A guide to nosebleeds (epistaxis) in dogs

Known as epistaxis, nosebleeds are an uncommon disorder in dogs and an alarming sight for pet parents! They can range from just a few drops of blood to severe blood loss, depending on the cause, and they need medical attention right away. If your dog’s nose is currently bleeding, follow these first aid tips:

1. Stay calm

Adrenaline can elevate your dog’s blood pressure and increase the bleeding Trusted Source Veterinary Information Network (VIN) Community of veterinarians with up-to-date veterinary information. Go to source . And since dogs pick up on cues from their owners — especially in stressful situations — try to remain calm and collected. It’ll keep your pup mellow while you help them.

2. Try to prevent them from tilting their head back

Your dog will likely ingest some blood with a nosebleed, but it’s important to let the blood flow out of the nose so your dog doesn’t swallow it. Ingestion can lead to black, tarry stools and vomiting blood clots.

3. Study the rest of their face

Does your dog have any new deformities or abnormalities? Any inflammation on or around the nose, third eyelid elevation, or one eye protruding more than the other? Identifying trauma or symptoms is one of the most important ways to avoid aggravating the condition while treating it. It’s also key to understanding what else could be happening with your pup, so if you notice anything’s off, contact your vet immediately.

👉 Remember to look for any unusual bruising or unexplained swelling that could be bleeding underneath the skin.

4. Check their mouth and gums

It’s a fast way to gauge if there’s been significant blood loss. Just make sure there’s no other physical trauma to your pup’s mouth, jaw, or snout before checking to avoid further injuries.

5. Apply an ice pack to the bridge of your pup’s nose

If your dog is comfortable with it, apply an ice pack wrapped in something soft (like a dish towel or paper towels) to the bridge of their nose. Blood vessels in the nasal passages will constrict in the cold and help slow blood flow.

👉 Avoid obstructing both of your pup’s nostrils to ensure easier breathing. 

6. Don’t insert absorbent materials or cotton balls into their nose

Sticking anything up your dog’s nose is uncomfortable, unnecessary, and it also runs the risk of getting stuck up there. Instead, gently dab or wipe the blood freely running from their nose with a material that won’t irritate their snout.

7. Don’t give your dog any medicine unless instructed by your vet

It might be tempting to give your dog something in the moment to help with bleeding or discomfort, but it’s better to wait until you’ve spoken with your vet. Some medications (like NSAIDs) reduce the blood’s ability to clot Trusted Source U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Government agency. Go to source , which can prolong or worsen a nosebleed.

👉  Despite very few exceptions, human medicines and dosages aren’t designed for dog consumption. Some can cause serious harm if ingested. 

8. Call your dog’s vet to let them know what’s going on

There’s no such thing as overexplaining, either! Since nosebleeds can have such a wide variety of causes, you’ll help your vet out tremendously by providing exact details of what your dog was doing before and after the nosebleed started.

First, your vet’s going to need your dog’s current health history. Make sure to have that on hand, and never assume your vet already knows all the medications your pet is taking. Next, they’ll ask you questions like:

• How long has the nosebleed lasted?
• Is this their first nosebleed?
• Is the blood coming from both nostrils or only one?
• Has your dog been sneezing?
• Are there any other symptoms like bruising, swelling, or facial asymmetry?
• Could there have been trauma to the nose? Did they accidentally hurt themselves or play too roughly with another animal or toy?
• Do you have any rat poison, or could your dog have eaten a poisoned rodent?
• Have you seen your dog bleed from anywhere else besides their nose?
• Is there blood or black coloration in their stool?
• Has your dog been exposed to foxtails or grass awns?
• Have you seen any ticks on your dog within the past few weeks?
• Does your dog have flea/tick prevention?

Once they have a broader understanding of the situation, your vet may recommend a full examination of your furry friend. They’ll decide if any additional tests are needed to determine blood loss, blood clot disorders, fungal infections, cancer, ticks, high blood pressure, and other potential causes.

A lot of things. Which is why it can be hard to pinpoint the root issue when a nosebleed comes on fast — and seemingly at random. No bloody nose is a random occurrence, though. Here’s our list of general causes, from the most common to the least:

Muzzle/head trauma. Your dog’s nose is extremely vascular and bleeds easily to begin with, which is why trauma can be one of the biggest culprits in acute epistaxis. Our pups love to work hard and play harder, and sometimes accidents happen, regardless if they’re more prone to clumsiness than others.

Nasal tumors. Benign or malignant, nasal tumors are a serious matter, and one study found that out of 176 dog nosebleed cases, 30% had nasal tumors. So if your pup has recurrent bloody noses, especially paired with other symptoms like noisy breathing, weight loss, decreased appetite, and lethargy, it’s time to see your vet.

Foreign object in the nose. Every curious pup loves to use their superpowered nose. The only downside is sometimes foreign bodies can get stuck inside as a result of their curiosity. Whether they accidentally inhale something behind the couch or have an unfortunate run-in with foxtail grass, a foreign object lodged inside the nose will inevitably cause nosebleeds and infections.

Blood clot disorders. Like those caused by Canine von Willebrand disease, hemophilia, and anemia.

Rodenticides. Most rat poisons are designed to stop an animal’s blood from clotting. They interfere with the production of the necessary vitamins used to keep a dog’s blood within the vessels. This leads to internal bleeding that can sometimes be visible in the nose and mouth.

Tick-borne diseases. The ones most likely to cause nosebleeds are Rocky Mountain spotted fever, babesiosis, and ehrlichiosis. The good news is ticks are easily preventable.

Aspergillosis. An infection caused by inhaling the Aspergillus fungus. It’s usually found on different types of decaying vegetation like dead leaves and compost piles. Nosebleeds result because most infections are localized in the nose and sinuses (though they can spread to the lungs too). Immunocompromised dogs are at the highest risk of infection.

A low platelet count. Generally speaking, a low platelet count (thrombocytopenia) interferes with a dog’s ability to control bleeding. Platelets are the tiny blood cells responsible for clotting (coagulation), repairing blood vessels, and preventing blood loss. The condition is caused by various types of cancer, immune-mediated disease, bone marrow disease, or tick disease.

Treating your dog’s nosebleed will depend on what’s causing it. A mild bloody nose from an injury, for example, usually just takes rest and time to heal. However, other causes outlined above may need more extensive, ongoing treatment:

• Tick diseases. Will need antibiotics.
• Fungal infections. Will need antifungals.
• Immune-mediated diseases. Require immunosuppressive medication.
• Cancerous masses. Can sometimes be treated with surgery, though many require chemotherapy or radiation as well.

Nose bleeds in dogs aren’t common. However, accidents can and do happen. Because injury is one of the most common reasons why dogs get nose bleeds, it’s important to supervise Fido during playtime. And if you’re seeing blood (even a little), it’s important to get your doggie veterinarian care ASAP.