Why does my dog have a nosebleed?

Our question this week was:

Dr. Debra – I have a 12-year-old Beagle and he has a nose bleed. He was playing in the yard, came in and ate then I heard him snorting. Then I noticed blood on the floor and it is coming from his nose. What do I do?

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Sandra – Madrid – Spain

Answer

Hi – thanks for your email. You wrote that your dog has a nosebleed and that he is 12-years old. Here are a few questions – Was there any trauma? Is there any other evidence of bleeding? Are his gums pink? Is there any evidence of bruising or bleeding anywhere else such as on his skin or gums? Has he ingested any toxins such as rat poison?

There are many causes of nosebleed. Trauma, toxins (such as rat poison can cause bleeding), infections, tumors, and other bleeding problems can all cause bleeding.

If your dog is eating, drinking well and acting okay with NO other evidence of bleeding, then keep him calm and quiet. Sit quietly with him. The bleeding may stop on its own. If it continues or you notice any other bleeding abnormalities or signs of depression, lethargy, weakness, then I’d recommend that you see your vet as soon as possible. In an older dog, I’d worry about some sort of nasal tumor.

An article that might be helpful to you is Epistaxis (Nose Bleed) in Dogs. This article may also be helpful – Bruising and Bleeding in Dogs.

Best of luck!

Dr. Debra

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