Why Is My Dog Throwing Up Black or Dark Red Vomit? A Veterinarian Explains
Few things are scarier than seeing your beloved dog vomit something that looks like coffee grounds or contains bright red blood. While a single episode of vomiting is often nothing to worry about, black or dark red vomit always warrants prompt attention from your veterinarian. Here‘s what you need to know about this potentially serious symptom.
What Causes Black or Bloody Vomit in Dogs?
The medical term for black, tarry vomit is "hematemesis" which essentially means the presence of digested blood in the vomit. This occurs when there is bleeding somewhere in the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract, typically in the stomach or small intestine. The blood appears black or brown because it has been partially digested by stomach acid. The texture is often described as looking like coffee grounds.
Bright red blood in the vomit, on the other hand, indicates bleeding in the mouth, throat, or esophagus. A few specks of red is usually nothing to worry about (the esophagus has a rich blood supply and a little bleeding can occur from the force of vomiting). But large amounts of red blood are always concerning.
Some of the most common causes of black or bloody vomit in dogs include:
- Stomach ulcers
Stomach ulcers refer to open sores in the lining of the stomach. They are often caused by certain medications (especially non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs), stress, or other stomach irritants.
Ulcers can also form in the first part of the small intestine (the duodenum) due to excess stomach acid production. This is known as duodenal ulcer disease.
The most common sign of a GI ulcer is chronic intermittent vomiting, often with black material or fresh blood. Affected dogs may also have abdominal pain, decreased appetite, and dark tarry stools.
- Gastrointestinal cancer
Unfortunately, several types of cancer can cause bleeding stomach or intestinal ulcers in dogs. The most common is gastric adenocarcinoma, a malignant tumor of the stomach lining. Other GI tumors that may bleed include intestinal adenocarcinoma, leiomyosarcoma, and lymphoma.
Signs of GI cancer often mimic those of stomach ulcers, including sporadic vomiting (with or without blood), poor appetite, and weight loss. Some tumors can also cause obstructions leading to projectile vomiting.
- Foreign body obstruction
Dogs are notorious for eating things they shouldn‘t. When a non-edible object (such as a toy, rock, or article of clothing) becomes stuck in the stomach or intestines, it can cause partial or complete blockage. The foreign material can scrape the lining of the stomach or intestines, leading to inflammation and bleeding.
Signs of a GI foreign body include repeated vomiting (often with blood), abdominal pain, loss of appetite, and lethargy. Diarrhea and constipation are also possible depending on the location of the blockage.
- Medication side effects
As mentioned above, NSAIDs are a common cause of stomach ulcers in dogs. This group of medications includes popular over-the-counter pain relievers like aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil), and naproxen (Aleve), as well as many veterinary prescription drugs. While veterinary NSAIDs are generally safer than human products, any NSAID has the potential to cause GI bleeding in sensitive patients.
Corticosteroids (such as prednisone) are another class of drugs that can lead to stomach ulcers, especially when used long-term or in combination with NSAIDs. Chemotherapy drugs may also irritate the GI tract and cause bleeding in some cases.
When to Call the Vet
As a general rule, any episode of black vomit or more than a few streaks of red blood is reason to call your veterinarian immediately. Digested blood in the vomit is never normal and always indicates a problem that needs prompt attention.
Other signs that should trigger an urgent vet visit include:
- Repeated vomiting (more than 2-3 times in a 24-hour period)
- Lethargy or weakness
- Pale gums
- Abdominal pain
- Loss of appetite
- Dark, tarry stools
- Collapse
If your dog vomits a small amount of red blood but otherwise seems okay, it‘s still best to err on the side of caution and contact your vet for advice. They can help you determine whether it‘s safe to monitor at home or if an immediate exam is recommended.
Diagnosis and Treatment
If your vet suspects a bleeding GI ulcer based on your dog‘s history and clinical signs, they will likely recommend some diagnostic testing. This may include:
- Blood tests to check for anemia (low red blood cell count) and rule out other underlying diseases
- X-rays to check for evidence of a foreign body or tumor
- Abdominal ultrasound to better visualize the stomach and intestinal lining
- Fecal tests to rule out GI parasites
- Endoscopy (inserting a camera into the stomach) to visualize ulcers or take biopsies of suspicious lesions
Treatment depends on the underlying cause but typically involves some combination of:
- Anti-nausea medication to control vomiting
- Acid-blocking drugs (like famotidine or omeprazole) to reduce stomach acid and promote healing
- Antibiotics if a bacterial infection is suspected
- A bland, easily digestible diet until symptoms resolve
- Fluid therapy and blood transfusions in severe cases
- Endoscopic or surgical removal of foreign bodies
- Chemotherapy for certain GI cancers
With prompt treatment, stomach ulcers often heal completely within a few weeks. The prognosis is more guarded for dogs with GI tumors or perforated ulcers, but many can be successfully managed with surgery and/or chemotherapy.
Prevention Tips
While not all causes of GI bleeding are preventable, there are a few things you can do to reduce your dog‘s risk:
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Avoid giving your dog over-the-counter pain medications unless specifically instructed by your vet. Many human NSAIDs are highly toxic to dogs.
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Keep all medications, chemicals, and toxins out of your dog‘s reach. Childproof latches can help prevent curious dogs from getting into cabinets.
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Limit access to small objects that could be swallowed and cause an obstruction. This includes toys, trash, kids‘ items, etc. Use a dog-proof trashcan and always supervise playtime.
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Address any chronic GI issues (like inflammatory bowel disease) early before they can progress to ulceration or perforation. This may involve dietary changes, medications, and regular check-ups with your vet.
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Minimize stress where possible, as stress can increase stomach acid production and exacerbate GI disease. Maintain consistent routines and give your dog a "safe space" like a crate or bed to retreat to.
In Conclusion
Black vomit or vomit containing more than a few specks of blood is always cause for concern in dogs. It‘s a sign of bleeding in the upper GI tract, which can be caused by stomach ulcers, tumors, foreign body obstructions, and certain medications.
If your dog shows any signs of digested blood in their vomit, it‘s crucial to contact your veterinarian right away. With prompt treatment, many dogs recover completely. However, delaying veterinary care can allow the underlying condition to progress and become harder to treat.
Remember, you are your dog‘s greatest advocate. When in doubt, it‘s always better to play it safe and consult with your vet. They can guide you on the next best steps to get your furry friend feeling better as soon as possible.