My dog threw up pink after heartworm meds. Is it blood or normal?

Question

Jack has tummy issues (diagnosed with colitis) and will get a sour tummy pretty often. He took his monthly dose of interceptor this morning. This evening he started heaving and threw up some. When cleaning it up it looks pink ish and like there are some blood striations? Does the attached picture look like blood? If so can this be normal? Should I worry about the heart worm meds? He’s taken the same med for about 4 months. Pet's info: Dog | Miniature Poodle | Male | neutered | 11 months and 15 days old | 15 lbs

Andrea M. Brodie, DVM · Accepted Answer

I would not worry too much about the pinkishness. This could be from coloring in the medication or from strenuous vomiting. As long as the vomitus is not frank blood, I would not worry about it. It is quite possible that he is suffering from a side effect of the Interceptor. This will usually pass. However: Throwing up can be caused by a food sensitivity, dietary indiscretion, intestinal parasites, an intestinal blockage, bacterial infection, viral infection, the weather, food change, stress, etc.  I would fast Jack for 24 hours and then put the dog on bland food for two days, such as boiled white rice and boiled white boneless chicken meat, fed in small quantities over several feeds and then transition back to regular food slowly over a few days. If this does not clear up the vomiting or if the vomiting increases, or if your dog gets lethargic, it needs to see a veterinarian for an exam as there may be something more serious such as an infection going on.

My dog threw up pink after heartworm meds. Is it blood or normal?

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