We know about external bleeding because we can see it; we know how severe it can be. But hidden bleeding on the inside of our pets can be much more difficult to spot and just as serious.
Internal bleeding in dogs is scary stuff As a pet owner, I’ve always worried about my furry friends getting hurt, and the thought of them bleeding internally without me knowing gives me the creeps Unlike external bleeding where you can see the blood, internal bleeding is hidden and often more dangerous.
In this article, I’ll help you understand how to spot the warning signs of internal bleeding in your dog, what causes it, and what to do if you suspect your pup is suffering from this potentially life-threatening condition.
What Is Internal Bleeding in Dogs?
Internal bleeding, or hemoabdomen when it occurs in the abdomen, is exactly what it sounds like – blood loss that happens inside your dog’s body rather than escaping through a visible wound. The abdomen is the most common location for internal bleeding, but it can also occur in other areas like the chest cavity (hemothorax), brain, or around other organs.
Even though you can’t see the blood directly, your dog’s body will show signs that something’s wrong Blood that’s not where it should be – circulating through the cardiovascular system – can cause serious problems very quickly
Common Signs Your Dog May Have Internal Bleeding
If your dog is experiencing internal bleeding, they might show several warning signs. Here are the key symptoms to watch for:
1. Pale Gums
One of the most noticeable signs is pale or white gums instead of the normal healthy pink color, This indicates decreased circulation and potential blood loss
2. Weakness or Lethargy
If your normally active pup suddenly seems exhausted, weak, or uninterested in activities they usually enjoy, this could be a warning sign.
3. Rapid Breathing and Heart Rate
When dogs lose blood, their body tries to compensate by pumping what’s left faster. You might notice:
- Faster breathing than normal
- A rapid pulse or heartbeat
- Panting without exercise or heat
4. Collapse or Mental Dullness
In severe cases, your dog might:
- Collapse suddenly
- Seem mentally “dull” or confused
- Be difficult to wake or seem disoriented
5. Cool Extremities
Touch your dog’s ears, paws, or tail. If they feel cooler than usual, this could indicate circulation problems from blood loss.
6. Distended Abdomen
When bleeding occurs in the abdomen, you might notice:
- A swollen or “full” appearance to the belly
- Tenderness when touched
- Abdominal pain (hunching, crying when touched)
7. Vomiting or Diarrhea
If blood is collecting in the digestive tract, your dog might:
- Vomit (sometimes with “coffee grounds” appearance or fresh blood)
- Have black, tarry stools (digested blood makes feces look black)
8. Difficulty Breathing
Blood collecting in the chest cavity can make it hard for your dog to breathe properly.
Location-Specific Symptoms of Internal Bleeding
The symptoms your dog shows might vary depending on where the bleeding is occurring:
Brain Bleeding
- Circling behavior
- Seizures or tremors
- Inability to walk properly
- Dragging limbs
- Changes in eye movement
- Confusion or personality changes
Chest Bleeding
- Shallow, labored breathing
- Blue-tinged gums
- Reduced activity levels
- Coughing (sometimes with blood)
Abdominal Bleeding
- Swollen abdomen
- Pain when touched
- Weakness
- Vomiting
Under the Skin
- Bruising
- Lumps (hematomas) especially on ears
Eye Bleeding
- Visible blood in the eye
- Pain
- Vision problems
What Causes Internal Bleeding in Dogs?
Several things can cause your dog to bleed internally:
1. Trauma
One of the most common causes is injury from:
- Car accidents
- Falls from height
- Being kicked or hit
- Fights with other animals
- Penetrating injuries (bites, impalements, gunshots)
2. Tumors and Cancer
- Splenic tumors (especially hemangiosarcoma)
- Liver tumors
- Other abdominal masses
- Hemangiosarcoma is particularly common in older large-breed dogs like German Shepherds, Labs, and Golden Retrievers
3. Poisoning
- Rat poison (anticoagulant rodenticides)
- Certain toxic plants
- Some human medications
4. Clotting Disorders
- Hemophilia
- Von Willebrand’s disease
- Immune-mediated disorders
- Severe liver disease
- Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC)
5. Post-Surgical Complications
If your dog has recently had surgery, blood vessels might reopen and cause internal bleeding.
When Should You Call the Vet?
IMMEDIATELY! Internal bleeding is a true emergency that requires fast action. Don’t wait to see if symptoms improve – call your vet or an emergency clinic right away if you notice any of the warning signs.
A dog’s condition can deteriorate very rapidly with significant blood loss. What might seem like mild symptoms can quickly become life-threatening.
How Do Vets Diagnose Internal Bleeding?
When you bring your dog to the vet with suspected internal bleeding, they’ll likely:
- Perform a quick assessment of vital signs
- Start emergency treatment if needed (IV fluids, oxygen)
- Take a detailed history from you
- Run diagnostic tests such as:
- Complete blood count to check red blood cell levels
- Chemistry panel to assess organ function
- Clotting tests
- X-rays of the chest and abdomen
- Ultrasound to look for free fluid and masses
- Analysis of fluid samples from the abdomen or chest
Treatment Options for Dogs with Internal Bleeding
Treatment depends on what’s causing the bleeding and how severe it is:
For Trauma Cases:
- Some injuries may heal with supportive care
- Fluid therapy and blood transfusions
- Medications to improve clotting
- Surgery for severe cases to repair damage
For Tumors:
- Surgical removal when possible
- Chemotherapy for certain cancers
- Palliative care when necessary
For Clotting Disorders:
- Vitamin K for rodenticide poisoning
- Immunosuppressive drugs for immune-mediated diseases
- Plasma or blood transfusions
- Treatment of underlying conditions
For Post-Surgical Bleeding:
- Possible reoperation to find and close bleeding vessels
- Supportive care (fluids, transfusions)
- Blood pressure management
Prognosis for Dogs with Internal Bleeding
The outlook for dogs with internal bleeding varies widely depending on:
- The cause of bleeding
- How quickly they receive treatment
- The amount of blood lost
- Any underlying health conditions
Some cases, like those caused by minor trauma or treatable clotting disorders, have a good prognosis with prompt treatment. Others, particularly those involving cancer like hemangiosarcoma, may have a more guarded prognosis.
For example, even with surgery and chemotherapy, only about half of dogs diagnosed with hemangiosarcoma live longer than six months.
How You Can Help Your Dog During Recovery
If your dog is recovering from internal bleeding:
- Follow all veterinary instructions carefully
- Give medications exactly as prescribed
- Restrict activity as recommended
- Provide a quiet, comfortable place to rest
- Attend all follow-up appointments
- Watch for any signs of recurrence
- Call your vet immediately if symptoms return or worsen
Prevention Tips
While you can’t prevent all cases of internal bleeding, you can reduce risks:
- Keep your dog leashed or in secure areas to prevent accidents
- Store medications and toxins securely
- Have regular vet check-ups to catch health issues early
- Know your dog’s normal behavior so you can spot changes
- Keep rat poison and other toxins away from pets
- Monitor your dog closely after surgery
- Ask your vet about testing for bleeding disorders if you have concerns
My Personal Experience
I remember when my neighbor’s Lab, Buddy, suddenly became lethargic one evening. His gums were pale, and he didn’t want to get up from his bed. His owner thought maybe he was just tired from playing earlier, but something didn’t seem right.
By morning, Buddy’s abdomen looked swollen, and he was breathing rapidly. They rushed him to the vet, who found he had a ruptured mass on his spleen causing internal bleeding. Emergency surgery saved his life, but the experience taught us all to take these symptoms seriously.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a dog survive internal bleeding without treatment?
Small, self-limiting bleeds might resolve on their own, but significant internal bleeding is life-threatening without proper veterinary care.
How quickly does internal bleeding progress in dogs?
It varies tremendously. Some dogs can lose large amounts of blood very quickly (minutes to hours), while others might have slow, chronic bleeding that worsens over days.
What should I do while transporting my dog to the vet?
Keep your dog calm and quiet. Minimize movement, keep them warm with a blanket, and drive carefully but quickly to the nearest vet or emergency clinic.
Are certain dog breeds more prone to internal bleeding?
Large breeds like German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, and Labrador Retrievers are more susceptible to splenic tumors that can cause bleeding. Dogs with inherited clotting disorders may also be at higher risk.
How much does treatment for internal bleeding cost?
Treatment costs vary widely depending on the cause and required interventions. Emergency care, diagnostics, surgery, and hospitalization can range from several hundred to several thousand dollars.
Conclusion
Internal bleeding in dogs is serious business that requires immediate veterinary attention. Knowing the warning signs can help you act quickly if your furry friend is in trouble. Watch for pale gums, weakness, rapid breathing, a distended abdomen, and other symptoms we’ve discussed.
Remember – when it comes to internal bleeding, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. If you suspect your dog might be bleeding internally, don’t wait to see if they improve. Contact your veterinarian immediately.
Your quick action could be the difference between life and death for your beloved pet. They depend on you to recognize when something’s wrong and get them the help they need.
Has your dog ever experienced internal bleeding? Share your experiences or questions in the comments below.
So what do we see on the outside when internal bleeding happens?
There are some common signs seen with any bleed:
Ongoing or large bleeds can result in the pet running out of red blood cells and looking ‘pale.’ Vets are good at spotting this.
However, in the early stages after a bleed and before an animal looks pale, the spleen will often contract, releasing more red blood-cells into the circulation. Therefore not all animals with internal bleeding appear pale or even have low numbers of red blood cells; sometimes, they actually have a better colour! Luckily, a simple blood test can distinguish this kind of bleed.
If blood is lost from the circulation, the heart will have to beat extra fast to try to deliver what is left around the body. This can result in a weak, rapid pulse.
If the circulation is compromised to the point where blood can no longer be delivered around the body, for example to the brain. The lack of blood to the brain or lungs may result in collapse.
What do I do if I suspect that my pet may be bleeding internally?
Any animal with weak, fast pulses, abdominal swelling or pale gums should be treated as an emergency and presented to the vet. After a car-accident, it is always worth considering a blood-test or scan to check for early signs of bleeding before the more severe signs are observed.