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Dog threw up blood, vet tests normal, not eating. What's the cause?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Male | unneutered | 11 months and 15 days old | 55 lbs

Our dog is a year old, he threw up bright red blood. we took him to the vet x-rays and blood work all came back normal. he doesnt want to really eat and we have some meds for him now. my question is, what couldve caused him to suddenly vomit blood even though his x-rays are normal?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

Published on April 5th, 2017

Poor Spock! There are a number of things that could cause vomiting blood that would not show up on x-rays. Some possibilities would include a bleeding stomach ulcer, HGE (hemorrhagic gastroenteritis), a systemic bleeding disorder of some kind, ingestion of something toxic, or irritation to the stomach and esophagus from repeated episodes of vomiting. It's good that his bloodwork was normal also, as this makes it less likely that the problem is something serious :) He should be feeling better with medication from your vet within the next 24 hours. If not, I would recommend calling your vet or taking Spock back for a recheck to make sure that everything is okay.

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    Answered By Karly Macon, DVM, MS, CVA Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Sometimes when a dog vomits, especially if he vomit multiple times, the vomiting itself can cause small tears in the esophagus that show up as fresh blood in the vomitus. If you took him to the vet already, I would continue to monitor him and make sure he's getting his meds. Good luck!

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