When your dog is throwing up and pooping blood, it can be an alarming and distressing experience.
These symptoms often point to a serious underlying health issue that requires immediate attention. Vomiting combined with bloody stools is never something to ignore in dogs, as it can quickly lead to dehydration, shock, or worse.
We outline the common reasons why dog throwing up and pooping blood happens, what these signs mean, and what you should do next.
Here’s why dog throwing up and pooping blood happens
Dog throwing up and pooping blood often indicates a serious underlying issue affecting the gastrointestinal system. Common causes include poisoning, gastrointestinal ulcers, hemorrhagic gastroenteritis (HGE), infections like parvovirus, intestinal parasites, or ingestion of foreign objects.
These conditions can damage the stomach and intestines, leading to bleeding that appears in vomit and stool.
Dog Throwing Up and Pooping Blood: Common Causes
Ingesting toxins or poisons
One of the most critical causes of a dog throwing up and pooping blood is poisoning.
Dogs are naturally curious and may ingest harmful substances like household cleaners, rodenticides, toxic plants, human medications, or spoiled food.
These substances can damage the lining of the gastrointestinal tract, leading to both vomiting and bloody diarrhea or stools.
Some poisons also disrupt the clotting ability of blood, causing internal bleeding.
In such cases, the vomiting may contain specks of blood or have a coffee-ground appearance, while the stool may appear dark, tarry, or streaked with red. Prompt treatment is vital to prevent systemic organ failure.
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Gastrointestinal ulcers
Ulcers in a dog’s stomach or intestines can result in a dog throwing up and pooping blood.
These ulcers may be caused by long-term use of medications like NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), stress, or infections such as Helicobacter.
The ulcers erode the mucosal lining, leading to bleeding in the GI tract.
If your dog has been prescribed medications or shows signs like black stools, vomiting blood, lethargy, and abdominal discomfort, it could indicate gastrointestinal ulceration.
Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis (HGE)
Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis is a condition commonly seen in small dog breeds, but it can affect any dog.
It is characterized by sudden and severe vomiting and pooping of blood, often described as looking like raspberry jam.
While the exact cause is unknown, it’s believed to be associated with dietary indiscretion, stress, or bacterial toxins.
HGE causes rapid dehydration, and without immediate veterinary intervention, it can be fatal.
This condition is a medical emergency and should never be treated at home.
Parvovirus in dogs
Canine parvovirus is a highly contagious and potentially deadly virus, especially in puppies and unvaccinated dogs.
Parvo symptoms include severe vomiting, foul-smelling bloody diarrhea, lethargy, and refusal to eat or drink.
Because parvovirus attacks rapidly dividing cells in the intestinal lining, it causes significant GI damage and bleeding.
If you observe signs of parvo in your dog, seek emergency veterinary care immediately.
This virus spreads quickly and can lead to death without aggressive supportive treatment.
Dietary indiscretion or food intolerance
Sometimes, a dog throwing up and pooping blood may result from eating something inappropriate—like garbage, bones, or spicy human food.
Known as dietary indiscretion, this can irritate the stomach and intestines, causing inflammation and bleeding.
Food allergies or intolerances may also play a role.
For example, if your dog eats a new protein source that triggers inflammation or an immune reaction, their gastrointestinal system may respond with bloody stools or vomiting.
Always transition your dog’s food gradually and consult your vet if adverse reactions occur.
Related: Dog Throwing Up and Diarrhea (Explained)
Intestinal parasites
Parasitic infections such as hookworms, whipworms, or Giardia can cause your dog to poop blood and vomit, especially in puppies or dogs with weakened immune systems.
These parasites attach to the intestinal walls and feed on blood, resulting in irritation, anemia, and bloody stools.
If your dog has not been dewormed regularly or shows symptoms like weight loss, vomiting, and diarrhea with blood, a fecal exam is necessary to detect and treat parasites.
Foreign body obstruction
When a dog swallows a non-digestible object like a toy, sock, or bone shard, it can lead to gastrointestinal blockage.
This obstruction may cause vomiting, straining to defecate, and bloody diarrhea if the object irritates or perforates the intestinal wall.
An intestinal blockage is a surgical emergency. X-rays or ultrasounds are usually required to diagnose the presence and location of the foreign object.
Tumors or cancer
Cancers of the stomach, intestines, or rectum can also cause a dog throwing up and pooping blood.
These tumors may bleed internally or cause ulceration of the gastrointestinal tract, leading to the presence of visible blood.
Older dogs are at a higher risk of gastrointestinal tumors. In addition to vomiting and bloody stool, symptoms may include weight loss, reduced appetite, and general weakness.
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
Inflammatory bowel disease is a chronic condition that causes inflammation of the digestive tract.
It may result in intermittent vomiting, diarrhea, and sometimes blood in stool.
The condition often requires long-term dietary changes and medication to manage inflammation.
If your dog frequently experiences digestive upset and you notice occasional episodes of dog throwing up and pooping blood, IBD could be a possibility worth exploring with your veterinarian.
Related: Dog throwing up and not eating (Here’s why)
Trauma or injury
Injuries to the abdomen, whether from blunt force trauma (e.g., being hit by a car) or internal bleeding, can result in bloody vomit and feces.
A ruptured spleen or internal laceration can lead to blood loss into the GI system.
If your dog recently experienced a fall, accident, or rough play, seek immediate veterinary attention.
What to do if your dog is throwing up and pooping blood
Seeing your dog throwing up and pooping blood can be frightening.
Here’s what you should do immediately:
1. Do not delay veterinary care
This combination of symptoms is a red flag.
Even if your dog seems alert, the underlying cause can worsen rapidly.
Visit your vet or an emergency clinic right away.
2. Avoid giving any food or water
While it may seem kind to offer water or food, doing so could worsen the condition, especially if the dog has a GI blockage or ulcer.
Wait for veterinary guidance before feeding.
3. Note the color and consistency
Write down details of what you observe. Is the blood bright red or dark? Is the stool tarry?
Is the vomit yellow, foamy, or blood-tinged? This information can help your vet determine the source of bleeding.
4. Bring a stool or vomit sample
If possible, collect a sample of the bloody stool or vomit.
This can help your vet perform fecal analysis, bacterial culture, or parasite testing.
5. Monitor other symptoms
Keep an eye out for symptoms like lethargy, loss of appetite, pale gums, fever, or abdominal swelling.
These can indicate how severe your dog’s condition might be.
6. Isolate your dog from other pets
In cases where infectious diseases like parvovirus are suspected, isolate your dog to prevent transmission to other animals in the household.
When to seek emergency care
Immediate veterinary attention is necessary if:
Your dog is a puppy, senior, or immunocompromised
There is a large amount of blood in the vomit or stool
Vomiting or diarrhea is persistent or worsening
Your dog shows lethargy, dehydration, pale gums, or collapse
You suspect poisoning or ingestion of a foreign object
The vet will typically perform diagnostic tests such as bloodwork, imaging, or endoscopy and may start treatments like IV fluids, anti-nausea medication, antibiotics, or even surgery depending on the root cause.
Key Takeaway
Dog throwing up and pooping blood is not just a messy situation—it’s a medical emergency.
While occasional digestive upset is normal, the presence of blood, especially when it appears in both vomit and stool, signals a serious problem.
From infections and toxins to ulcers and tumors, several conditions can lead to these symptoms.
Early intervention can be life-saving. If your dog is experiencing these symptoms, don’t wait—seek veterinary help immediately.
With prompt treatment and a clear diagnosis, many dogs can recover fully and return to their happy, tail-wagging selves.
By staying vigilant and knowing what to look for, you’ll be well-equipped to help your furry friend through a health crisis.