When your dog is throwing up and peeing blood, it can be incredibly alarming. These symptoms are not only distressing but also point to potentially serious underlying health issues.
While some cases may be mild and treatable at home, others require immediate veterinary attention.
We break down the possible causes of a dog throwing up and peeing blood, what other signs to watch for, and what you should do next.
Here’s why dog throwing up and peeing blood happens
Dog throwing up and peeing blood usually indicates a serious underlying health issue such as poisoning, kidney disease, urinary tract infection, internal trauma, or a blood clotting disorder.
These symptoms often occur together when toxins, infections, or internal damage affect both the gastrointestinal and urinary systems.
Vomiting may result from systemic illness or pain, while blood in the urine suggests bleeding or inflammation within the urinary tract.
Immediate veterinary attention is essential, as these signs can signal life-threatening conditions that require urgent diagnosis and treatment.
Common Causes of Dog Throwing Up and Peeing Blood
Urinary tract infection (UTI) with gastrointestinal upset
One possible reason your dog is throwing up and peeing blood could be a urinary tract infection that has spread.
A typical UTI in dogs affects the bladder, but if untreated, it can lead to a kidney infection.
Kidney infections can cause vomiting, fever, and bloody urine.
When bacteria from a UTI enter the bloodstream or affect the kidneys, nausea and vomiting can result.
The blood in the urine typically appears pink, red, or brown, and your dog may strain to urinate or show signs of discomfort.
Ingestion of toxins
Another serious reason your dog may be throwing up and peeing blood is poisoning.
Certain toxins, such as rodenticides, antifreeze, or poisonous plants, can damage internal organs, especially the liver and kidneys.
This damage can result in vomiting, bloody urine, internal bleeding, and even death if not treated promptly.
A dog throwing up and peeing blood after ingesting something toxic may also exhibit symptoms such as drooling, shaking, difficulty breathing, or lethargy.
Time is critical in suspected poisoning cases.
Related: Dog is Vomiting, Has Diarrhea, and Not Eating (Causes and what to do)
Trauma or injury
Physical trauma to your dog’s abdomen or lower back can also result in both vomiting and blood in the urine.
A fall, getting hit by a car, or even rough play can cause internal bleeding, organ damage, or bladder rupture.
Dogs suffering from trauma may show signs such as stiffness, whining, limping, or avoiding being touched.
Vomiting may occur due to internal pain or as a response to shock, while hematuria suggests bleeding in the urinary system.
Kidney disease or kidney failure
Kidney problems can cause both vomiting and bloody urine in dogs.
The kidneys filter waste from the blood and maintain fluid balance.
When they are not functioning properly, toxins build up in the body, often causing nausea and vomiting.
At the same time, damaged kidney tissues may lead to blood leaking into the urine.
A dog throwing up and peeing blood due to kidney disease may also seem lethargic, lose appetite, drink and urinate more frequently, or display pale gums.
Bladder stones or urinary obstruction
Bladder stones or a urinary blockage can cause severe irritation in the urinary tract, leading to blood in the urine.
If these stones cause partial or complete obstruction, the backup of urine can stress the kidneys and induce vomiting.
A dog throwing up and peeing blood from a urinary blockage may strain or whine while urinating, lick their genital area frequently, or pass only small amounts of urine.
In male dogs, this condition can quickly become life-threatening.
Related: Dog throwing up and peeing (Here’s why)
Blood clotting disorders
Conditions that affect your dog’s ability to form blood clots, such as immune-mediated thrombocytopenia or exposure to anticoagulant poisons, can result in widespread bleeding.
This bleeding may appear in the urine and also cause vomiting if there is internal hemorrhaging.
A dog throwing up and peeing blood due to a clotting disorder may also have bleeding gums, nosebleeds, or bruises on their skin. Immediate vet care is crucial.
Cancer
Unfortunately, cancer can also cause a dog to throw up and pee blood.
Tumors in the bladder, kidneys, liver, or stomach can rupture or bleed internally.
If the digestive tract or urinary tract is affected, it’s not uncommon to see both symptoms simultaneously.
Cancer symptoms can vary depending on the type and stage but may include weight loss, fatigue, poor appetite, abdominal swelling, and abnormal lumps.
Other signs to watch for
If your dog is throwing up and peeing blood, you should also watch for the following symptoms, as they can help your veterinarian determine the cause:
Lethargy or weakness
Refusal to eat or drink
Fever or chills
Painful abdomen
Pale gums
Rapid breathing or panting
Changes in urine frequency or color
Excessive thirst
Seizures or collapse
The presence of multiple symptoms often indicates that a systemic or advanced condition is involved.
Related: Dog throwing up and drinking a lot of water (Here’s why)
What to do if your dog is throwing up and peeing blood
These symptoms are not something to wait out. Here are the steps to follow if you notice that your dog is throwing up and peeing blood:
1. Contact your veterinarian immediately
Call your vet as soon as possible and describe the symptoms clearly.
Mention when they started, how often your dog is vomiting, what the urine looks like, and whether your dog is eating, drinking, or acting normal.
2. Keep your dog calm and hydrated
Try to keep your dog calm and comfortable.
Avoid giving food until you speak to your vet, but offer small amounts of water unless vomiting is persistent.
Hydration is important, but too much water too quickly can worsen vomiting.
3. Do not medicate without veterinary advice
Never give your dog human medications or leftover prescriptions without guidance from your vet.
These can worsen the condition or interact with existing problems.
4. Save a sample of the vomit and urine
If you can, collect a sample of your dog’s vomit and urine.
This can help your vet diagnose the issue more accurately, especially if it contains blood, foreign material, or an unusual color or odor.
5. Prepare for diagnostic testing
Be ready for your vet to suggest diagnostic tests like blood work, a urinalysis, x-rays, or an ultrasound.
These tests help identify whether your dog has an infection, internal bleeding, kidney failure, bladder stones, or another issue.
When to seek emergency help
You should go to an emergency veterinary clinic right away if:
Your dog is vomiting repeatedly and cannot hold down water
There is a large amount of blood in the vomit or urine
Your dog appears weak, confused, or collapses
You suspect poisoning or toxin ingestion
Your dog has been injured recently
Your dog is a puppy, senior, or has an existing medical condition
Delaying care in these situations can result in rapid deterioration, organ failure, or death.
Key takeaway
If your dog is throwing up and peeing blood, don’t ignore these warning signs.
This combination of symptoms often signals a serious condition like kidney failure, a urinary blockage, poisoning, trauma, or infection.
Whether your dog is showing mild or severe signs, it’s always best to consult your veterinarian quickly.
Early diagnosis and treatment can mean the difference between recovery and lasting damage.
Monitor your dog closely, follow veterinary guidance, and act fast when you notice something is off. Your quick response could save your dog’s life.