
Encourage your dog to rest in a cool, quiet place. If the bleeding is light and stops quickly, continue to observe closely for recurrence.
Monitor for other signs such as difficulty breathing, loss of appetite, or swelling around the nose or face.
Avoid giving your dog human medications unless prescribed by a veterinarian, as some drugs can worsen bleeding.
If you suspect a foreign object, resist the urge to try and remove it yourself — this could push it deeper or cause more damage.
When to Call or Visit Your Vet
You should seek veterinary help right away if the bleeding is heavy, doesn’t stop within a few minutes, or keeps coming back. Persistent or severe nosebleeds are always a red flag.
Contact your vet immediately if your dog also shows signs such as lethargy, labored breathing, swelling, or bleeding in other areas like gums or skin. These could indicate a systemic problem like a clotting disorder or toxin exposure.
Recurring nosebleeds, especially in older dogs, require thorough investigation for possible tumors or chronic infections. Even if the bleeding seems minor, it’s always safest to have your vet perform an exam to find the underlying cause.
Read more: Dog Sneezing and Allergies (When sneezing is more than seasonal)
Key Takeaway
Dog sneezing and bleeding from the nose should never be brushed off as a minor issue.
While it could be caused by something as simple as irritation or a lodged seed, it might also signal infection, dental disease, or even more serious conditions like tumors or clotting disorders.
If your dog experiences nosebleeds, especially recurring or heavy ones, staying calm and seeking veterinary guidance is the best step you can take.
With the right care and attention, many dogs recover well, and early detection can make all the difference.