If our dog has blood coming out of his mouth, it is normal for us to get scared and worry. In this article on our site we are going to talk about the causes that can explain this type of bleeding, since the blood can come from so many different parts of the body, such as the mouth or the stomach. Determining its origin is what will give us the key when it comes to solving this problem and will also indicate its seriousness. It is important that if the bleeding is intense or the dog presents other symptoms, we go to our veterinarian. Keep reading and find out why your dog has blood in his mouth
Hemorrhages in dogs
When our dog has blood coming out of his mouth, the first thing we should know is that it can come from several places, such as the mouth, esophagus, lungs, or digestive system. In the following sections we will see alterations that can cause bleeding in these places. We must also take into account the amount and appearance of the blood, that is, if it is fresh or is already dark.
A dog with very heavy or chronic bleeding may have other symptoms such as anemia, which we will notice when observing pale mucous membranes (gums, eyes, etc.), breathing difficulties, hypothermia , lack of appetite or tiredness. If our dog shows any of these signs we should go to the vet. Severe bleeding is life-threatening to the dog and requires intensive treatment with fluid therapy and even transfusions.
Oral bleeding in dogs
The most common thing when our dog has blood coming out of the mouth is that it has originated in the oral cavity itself. Any wound that damages the tongue or gums, such as that caused by a bone, a stone or a stick, easily causes bleeding. In these cases we will see fresh blood, usually in small quantities, and the dog will not show any other symptoms. Examining the mouth we may be able to locate the lesion. The bleeding usually subsides on its own in a few minutes. If this is not the case, it is intense or it seems to us that there may be an object stuck, we should go to the vet.
In addition, dental and gum disease can also be responsible for bleeding, especially dog bleeding gums. In these cases we can see an excess of plaque and tartar, halitosis, receding gums or pain when chewing, which can cause the dog to stop eating. These situations require veterinary assistance, since, if they progress, they will cause the loss of teeth. It will be the veterinarian who can best recommend the necessary care to keep our dog's mouth he althy.
Blood in the dog's mouth from the respiratory system
Although our dog has blood coming out of his mouth, it may come from another area, such as the respiratory system. In infectious processes, tumors or polyps its mucosa can be damaged to the point of causing wounds, which can also occur when the dog coughs or sneezes.
Normally this bleeding will be light but it is important that we go to our veterinarian so that, after the relevant tests, determine the cause of the bleeding, which is probably accompanied by other symptoms such as runny nose, cough, shortness of breath, loss of appetite, or fever. Once identified, the prescribed treatment will also solve the bleeding.
Bleeding in the dog's mouth due to gastrointestinal problems
Sometimes the dog gets blood from the mouth in the form of vomiting or regurgitation, due to damage caused to the digestive system. As we have seen in the case of the respiratory system, the cause that causes the dog to vomit blood can be infectious, tumoral, foreign bodies, etc. In addition, if the dog ingests any toxin that affects coagulation, it is normal for it to present internal bleeding, losing blood not only through the mouth but alsothrough the anus or nose It is a veterinary emergency with danger to the dog's life and a reserved prognosis, hence the importance of maintaining a safe environment and educating the animal so that it don't eat anything you find on the street.
The gastrointestinal ulcers can also be behind vomiting blood. Prolonged anti-inflammatory treatments have the formation of these lesions as a side effect, so we must be vigilant if our dog is being medicated. As we have already said, the veterinarian must carry out the pertinent tests to arrive at the diagnosis and the corresponding treatment. In some cases, surgery may be needed.
Other causes of internal bleeding in dogs
There are other causes that can explain why a dog has blood in its mouth. For example, if this suffers a trauma, such as a fall from a height or a run over. In these circumstances it is likely that the blood in the mouth is due to internal hemorrhage If we suspect this to be the case we should keep the dog calm and urgently transfer it to the veterinary center, even if he appears to be well, as he may be suffering from internal injuries.
Coagulopathies, that is, diseases that affect blood coagulation, can also cause observable bleeding in the mouth, nose, anus etc. They require urgent veterinary treatment.
As we can see, oral bleeding in dogs has several origins and only a specialist can find it, unless we clearly see that it comes from a wound in the mouth or gums. If, in addition, we observe anal bleeding, a visit to the vet is more than mandatory.
