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My dog threw up blood. What does it mean and when should I see a vet?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Large (61lb +) | Male | neutered | 93 lbs

My dog has been vomiting what looks to be blood since around 8 am today. It is currently 1 pm and he is vomiting less frequently and is currently taking a nap. The attached image is what it looks like. We have given him small amounts of water but no food.

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3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Elizabeth

Veterinarian

Published on March 15th, 2019

I agree that it looks like blood. Vomiting blood is always significant and Tycho needs to see his veterinarian today. Vomiting blood can be a sign of rat poisoning, autoimmune condition, severe stomach ulcer, intestinal blockage or liver disease And other causes are also possible. Just like with humans, the sooner that you get an appropriate diagnosis and treatment, the better the prognosis. Best of luck and please feel free to post any additional questions.

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    Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

    Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

    Published on January 4th, 2018

    Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This appears to be vomit that appears to have blood in it. When there is evidence of blood in the vomit, that raises concern for things like a gastrointestinal ulcer, gastrointestinal tumor, severe gastroenteritis, foreign body ingestion, among other possibilities. I recommend that you have Bear evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. Some tests that are usually run include bloodwork (CBC and chemistry panel +/- coagulation profile) and abdominal ultrasound. Thoracic/cervical radiographs may follow. Further diagnostics will be based on the findings up to that point. Keeping my fingers crossed that everything will be fine with Bear!

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    Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

    Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

    Published on November 29th, 2017

    Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sorry to hear that Uzi is not feeling well. Vomiting blood is very concerning and can be observed with things like gastrointestinal ulcers, coagulation issues, toxicities like rat poison, among other possibilities. I highly recommend that you have him evaluated by a veterinarian as soon as possible as this is very concerning as he can get very dehydrated but also anemic. A veterinarian would be able to stabilize him and try to find out what exactly is causing his vomiting episodes. Good luck! I really wish a quick recovery from this. Good luck!

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