Seeing your dog throwing up while also having diarrhea with blood can be extremely concerning.
These symptoms often point to a significant digestive upset or a more serious underlying illness that needs careful attention.
We outline the common reasons why a dog may throw up and have diarrhea with blood, what you can do, and when to seek veterinary help.
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Dog Throwing Up and Diarrhea with Blood — Why It Happens
Vomiting combined with bloody diarrhea in dogs typically indicates severe irritation or inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract. This may result from infections, parasites, dietary indiscretions, toxins, or underlying medical conditions affecting the stomach and intestines.
Other factors such as stress, sudden diet changes, or chronic gastrointestinal disorders can also contribute.
It is essential to monitor your dog’s overall behavior, appetite, and hydration to determine whether urgent veterinary care is needed.
Dog Throwing Up and Diarrhea with Blood: Common Causes
1. Gastrointestinal Infections
Bacterial infections like Salmonella, E. coli, or viral infections such as parvovirus can trigger acute gastrointestinal distress.
These infections damage the intestinal lining, leading to diarrhea streaked with blood and frequent vomiting.
Dogs may also appear lethargic, lose appetite, and show abdominal discomfort. Because infections can rapidly cause dehydration, especially in puppies and senior dogs, veterinary attention is crucial.
Read more: Constant Dog Diarrhea (Why it happens and what to do)
2. Intestinal Parasites
Parasites such as hookworms, whipworms, and giardia irritate the gastrointestinal tract, resulting in diarrhea containing blood and vomiting.
Affected dogs may show weight loss, weakness, and visible discomfort. Fecal testing is needed to identify the type of parasite, and proper deworming or antiparasitic treatment will be required to resolve the issue.
Untreated infestations can cause ongoing gastrointestinal damage and systemic health problems.
3. Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis (HGE)
HGE is a condition characterized by sudden, severe vomiting and bloody diarrhea.
It often appears without a clear trigger and is more common in small breeds. Dogs with HGE may develop rapid dehydration, pale gums, and lethargy.
Immediate veterinary intervention is required, as fluid therapy and hospitalization are often necessary to stabilize your dog and prevent serious complications.
4. Dietary Indiscretions or Toxins
Eating spoiled food, garbage, or toxic substances can cause sudden gastrointestinal upset.
The ingestion of harmful items irritates the stomach and intestines, potentially leading to vomiting and bloody diarrhea.
You may notice rapid onset of symptoms, drooling, and restlessness. Depending on the substance ingested, emergency veterinary care may be needed to prevent severe complications.
5. Pancreatitis
Inflammation of the pancreas can present with vomiting and diarrhea containing blood.
Dogs often experience abdominal pain, lethargy, and loss of appetite. Pancreatitis can be mild or life-threatening, and severe cases require hospitalization, fluid therapy, and dietary management.
Early detection and treatment are critical to prevent further gastrointestinal and systemic complications.
6. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Chronic intestinal inflammation can cause recurrent bouts of bloody diarrhea and vomiting.
Dogs with IBD may show intermittent gastrointestinal issues, weight loss, and reduced appetite.
Unlike acute infections, IBD is a long-term condition that requires ongoing dietary management, medications, and close veterinary supervision to control flare-ups and maintain digestive health.
Read more: Dog Throwing Up and Diarrhea (Understanding causes and treatments)
What to Do If Your Dog Is Throwing Up and Has Diarrhea with Blood
First, monitor your dog for signs of dehydration, weakness, or worsening symptoms.
Provide access to fresh water, offering small amounts frequently if vomiting occurs. You may introduce a bland diet such as boiled chicken and rice if your dog can tolerate food.
Avoid giving rich or fatty foods until symptoms resolve. Document the frequency, consistency, and amount of blood in the stools and vomit, as this information will help your veterinarian assess the severity and cause.
When to Call or Visit Your Vet
Contact your veterinarian immediately if vomiting and bloody diarrhea persist or if your dog shows signs of dehydration.
Urgent symptoms include pale gums, weakness, rapid heartbeat, abdominal swelling, fever, or inability to retain fluids. Puppies, senior dogs, and dogs with pre-existing conditions are at higher risk and should be evaluated promptly.
Your veterinarian may recommend blood work, fecal analysis, imaging, and supportive treatments such as fluid therapy, medications, or hospitalization. Quick action helps prevent severe dehydration, systemic complications, and prolonged discomfort.
Read more: Dog Watery Diarrhea with Blood (Why it happens)
Key Takeaway
Dog throwing up and diarrhea with blood is a serious symptom indicating infections, parasites, HGE, pancreatitis, dietary issues, or chronic gastrointestinal conditions.
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.