Seeing your old dog vomiting and pooping blood is alarming for any dog owner. These symptoms may appear suddenly, and though your senior dog may still seem alert or act normal for a time, it’s critical not to ignore these signs.
Vomiting and bloody stool are never normal, and when they appear together in an older dog, they may signal serious underlying health issues that require immediate veterinary attention.
We cover the common causes of old dog vomiting and pooping blood, why these symptoms may appear together, and what steps you should take if you observe them.
Old dog vomiting and pooping blood: why it happens
Vomiting and pooping blood in an old dog usually signals serious gastrointestinal distress, injury, or disease. Common causes include stomach ulcers, ingestion of toxins, gastrointestinal infections, tumors, pancreatitis, or inflammatory bowel disease.
As dogs age, their immune systems weaken, making them more vulnerable to chronic conditions and complications.
These symptoms may also result from medication side effects or underlying organ failure.
Immediate veterinary evaluation is crucial, as these signs can indicate life-threatening issues that require prompt diagnosis and treatment.
Old Dog Vomiting and Pooping Blood: Common Causes
Gastrointestinal ulcers or injuries
One common reason behind an old dog vomiting and pooping blood is the presence of gastrointestinal (GI) ulcers or injuries.
These can develop due to long-term use of certain medications (like NSAIDs), chronic vomiting, or underlying illness.
When the lining of your dog’s stomach or intestines becomes damaged, it can bleed.
If the blood is fresh and red, it typically indicates bleeding in the lower part of the digestive tract.
If it looks like coffee grounds or is dark and tarry, this may suggest the bleeding is from the upper GI tract and has been digested.
Ulcers in older dogs can result from years of digestive stress, chronic conditions, or even tumors, and they often cause a combination of symptoms including vomiting blood and bloody diarrhea.
Ingestion of toxins or foreign bodies
If your old dog is vomiting and pooping blood suddenly, poisoning is another potential cause.
Dogs can ingest toxic substances from their environment—rat poison, spoiled food, toxic plants, medications, or chemicals—which irritate and damage the digestive lining.
Additionally, older dogs may accidentally swallow non-food items like bones, sticks, or pieces of toys.
These can tear the intestines or stomach lining, resulting in bleeding both from the mouth (vomit) and rectum (stool).
This is especially serious in senior dogs, as their bodies can’t recover as quickly from internal damage.
Related: Old dog diarrhea and vomiting (Causes and treatment)
Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis (HGE)
Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis is a condition characterized by sudden and severe vomiting and bloody diarrhea, often described as raspberry jam-like in appearance.
While HGE can affect dogs of any age, old dogs with weakened immune systems are more vulnerable to severe complications.
The exact cause of HGE is not always known but may involve bacterial infections, food allergies, or stress.
The condition can lead to rapid fluid loss, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalance, requiring immediate veterinary intervention.
If your old dog is vomiting and pooping blood with no other apparent cause, HGE is one of the top considerations.
Parvovirus in older dogs
Although commonly associated with puppies, parvovirus can also affect older dogs, especially those who are unvaccinated or have a weakened immune system due to age.
Parvo is a highly contagious virus that leads to intense gastrointestinal symptoms, including vomiting and bloody diarrhea.
When an old dog is vomiting and pooping blood due to parvovirus, they may also show signs of extreme lethargy, fever, and dehydration.
Immediate hospitalization and supportive care are often necessary to give the dog a fighting chance at recovery.
Cancer or tumors in the GI tract
As dogs age, they become more prone to cancers, including those that affect the digestive tract.
Tumors in the stomach, intestines, or colon can erode blood vessels, causing internal bleeding that shows up as vomit or blood in the stool.
If your old dog vomiting and pooping blood is accompanied by weight loss, decreased appetite, or chronic GI symptoms, cancer must be considered as a possible underlying cause.
A veterinary exam including imaging and biopsies may be needed to diagnose it accurately.
Related: Old dog vomiting and diarrhea but acting normal (Here’s why)
Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas, and it can occur suddenly or become chronic in older dogs.
It often results in vomiting, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, and in severe cases, bloody stool or vomit.
Old dogs with pancreatitis may become lethargic and refuse to eat, even before vomiting or diarrhea starts.
It’s usually triggered by a fatty meal, stress, or certain medications.
While some dogs recover with supportive care, severe or chronic cases can lead to dangerous complications.
Colitis or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
Inflammation of the colon (colitis) or chronic intestinal inflammation (IBD) can cause old dogs to poop blood.
In some cases, this can be combined with vomiting when the inflammation extends higher up in the GI tract.
These conditions may develop gradually over time and cause recurring episodes of digestive distress.
A dog with IBD may alternate between normal days and flare-ups.
Blood in the stool might be streaked and accompanied by mucus, while vomiting episodes may include bile or partially digested food.
Parasites and infections
Though less common in senior dogs, parasites like hookworms or whipworms can still infect an older dog, especially if they have a weakened immune system.
These parasites latch onto the intestinal walls and cause blood loss.
Some bacterial infections (like salmonella or campylobacter) can also damage the GI lining, leading to vomiting and pooping blood in dogs of any age.
Prompt stool testing and targeted treatment are required to clear these infections effectively.
Stress or underlying chronic illness
Chronic conditions like kidney disease, liver failure, or heart disease can all manifest with gastrointestinal symptoms in older dogs.
Stress from pain, anxiety, or illness may also contribute to stomach upset and bleeding.
Even if your old dog vomiting and pooping blood appears normal between episodes, the symptoms may reflect a slowly progressing condition beneath the surface.
What to do if your old dog is vomiting and pooping blood
If your old dog is vomiting and pooping blood, don’t wait for symptoms to go away on their own. Follow these steps immediately:
1. Seek emergency veterinary care
These symptoms require urgent assessment by a vet.
Bring a sample of the stool and, if possible, take note of the color, consistency, and frequency of vomiting and pooping blood.
If your vet is closed, go to the nearest animal emergency clinic.
2. Withhold food temporarily
Don’t feed your dog until advised by a vet.
Giving food during a GI upset could worsen the condition.
Water should still be offered in small amounts to prevent dehydration unless the vet advises otherwise.
3. Avoid home remedies or over-the-counter medications
Never give your old dog human medications unless prescribed.
Some drugs can make bleeding worse or interact with other underlying conditions.
Only administer treatments prescribed by a professional.
4. Watch for worsening symptoms
Look out for worsening signs such as pale gums, weakness, collapse, distended belly, or continued vomiting and diarrhea.
These are signs of a medical emergency and require immediate intervention.
5. Follow the vet’s recommendations strictly
Once diagnosed, follow all instructions—whether dietary changes, medications, or follow-up tests.
Senior dogs may need more extended recovery periods and consistent monitoring at home.
Key Takeaway
Old dog vomiting and pooping blood is always a red flag.
These symptoms may stem from treatable infections, diet issues, or more serious diseases like cancer or pancreatitis.
The key is to act quickly—because early diagnosis and treatment can drastically improve your senior dog’s chances of recovery.
Remember, even if your old dog seems to be acting normal after a bloody episode, the underlying cause may still be serious.
Trust your instincts, monitor closely, and prioritize getting professional care.
When it comes to an old dog vomiting and pooping blood, time is of the essence.
The sooner you act, the better your beloved companion’s outcome.