Dogs nose just started bleeding. Just out of one nostril. What could be the cause? He's a senior dog. Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Large (61lb +) | Male | neutered | 90 lbs

Oh no, Shadow! Bloody noses (epistaxis) can occur for several reasons, including nasal tumors, severe nasal infections (fungal or bacterial), coagulopathies (bleeding disorders), among others. Shadow should be examined by his vet and have a coagulation panel performed to assess his platelets and blood clotting factors. He may also need to have x-rays performed of his nasal cavity and chest to look for the presence of masses.

It can be from a sinus infection whether from a fungus or bacteria. A tumor is a possibility as most growths occur further up the sinus cavity and nose and are only visible with a scope being passed with anesthesia. The only way to get more answers is to start doing testing with X-rays and a scope or culture for bacterial growth.

Poor Stella! I'm sorry to hear that she's having this problem. Unfortunately, bloody nasal discharge in an older dog like this (especially if only one side is affected) is most often due to a nasal tumor of some kind. Other possible causes would include a nasal foreign body, a severe bacterial infection, or a fungal infection of the nasal cavity. Since the anti-inflammatory and antibiotics have not helped, I would strongly suggest talking with your vet about options for further work-up. In most cases like this, a rhinoscopy is needed in order to make a definite diagnosis. This usually requires referral to a specialist, since most general practice vets do not have the equipment or the expertise to do this test - your vet can tell you where your nearest referral center is, and help you make an appointment there if you with.

My senior dog's nose is bleeding from one nostril, what's wrong?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Large (61lb +) | Male | neutered | 90 lbs

Dogs nose just started bleeding. Just out of one nostril. What could be the cause? He's a senior dog

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS 102

Veterinarian

Published on March 27th, 2017

Oh no, poor Shadow! This nose bleed could be caused by rhinitis, sinusitis, a fungal infection, trauma, a foreign body, head trauma, or a tumor of the nasal passage. I would apply gentle pressure to see if that stops the bleeding, and if it does, then I would wait to have him seen by a vet until the morning. If you cannot stop the bleeding, or it becomes excessive, then I would take him into a vet right away. I see you live in Austin, Texas. The Emergency Animal Hospital of Northwest Austin (512-331-6121) and the Austin Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Center (512-343-2837) are both open 24 hours, so I would take Shadow into one of these clinics to be seen.

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My senior dog's nose is bleeding from one nostril, what's wrong?

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