Last Updated on December 31, 2021 by Griselda M.
How serious is it when sighting a Yorkie is throwing up blood? Don’t worry, we got the answers for you in this concise reading!
Firstly, you must not panic in these situations. You must think straight and find out the best way to help your beloved Yorkie. Dogs are not immune, and they can develop health problems. However, you as an owner need to help them and provide medical help.
In many cases that relate to health issues, owners tend to foresee symptoms of diseases. So, don’t be stubborn, acknowledge the facts or even contact your veterinarian.
Table of Contents
Why Is My Yorkie Throwing Up Blood?
Vomiting is unpleasant for both your pet and you. When vomit incorporates blood, it raises the stakes to a whole new level. Is it dangerous to vomit blood? What causes dogs to vomit blood?
Many causes can lead to a dog vomiting blood. We will cover the most common diseases and health issues that relate to blood vomiting.
Hematemesis is the medical word for dog puking blood. Fresh, bright red blood or partially digested blood that looks like coffee grounds may be present depending on where the bleeding originates. Dark, tarry stools may also be the case. They might indicate intestinal hemorrhage.
Blood can originate from the stomach, esophagus (the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach), or the upper intestines (the part of the intestinal tract connected to the stomach).
Severe bleeding in the mouth or respiratory system can also cause a dog to ingest blood before vomiting it back up. Anything that causes an injury, irritation, or inflammation of the lining of these organs might induce bleeding.
Dog Puking Blood vs Regurgitating – Concern or Not?
We must first distinguish between vomiting and regurgitation before moving on to the reasons for vomiting. When dogs vomit, the contents of their stomach and upper small intestine are violently released, sending food, liquids, and debris onto your carpet.
They frequently show indicators of sickness before this unpleasant exhibition, such as profuse drooling, retching, and abdominal contractions—much like we do.
Regurgitation is a unique condition. That is a passive action that expels undigested food and fluids rather than forcing them out of the stomach. This can cause difficulties breathing and coughing, unlike vomiting.
Examining what your dog has thrown up is one method to detect if he has regurgitated rather than vomited. Regurgitated substances are undigested and may cause the esophagus to retain its cylindrical shape.
Blood In Dog Vomit – Causes And Symptoms
Many symptoms can cause blood in the dogs’ vomit. As an owner, you need to know these and react accordingly.
- Blood in dog vomit is an indicator of a range of disorders and diseases in dogs. You can spot fresh blood, formed clots, or digested blood that looks like coffee grounds.
- Lack of appetite (anorexia), gastrointestinal discomfort, and diarrhea stools are common symptoms.
- A low red blood cell count (anemia) can result from vomiting blood, and further symptoms might include a heart murmur, weakness to the point of collapse, and a fast pulse.
On the other hand, there are a lot of causes for this disorder. They can vary from digestive tract diseases to physical injuries in the mouth. In this section, we will cover the most common ones and some that would not pop instantly when sighting this problem.
- Gastrointestinal illnesses such as inflamed intestines from inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or ulcers are the ones that you need to keep in mind.
- Other variety of causes for hematemesis can be metabolic, neurological, pulmonary, and viral illnesses. Toxic poisoning, such as that caused by home cleaners, is a common cause of hematemesis in dogs as well.
- Coagulopathy, or a lack of normal blood clotting, can be the cause of liver failure or a low blood platelet count (thrombocytopenia). Usually, that relates to the ingestion of a toxin or medicine which your Yorkie doesn’t tolerate.
- Hematemesis can also occur because of a traumatic event, such as being hit by a car, suffering serious burns, experiencing heatstroke, undergoing major surgery.
- Dogs may vomit blood if they expose to harmful plants or insecticides. Ingesting rat poison might result in abnormal blood coagulation.
Other Causes Of Dog Vomiting Blood
These are other causes that are not so common that relate to blood vomiting.
- Being exposed to heavy metal poisons, such as iron or lead, or being bitten by a snake.
- A blockage in the digestive tract is caused by consuming a foreign object that got stuck in the stomach or intestines (for example, clothing, sharp toy, or plastic-related objects).
- Take a bite of something sharp (like a plastic bottle or wooden branch).
- Lastly, the most serious but uncommon cause is Cancer.
If you want to assure yourself of the real cause, it’s best to visit your veterinarian and do a detailed examination.
Examination And Medication When Your Dog Is Puking Blood
Your veterinarian will recommend in-depth examination if your Yorkie is throwing up blood for more than 24 hours.
The veterinarian is going to physical check-up on your dog. That includes taking temperature, checking their abdomen, and inspecting signs of dehydration.
Other tests that your veterinarian is going to do are fecal analysis, blood work, and in some cases X-rays to check if there is a blockage in the digestive tract.
The number one recommendation that veterinarians give in these situations is a well-balanced and easy-to-eat diet. On some occasions, a prescription of fluid therapy might be in need.
There are some recommendations which we would like to mention. In other words, have the following in mind and what to expect in these situations.
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- Antibiotics – In many cases, dog vomiting blood is related to an infection. So, there is a good chance your veterinarian prescribes Enrofloxacin, Clavulanic acid, or Clindamycin.
- Oral Sprays – These will protest the mouth after an extended period of vomiting.
- Antiemetics – Neural blockages that block the vomiting signal to the brain are going to get prescribed.
- Histamines – These anti-allergic drugs are going to be prescribed if the cause is an allergic reaction. These work as a blocker of the overreaction which your immune system provides.
Lastly, surgery is the final recommendation if the previous ones don’t fix the problem. Detailed examination of the Yorkie is going to be made. That way, your veterinarian will check if your Yorkie is in a condition for anesthesia and surgery.
Final Thoughts
When a Yorkie is throwing up blood, don’t panic immediately panic. The best way is to take it step by step and consult with your veterinarian over the phone. It’s indeed a serious symptom that can indicate even larger health issues.
After you read this concise article, you can react accordingly and help your Yorkie in these situations.
If you got any other thoughts on this topic, comment below, and discuss it with other proud Yorkie owners!