Dog coughed up blood and died? Well, it is true.
Coughing up blood can be a life-threatening situation if dog parents ignore their pet’s condition and fail to take them to the vet promptly.
So, what are the possible factors that contribute to this problem? Today, I’ll share the underlying causes and effective ways to handle. Let’s delve right in!
Why Dog Coughed Up Blood And Died?
Mouth injury, respiratory infections, heartworm disease, foreign object swallowing, congestive heart failure, poison ingestion, clotting disorders, or tumors and cancer are popular various causes leading to dog cough with blood alarming condition.
Other reasons are at play, which will be detailed below.
Mouth Injury
What causes coughing up blood and dying? Injury should come out on top!
I once witnessed this with my four-legged companion when he accidentally bit down on a bone fragment, causing a small cut in his mouth.
He started coughing up blood, which alarmed me.
Therefore, when a furry friend injures its mouth, such as due to biting something hard or sharp, it can harm the sensitive tissues.
This type of injury often leads to bleeding, and when the canine coughs, the blood from the wounded area may be expelled.
Too much blood coming out without proper hemostasis can be fatal.
Respiratory Infections
Respiratory infections can cause dogs to cough, indicating irritation or inflammation in the respiratory system that can put an end to the pooch’s life.
In a detailed manner, infections such as pneumonia or bronchitis can harm the pooch’s airways, followed by swelling and irritation.
It can weaken the blood vessels in the breathing system, which is likely to break.
Coughing is a natural way for the body to clear the airways of mucus or irritants.
In worse situations, the infection can harm the breakable blood vessels, leading to coughing up blood.
Some respiratory infection signs in canines that dog parents should pay attention to include persistent cough, labored respiratory rate, nasal discharge, lethargy, decreased appetite/loss of appetite, fever, sneezing or sniffling, weight loss, and reduced exercise tolerance.
Heartworm Disease
Heartworms are tiny parasites that live in the heart and lungs of dogs that have been infected. As these worms grow and multiply, they take a toll on the organs.
Heartworms in the lungs can trigger coughing as the body tries to expel them.
Inflammation and damage to blood vessels also stem from these worms, thereby the pooch coughing up blood.
If a dog is diagnosed with heartworm disease, it will require heartworm treatment to eliminate the infection and manage the associated deadly health risks.
Foreign Object Swallowing
What would make a dog cough up blood? Swallowing your airpod, bone, toy, or any foreign object is a possible answer.
Indeed, if a dog swallows a foreign object, it can get lodged in the throat or migrate to the lungs, causing irritation, inflammation, and harm to the respiratory system or even killing a canine.
In response, coughing is the body’s natural reflex to dislodge the object or clear the airways.
However, in severe cases where the object remains or inflicts damage, it can result in coughing up blood.
CHF Congestive Heart Failure
CHF is a type of heart disease. It can lead to coughing up blood due to the increased pressure it puts on the blood vessels in the lungs.
As the heart struggles to pump effectively, the backed-up blood can force the lung vessels to become fragile and prone to leakage.
It can result in small amounts of blood being expelled during coughing.
Additionally, the compromised function of the heart and lungs can end up with fluid accumulation, further irritating the airways and contributing to premature death.
Ingestion Of Poison/Toxin
A furry friend eating something poisonous can harm the stomach and other organs, including the lungs.
The toxins can irritate the tissues, leading to inflammation and bleeding.
Coughing may occur as a response to the irritation, and if the lungs are affected, your pet may spit up blood due to the internal damage brought on by the ingested poison.
Clotting Disorders/Coagulopathy
Dogs with clotting disorders have trouble making blood clots, which makes them prone to bleeding.
It can result in uncontrolled bleeding, including in the respiratory system.
When the vulnerable blood vessels in the lungs break or leak, the canine may cough up blood.
Recognizing if your canine has a clotting disorder can be challenging without proper veterinary testing.
However, if you notice your dog has frequent nosebleeds, bruises easily, or experiences excessive bleeding from minor injuries, I recommend you go to the vet to prevent the worst-case scenario.
I have personally witnessed these symptoms in my furry buddy, and seeking timely veterinary attention made a significant difference in managing the clotting disorder effectively.
Tumors and Cancer
What does it mean when a dog coughs up bright red blood? It could indicate a serious health issue such as tumors or cancer.
As said, lung tumors or nearby structures can foster bleeding and damage the respiratory system.
The presence of tumors is linked to irritation, inflammation, and fragility of blood vessels.
As a result, coughing can occur, and blood may be thrown up due to the tumors’ impact on the lung tissues and vessels.
Some examples of tumors and cancers that can cause dogs to cough up blood that you should dig down more are lung tumors, metastatic tumors, renal carcinoma (kidney cancer) and hemangiosarcoma.
Tuberculosis (A Very Rare Disease In Dogs)
Tuberculosis is an uncommon disease in dogs originating from a bacterial infection. But it is a severe lung disease.
It primarily affects the respiratory system, causing inflammation and lung damage.
As the disease progresses, the lungs can become severely compromised, forcing the pet to cough up blood.
Pulmonary Vascular Disease
It refers to conditions affecting the blood vessels in the lungs, such as pulmonary hypertension, which increases blood pressure in the lungs’ arteries.
These conditions will increase pressure in the lung vessels, making them weak and more prone to rupture or leaking.
Coughing may occur as a response to lung vessel abnormalities, and blood may be spat up if these vessels rupture or leak.
Hematemesis (vomiting of blood from the digestive tract)
Why does a dog vomit blood from the digestive tract? Hematemesis is to blame.
Once blood from the stomach or esophagus is swallowed and reaches the respiratory system, it can be coughed up, indicating an underlying gastrointestinal issue.
When a canine coughs, blood can come out due to different conditions like ulcers, tumors, or bleeding problems that cause blood to be present in the digestive tract.
If you also notice bloody diarrhea that resembles coffee grounds, it is crucial to seek professional medical attention immediately.
Pulmonary Vascular Disease
Bacterial or fungal lung infections can irritate and wreak havoc on lung tissues. It can lead to coughing as the body tries to clear the infection.
In worse situations, lung bleeding might happen, and the four-legged companion may cough up blood.
Lung Infection
Bacterial or fungal lung infections can harm the fragile tissues of the lungs, causing inflammation and damage.
This damage irritates the lungs and triggers a cough as the body’s defense mechanism to expel the infection.
Worse yet, the infection can make the blood vessels in the lungs break or leak, causing bleeding inside the lungs.
Consequently, when the dog coughs, the blood may be coughed up along with mucus or phlegm.
Mass In The Lungs That Has Ruptured
If a mass or tumor develops in the lungs and subsequently ruptures, internal bleeding within the respiratory system is to be expected.
Coughing up blood occurs when the blood from the ruptured mass is expelled during coughing.
This condition typically signifies an advanced disease state and can contribute to the dog’s deterioration and eventual sudden death.
What Can Dog Parents Do When Your Dog Coughing Blood?
Call The Vets Immediately
It is crucial to contact your veterinarian promptly when your canine is coughing blood. Inform them about the situation and schedule an appointment as soon as possible.
The vet will be able to assess the severity of the situation and provide appropriate guidance and proper treatment options.
In my experience, there are several checks to assess your pet’s health, such as:
Physical examination
The vet will examine your pet’s overall condition, including body temperature, heart rate, breathing (rapid breathing, difficult breathing), and general appearance.
They will check for any visible abnormalities or signs of distress.
Medical history review
The vet will ask about your pet’s medical history, previous illnesses, vaccinations, and current symptoms.
Providing accurate information will help the vet make a proper diagnosis.
Diagnostic tests
Depending on your pet’s symptoms, the vet may recommend tests such as blood tests, X-rays, urine analysis or ultrasounds.
These tests help identify underlying issues and provide a more accurate diagnosis.
Observation and palpation
The vet will observe your pet’s behavior, look for any signs of pain or discomfort, and palpate various body areas to check for swelling, lumps, or other abnormalities.
Additional examinations
In some cases, the vet may conduct specific examinations tailored to your pet’s symptoms, such as checking the respiratory system, listening to the heart and lungs, examining the mouth, or assessing mobility.
Follow-up discussions
After the examination and test results, the vet will discuss their findings with you.
They will explain the diagnosis, answer your questions, and recommend appropriate medical treatment options or further tests if necessary.
Take A Photo Of The Coughed Blood
If your four-legged companion coughs up blood, try to capture photos or videos of the coughing episode.
These can be helpful for the vet to visually assess the situation and better understand the nature and extent of the coughing and blood appearance.
Keep Your Pet Calm
You should create a soothing environment for your four-legged companion. Dogs can sense their owner’s feelings, so staying calm can help your furry friend feel more at ease.
Minimize loud noises, ensure a comfortable temperature, and offer gentle reassurance to help ease any stress or anxiety your four-legged companion may be experiencing.
Let Your Pet Rest
Provide a quiet and comfortable resting area for your pooch.
Encourage your furry friend to rest and limit physical activity to prevent additional strain on the respiratory system. Adequate rest allows the body to recover and heal more effectively.
Change The Diet
You must discuss with your veterinarian the possibility of dietary adjustments.
They may recommend a specialized diet or specific nutrients to support your four-legged companion’s overall health and aid recovery.
A well-balanced diet can help strengthen the immune system and provide essential nutrients for healing.
How To Prevent A Dog Coughing Up Blood Then Died?
Ensure Your Pet’s Nutrition
Give your pooch a well-balanced and healthy diet that meets its unique requirements.
Provide high-quality food, fresh water, and avoid feeding them harmful substances that could cause internal damage or bleeding.
Satisfy Your Dog Exercise Needs
Regular exercise is crucial for your canine’s overall health.
It helps maintain a healthy weight, strengthens the pet’s immune system, and promotes proper circulation, reducing the risk of respiratory issues and related complications.
Vaccinations
Keep your canine’s vaccinations up to date. Vaccinations ward off various contagious diseases, including those that can lead to respiratory infections or blood-related disorders.
Regular Healthy Checkup
It’s important to treat your dog with love, care, and regular veterinary check-ups to ensure their overall well-being and happiness.
Even seemingly small issues, such as a dog’s stomach making noises when sleeping, can become significant problems if not carefully attended to.
Therefore, routine examinations allow for prompt intervention, preventing conditions that may trigger coughing blood and providing appropriate treatment when needed.
What’s The Best Time To Call The Vet? What To Do Before Visiting A Vet?
If your four-legged companion is coughing up blood or showing other alarming symptoms, take your pet to the vet immediately.
Before visiting the vet, you’d better take a picture of the blood first.
Then, gather relevant information about your pet’s symptoms, medical history, and recent changes in their routine. It can assist the vet in assessing the situation more effectively.
Also, prepare any necessary documents or records to take along with you, and follow any specific instructions provided by the vet’s office.
Conclusion
It might send you into panic when a dog coughed up blood and died.
But this will never be the story of yours if you seek veterinary attention promptly right the moment a dog is suffering.
Stay watchful and monitor their health to avoid potential complications. Your furry friend depends on you as their guardian, so act quickly and prioritize their well-being.