Veterinarian-written / veterinarian-approved articles for your dog.

First Aid for Internal Bleeding in a Dog

If your dog is bleeding internally, action must be taken immediately.

Internal bleeding is a serious condition in dogs. Because you aren't able to see that your dog is bleeding, his condition can become critical very quickly.

Causes of Canine Internal Bleeding

Some things that can cause your dog to bleed internally include:

  • Trauma such as being hit by a car, resulting in ruptured organ or artery
  • Bleeding tumor in the abdomen or chest, most commonly hemangiosarcoma
  • Poisoning by an anti-coagulant like mouse or rat poisoning

If your dog has visible bleeding from a wound, learn more here: "First Aid for External Bleeding in a Dog."

Signs of Internal Bleeding in Dogs

If your dog is bleeding internally, you may see some of the following signs:

  • Weakness
  • Pale or white gums
  • Weak, rapid heart beat
  • Vomiting
  • Blood in feces, urine, saliva, or coming from the eyes, nose, or mouth
  • Local rapid swelling
  • Collapse
  • Coughing up blood

What to Do for a Dog with Internal Bleeding

If you suspect that your dog is bleeding internally, it's important to do everything you can to keep him calm and quiet. Wrap him in a towel or blanket and speak softly and reassuringly to him.

Get your dog to your veterinarian or an emergency veterinary clinic as soon as you possibly can. When lifting your dog into the car, place one arm under his chest in front of his front legs and the other under his rump behind his back legs. Don't put pressure on the abdomen when lifting him. Handling and Transporting a Sick or Injured Dog."

Learn more about other emergencies in dogs and what to do here: "First Aid for Dogs: An Overview."

You May Also Like These Articles:

10 Ways You Could Be Shortening Your Dog's Life - Slideshow

How to Help a Lost Dog

Facial Recognition Apps for Lost Dogs

Caring for Your Dog After You're Gone

Is It Safe to Sedate Your Dog for Travel?

Dehydration in Dogs

Top Ten Emergencies in Dogs

Pet Insurance = Peace of Mind


Disclaimer: This website is not intended to replace professional consultation, diagnosis, or treatment by a licensed veterinarian. If you require any veterinary related advice, contact your veterinarian promptly. Information at DogHealth.com is exclusively of a general reference nature. Do not disregard veterinary advice or delay treatment as a result of accessing information at this site. Just Answer is an external service not affiliated with DogHealth.com.

Notice: Ask-a-Vet is an affiliated service for those who wish to speak with a veterinary professional about their pet's specific condition. Initially, a bot will ask questions to determine the general nature of your concern. Then, you will be transferred to a human. There is a charge for the service if you choose to connect to a veterinarian. Ask-a-Vet is not manned by the staff or owners of DogHealth.com, and the advice given should not delay or replace a visit to your veterinarian.