72.73% survey participants checked blood in vomit as an emergency.
Do you feel the number of people who answered yes to this question is high enough? Let me ask you this, "If you were throwing up and there was blood in it, would you seek emergency care?"
If blood in vomit isn't one of emergency situations, what is?
Vomiting itself signals a problem. Visible blood in the vomit takes it into a whole other dimension. If a person was vomiting blood, they'd be scared and they'd be in pain. Is that different for a dog?
Any kind of bleeding is an emergency in itself based on the amount of blood loss. And then there is a consideration for the reason behind it which in itself can be an emergency as well.
Blood in vomit can either look like blood or it can look like coffee grounds.
In general, blood that looks like blood comes from bleeding in the stomach or upper part of the small intestine. Blood that looks like coffee grounds is partially digested and comes from "lower down" the GI tract.
If your dog is vomiting blood, they might also show signs of pain, weakness, lethargy, and changes in stool.
Severe blood loss in itself can lead to anemia; a body cannot function without blood.
What can be behind bloody vomit? Anything from GI disease, foreign bodies, trauma, infections, parasites, poisons, tumors, ulcers, clotting disorders, metabolic disorders, liver failure ... even vomiting that is severe enough can cause enough damage to the tissues to cause bleeding.
Blood in vomit requires prompt medical attention. Period.
Related articles:
Dog Medical Emergencies Survey
Dog Medical Emergencies Survey Results
Is Unproductive Retching an Emergency?
Is Difficulty Breathing an Emergency?
Is Panting an Emergency?
Is Severe Pain an Emergency?
Is Limping an Emergency?
Is Vomiting Bile in the Morning an Emergency?
Is Profuse Vomiting an Emergency?
Are Convulsions or Seizures an Emergency?
Is Loss of Appetite an Emergency?
Is Reduced Activity an Emergency?
Is Severe Lethargy an Emergency?
Is Inability to Stand an Emergency?
Is Inability to Urinate an Emergency?
Are Cuts and Abrasions an Emergency?
Is Bleeding an Emergency?
