What To Do If Your Dog Coughs Up Blood
Regardless of why your dog is coughing up blood, this symptom is a sure sign that something is wrong. We strongly advise that you take your pet to the vet as soon as you notice this troubling symptom.
In this text, we will talk about some of the most typical reasons that may be affecting your dog’s health, but this reading does not in any way replace a professional’s diagnosis.
Reasons why a dog coughs up blood
A cough is a physical response to an irritation in the airways. It can happen because of an accumulation of mucus, an infection in the throat or the presence of foreign bodies that may be making breathing difficult. We must take into account that this can also be an indicator of a more serious illness.
Among the most common illnesses that can make your dog cough, we can list the following:
- Canine infectious laryngitis, also known as kennel cough;
- Pharyngitis;
- Diseases that affect the trachea, such as tracheal collapse;
- Presence of foreign bodies;
- Bronchitis;
- Parasites that affect the lungs;
- Pneumonia;
- Tuberculosis;
- Vascular pulmonary disease, such as pulmonary edema.
Bleeding can originate in the larynx, trachea or lungs. Sometimes the blood can simply come from a nosebleed or an oral infection. So before worrying too much, go to the vet.
Different tests in diagnosis
When you are visiting your veterinarian, the first step to follow is a complete physical examination to determine if there is an infection or the presence of a foreign body in your dog’s airways.
The tests will also check that the animal’s lungs work properly, and determine if there is any kind of wound in the oral cavity or if there is mucus present.
In other cases, the veterinarian will ask for a test to be done to determine levels of blood clotting or the functioning of some internal organs. If there is a recent history of parasites, other pertinent tests will also be performed.
What can you do if your dog coughs up blood
First, don’t wait for the cough to go away or the phlegm of blood or mucus to stop. Take your pet to the veterinarian as soon as possible so that the necessary tests can be done.
If your dog is also vomiting, try examining the vomit for blood. This can help the veterinarian determine if the problem is in the digestive tract.
Most common veterinary treatments
Once the cause of hemoptysis is diagnosed, veterinarians can prescribe:
- Administration of intravenous fluids;
- Antiemetic medication , that is, medication against nausea and vomiting;
- Antibiotics;
- Antiparasitic drugs .
If the dog has ingested a foreign body, a laxative will be given to expel it naturally, as well as antibiotics to prevent a possible infection. In the worst case, your pet may need surgery.
