What to do if your dog coughs up blood?
Regardless of the cause of your dog coughing up blood, this symptom is a clear sign that something is wrong. We strongly advise that you take your pet to the vet as soon as he notices him doing this.
In this article we will expose some of the most typical causes that may be affecting your dog's health, but reading them is in no way a substitute for a professional diagnosis .
Causes why a dog coughs up blood
Coughing is a physical response to irritation of the respiratory tract. It may be due to a buildup of mucus , a throat infection, or the presence of foreign bodies that may be making breathing difficult. We must bear in mind that it is also an indicator of a more serious underlying disease .
Among the most common diseases that could be making your dog cough, we can indicate the following:
- Canine infectious laryngotracheitis , also called kennel cough.
- Pharyngitis.
- Diseases that affect the trachea , such as tracheal collapse or stenosis.
- Wounds inside the mouth.
- Presence of foreign bodies.
- Bronchitis.
- Parasites that affect the lungs.
- Pneumonia.
- Tuberculosis.
- Neoplasms.
- Pulmonary vascular disease , such as pulmonary edema.
The cough that your animal may experience can end up leading to ruptured capillaries or an injury that causes expectoration of blood or bloody mucus , also called hemoptysis .
The hemorrhage may originate in the larynx, trachea, or the lungs . Sometimes the blood can simply come from a nosebleed or mouth infection, so before you get too alarmed, consult your vet.
Different tests in the diagnostic process
Once at the veterinarian's office, the first step to follow will be a complete physical examination to determine the existence of an infection or the presence of a foreign body in your dog's respiratory tract.
The tests will also focus on verifying whether the animal's lungs are working properly , determining whether there is any type of wound in the oral cavity or the presence of mucus .
In other cases, your vet will order tests to determine blood coagulation levels or the function of certain internal organs. In the event that you have a recent history of parasites, the relevant tests will also be carried out.
What can you do if your dog coughs up blood?
First of all, don't wait for the cough to go away or for the expectoration of blood or mucus to stop . Take your animal to the vet as soon as possible to have the relevant tests carried out.
In the event that the origin of this cough is in a vital organ such as the intestine, a late action can be fatal.
In the event that your dog vomits as well, try examining the vomit for blood. This can help your vet determine if the problem is in the digestive tract.
Collect as much information as possible
It is very important that you remember the last activities that your pet did, as this can give clues to the causes behind his discomfort. Any changes in behavior or symptoms that you have observed could be crucial in helping your dog. Of course, prioritize taking him to the vet so that he receives immediate attention.
Most common veterinary treatments
Once the cause of hemoptysis is diagnosed, veterinarians may prescribe:
- Administration of intravenous fluids
- Antiemetic medication , i.e. medication against nausea and vomiting
- antibiotics
- antiparasitic drugs
In the event that your dog has ingested a foreign body, he will be given a laxative to expel it naturally, as well as antibiotics to prevent possible infection. In the worst case scenario, your pet may need surgery .
Avoid self-medicating your pet at all costs, as any drug could worsen the condition. So don't hesitate any longer and go to your vet immediately, a timely diagnosis is capable of changing the situation completely.
LEGAL DISCLAIMER
- This article is merely informative, We invite you to take your pet to the veterinarian in the event that it presents any type of condition or discomfort.
- The information on this vet.alnwaeer.com is not intended to be a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis or treatment or for veterinary advice relative to a specific condition. Always seek the advice of a qualified, licensed veterinarian provider.
- If you feel that your pet may be experiencing any of the above symptoms or you are concerned that they are sick, contact your vet immediately.
- Do not disregard veterinary advice or delay treatment as a result of accessing the information on this site.