Why is My Dog Vomiting & Having Bloody Stool: Should I Visit the Emergency Room?

Dear VetBabble: My Dog Keeps Throwing Up and Has Bloody Stool, Should I Go to the Emergency Room?

We understand the concern that comes when your dog is experiencing digestive upset and discomfort. In this case, the symptoms include vomiting, trouble passing stool, and passing blood instead. We’ve created this informative guide to provide some general advice that may be useful for pet owners experiencing similar issues and will address when it is time to visit the veterinarian or emergency clinic.

1. Common Causes of Vomiting and Diarrhea in Dogs

In order to determine the cause of your doggy’s discomfort, it’s important to consider the various reasons for vomiting and diarrhea in dogs. A sudden change in diet, eating something they shouldn’t have, or an allergic reaction to a particular ingredient can all lead to these symptoms. Additionally, there are more severe causes such as bacterial or viral infections, parasites, or even more serious medical conditions like kidney disease, liver disease, or certain types of cancer. In some cases, there may be an obstruction in the digestive system contributing to the vomiting and bloody stool. We recommend reviewing our articles on Why Does My Dog Have Diarrhea? and Vomiting in Dogs: Causes, Treatment & When to Worry to better understand common causes.

2. Identifying and Assessing the Severity of the Symptoms

It’s essential to closely monitor your dog’s symptoms to determine the severity of their condition. Some important points to consider are the frequency of vomiting, the consistency and color of the vomit and stool, and the presence of blood or mucus in either. In addition, take note of any other symptoms your furry friend might exhibit, such as lethargy, a fever, or loss of appetite. Assessing the overall severity of the situation is crucial in deciding whether it’s time to visit the veterinarian. Our article on Diarrhea in Dogs: When to Worry can help you determine the urgency of your dog’s situation.

3. When to Visit an Emergency Clinic

If your dog’s vomiting persists for more than 24 hours, is passing blood in their stool, is unable to keep water down, or is exhibiting other symptoms of distress such as dehydration or lethargy, it’s highly recommended you visit an emergency clinic for an immediate examination. It’s possible that what your dog is experiencing could simply be gastrointestinal irritation or gastroenteritis that can be monitored and managed at home, but it’s always better to err on the side of caution since more severe causes can be life-threatening. If your veterinarian determines that your dog is passing blood in their stool due to a more serious issue like cystitis or a blockage in their digestive system, they will advise on the necessary course of action. Our article on If There’s Blood in Your Dog’s Urine It Could be Cystitis offers additional information on blood-related urinary issues in dogs. To sum it up, given your dog’s symptoms of vomiting and bloody stool, it’s best to take them to an emergency clinic for a thorough examination. Your veterinarian will be able to diagnose the underlying cause and help you determine the appropriate treatment and management plan for your pet’s well-being. It’s essential to prioritize your dog’s health and act quickly in these situations to ensure the best possible outcome for your furry friend.

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