When we see blood coming from our dog’s mouth, we understandably fear for their well-being. Blood around a dog’s mouth may be due to oral health problems, but we also need to consider the fact that the mouth is the beginning of the digestive tract. It is possible that blood is emanating from the gastrointestinal system, which implies a serious health problem that requires immediate treatment. To understand why a dog is bleeding from their mouth, we need to look at the context, including the color, amount and consistency of the blood.
At AnimalWised, we investigate the reasons why your dog may be bleeding from the mouth. We understand the possible causes and treatment of this problem to best ensure your dog’s overall health. By looking into the causes of this problem, we can help you determine the best course of action to take in order to ensure that your dog is healthy and happy.
Dog bleeding from the mouth overview
When we see blood in or around our dog’s mouth, we need to determine whether the blood is fresh or old. Fresh blood from your dog’s mouth will be bright red. This implies the blood is coming from either the mouth itself or from the upper part of their digestive tract.
Blood that is dark in color is usually old blood, which means it comes from lower down in the digestive system. This can be partially digested, which is worrying, as it may imply a more serious issue. Treatment is often more complicated if the problem is located lower in the gastrointestinal system.
It’s important to note whether the bleeding is acute or chronic. Minor oral health problems may only cause minor bleeding that will eventually resolve itself. However, chronic bleeding is indicative of a more serious issue affecting your dog’s health. If you notice your dog is exhibiting other concurrent symptoms such as lethargy, paleness in the mucus membranes, difficulty breathing, or problems eating, then you’ll need to take them to the veterinarian for a correct diagnosis. Severe chronic bleeding can be life-threatening and may require intensive treatment.
There are a few different reasons why your dog’s mouth may bleed. Here, we’ll explore the most common causes in more detail.
Oral health problems
Oral health problems are one of the most common reasons for a dog’s bleeding mouth. Dogs are curious by nature and use their mouths to explore their environment. They may bite or chew on foreign objects, even if they’re not intending to eat them. For example, dogs often chew on sticks or other hard objects which can shatter. Pieces of these objects can pierce their gums and cause minor temporary bleeding.
If you see fresh blood in your dog’s mouth, it’s likely due to a small cut or wound. While the mucus membranes of the dog’s gums usually heal relatively quickly, it’s still a good idea to take a look in their mouths and observe the wound to gauge its severity. Abscesses and broken teeth can also result in bleeding.
If a dog is bleeding from their gums, it’s likely due to dental or gum disease – especially if we see an excess of plaque or tartar, halitosis, receding gums, or pain when chewing. If a dog has severe periodontal disease, the pain can make eating difficult, especially if they have hard dry kibble.
When puppies lose their baby teeth, it is not uncommon to see a little bit of blood. However, if there is excessive bleeding or your puppy is experiencing other dental problems, it is important to seek veterinary assistance. Once the initial issue has been addressed, you will need to establish a dental hygiene routine to help prevent future problems.
Respiratory system problems
While blood in a dog’s mouth is certainly cause for alarm, it’s possible the blood isn’t coming from there at all. The respiratory tract is connected to the throat and mouth, so it’s possible blood is coming from the lungs, throat, or any other part of the respiratory system.
Some respiratory problems which can cause bleeding from the mouth include:
- Bacterial infections
- Viral infections (e.g. canine distemper)
- Tumors
- Polyps
- Cold/flu
If your dog is coughing, gagging, or sneezing for an extended period of time and you notice they are bleeding from their respiratory tract, it’s important to take them to the vet as soon as possible. Even if the bleeding is minimal, there could be a serious infection or medical problem that requires proper diagnosis and treatment.
Gastrointestinal problems
Old blood usually means there is an issue further down the gastrointestinal system. The blood usually comes from the mouth in the form of vomit or regurgitation. It is possible for bleeding in the stomach to be vomited out quickly, resulting in fresh-looking blood. However, gastric acid will start to digest the blood after only a short time, resulting in the appearance of old blood.
If a dog has gastrointestinal bleeding, it’s possible that they will regurgitate blood through the mouth. However, it’s much more common for blood to exit through the ****, since the digestive flow is directed in this way. If a dog is bleeding from the mouth and **** simultaneously, it implies a very serious medical problem.
There are a few different gastrointestinal problems that can cause your dog to bleed from the mouth. Gastritis, for example, is the inflammation of the gastrointestinal mucosa and can often lead to internal bleeding. This can be caused by intoxication (eating something they shouldn’t), infection (viral, bacterial or fungal), or even just eating inorganic material. Infections, in particular, are varied and can have different symptoms, so it’s important to keep an eye out for anything that might seem off with your dog. If you think they may be bleeding from the mouth due to a gastrointestinal problem, it’s best to take them to the vet as soon as possible.
There are two main types of parasites that can cause dogs to bleed internally: intestinal parasites and blood-sucking parasites. Intestinal parasites can cause physical damage to the dog’s intestines, leading to bleeding. Blood-sucking parasites, on the other hand, can weaken the dog’s immune system, making them more susceptible to secondary health problems that can cause internal bleeding. Gastrointestinal ulcers are another common cause of internal bleeding in dogs. If ulcers rupture, they can be life-threatening.
One possible cause of ulcers in dogs is the side-effect of taking medication. Certain medications can be harsh on the dog’s digestive system and can rupture its mucosa. Some medications require additional medications in order to prevent these secondary problems.
Cancerous tumors in the gastrointestinal system can cause internal bleeding from both the mouth and ****. This often results in painful wounds that can take a long time to heal.
There are many symptoms that can help a veterinarian determine the correct diagnosis for gastrointestinal problems. For example, if a dog vomits white foam with specks of blood in it, this can be a sign that something is wrong. Similarly, if a dog is bleeding from the nose, this could be indicative of a different health problem.
Other causes of internal bleeding in dogs
There are a few other potential causes for a dog having blood in their mouth. When dogs suffer from trauma – whether it be from falling from a great height, being in a car accident, or any other type of collision – it can lead to oral bleeding. If we don’t witness the trauma ourselves, we may not realize something is wrong until the bleeding starts. If we suspect the dog has suffered such trauma, it’s important to take them to see a veterinarian immediately.
Diseases that affect blood clotting, known as coagulopathies, can also cause observable bleeding in the mouth, nose, and . They require urgent veterinary treatment.
My old dog is bleeding from the mouth
A dog is typically considered elderly or senior past the age of seven. However, this number can differ based on the individual dog’s specific circumstances. As a canine ages, their body will have undergone general wear and tear. This not only leaves them physically weakened, but also makes their immune system more vulnerable to deterioration. Because of this, if an elderly dog is bleeding from their mouth, it is critical that they are seen by a veterinarian for a checkup.
It’s always better to prevent an illness rather than have to treat it. As your dog gets older, you should take them for more regular checkups and make sure their vaccinations and deworming schedules are up to date. You should also provide the right levels of rest and exercise, and pay attention to their diet. A dog’s dietary needs change as they age, and ensuring these needs are met can help avoid the causes of bleeding from the mouth.
