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Dog Nosebleeding

Dog nosebleeding (epistaxis) is a symptom, not an illness in itself. It may not be serious, but it can also be a sign of some serious underlying illness.

If your dog suddenly has nosebleeding, it can be rather frightening. However anxious you may be, though, try to stay calm - remember, dogs can pick up on people's feelings and emotions. If you are panicky, your dog will be anxious and stressed as well. Stress can cause blood pressure to rise, resulting in more bleeding. So stay calm and try to calm down your dog as well.

Causes of Dog Nosebleeding

Dog Nosebleeding

Dog nose bleed is not a disease in itself, but rather it is a symptom of some disease, or it is a reaction triggered by some external stimulants. The most common possible causes of dog nosebleeding are:

Foreign Objects

Foreign objects (such as blades of grass, foxtails, etc.) that have found their way up the nasal cavity can cause violent sneezing and irritation to the nasal lining. Violent sneezing and irritation can result in nosebleeds.

Nasal Infections

Severe nasal infections caused by bacteria or fungal organisms can result in sneezing and nasal discharge. The discharge can be mucoid (thick and slimy), purulent (pus-like), or bloody.

Allergies that cause chronic inflammatory conditions can also cause sneezing and nasal discharge, sometimes bloody due to violent sneezing.

Some parasites (such as nasal mites) are sometimes found in a dog's nasal cavity. They irritate the nasal lining and cause itchiness resulting in sneezing as well as nasal discharge. Usually in the case of parasites, however, the discharge is clear and serous.

Head Trauma

Trauma to the head, face or nose can cause nosebleeding.

Blood-clotting Disorders

If your dog has a blood-clotting disorder, that is, his blood is unable to clot, the first and most common sign is nosebleeding.

Common causes of blood-clotting disorders include:

  • von Willebrand's disease
  • ingestion of anticoagulant rat poisons
  • tick-borne infections such as Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and Ehrlichia

Nasal Cancer

If your dog has mucoid, purulent, or bloody nasal discharge, there is a chance that he has some form of nasal cancer. Watch out for other symptoms, such as:

Nasal cancers usually are slow growing but are invasive and difficult to treat. It is therefore important to consult a vet if your dog has frequent nosebleeding, especially accompanied by any of the above symptoms.

As dog nosebleeding can be a sign of some serious underlying disease such as cancer, it cannot be taken lightly. Monitor the nosebleeding carefully.



Dog Nosebleeding - Useful Questions and Implications

Is your dog bleeding from both nostrils or just one?

If the nosebleeding is just from one nostril, it could be a foreign object in the nasal cavity. If it is from both nostrils, then your dog could have an underlying disease, such as nasal infection, or nasal cancer.

Is there bleeding (or bruising) from other parts of the body?

Check your dog's mouth and see if his gums are bleeding too. If it is, this may point to a bleeding disorder.

Has your dog been in a fight with another dog? Or has he hit his head by accident on a tree or something hard?

If your dog has been involved in a recent dog or cat fight, or has had some trauma to his head, then possibly that's what causing the nosebleeding.

Is there a change in the shape of your dog's nose? Or is there any facial swelling?

If there is, this may be indicative of nasal cancer.

How old is your dog?

If your dog is old and has frequent nosebleedings, this may also be an indication that he has cancer - Nasal cancer is more common in older dogs.

Rule of Thumb - Get your dog to the vet immediately when:

  • the bleeding is profuse or unrelenting
  • there is bleeding in other parts of the body
  • you see signs of anemia (weakness, lethargy, pale gums)

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First Aid Treatment for Dog Nosebleeding

Dog Nose Bleed

The best first aid care for a dog nose bleed is presssure and cold applications.

Pack the nose with ice cold tissues or ice chips. Or you can even put a bag of frozen beans on the nose.

Also, keep the dog's head elevated if possible.

If you have homeopathic remedies in your dog's first aid kit, the following remedies are effective in stopping dog nosebleeding:

Arnica montana

Arnica is indicated if your dog has nosebleeding after an injury, which may or may not be directly to the nose. Dogs needing this remedy are in great pain and therefore fearful of touch.

Ferrum phosphoricum

This remedy is indicated if your dog has nosebleeding and a fever. The dog may have pale gums and the blood is usually bright red.

Hamamelis

Dogs requiring this remedy has long-lasting bleeding. The blood may be dark and foul smelling and the nose is sore.

Remember, even if you can stop the nosebleeding using one of the above remedies, it is advisable to consult a vet afterwards for a proper diagnosis of any underlying cause or health problem.



References

D. Hamilton, Homeopathic Care for Cats and Dogs (North Atlantic Books, 1999).

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