What Are the Causes of Nosebleeds in Dogs?

For the millions of dog owners throughout the world, few things are more frightening than finding a beloved pet bleeding for unknown reasons. However, like humans, dogs can occasionally have nosebleeds, or epistaxis in medical terminology. The reasons why this happens are numerous, however for most of the conditions, the prognosis for the animals are favorable.

Symptoms

It is important to understand that the symptoms of a canine nosebleed can occur before the actual nosebleed occurs. One symptom is continually sneezing or snoring. A discharge can come from the nose, often with blood mixed in. A dog may also paw at his nose. A pet owner may also notice black stool, which may indicate that the dog has swallowed blood.

Causes

The causes of canine nosebleeds vary. One cause may be trauma to the nasal cavity or the vessels in the nose. Another cause may be tumors, both benign and malignant. It seems that some dogs are more prone to having chronic epistaxis because of the length of their snouts. Certain bacteria or viruses can cause an infection in the nasal cavity which can lead to nose bleeds. Dental conditions can also be a factor in canine epistaxis when an infected tooth injures the nasal cavity's blood vessels. Dogs can also contract fungal infections which can damage the nasal cavity and cause bleeding.

Diagnosis

Because nosebleeds can indicate more severe problems, such as tumors, it is important to have the dog see a qualified veterinarian immediately. The vet may perform a series of tests, including blood tests, urine, and x-ray tests to determine what the cause is. It is also important to be able to tell the vet details about the nosebleed to better determine the cause.

Treatment

Treatment of epistaxis depends on the dog's prognosis. If the prognosis is something minor, like a bacteria or fungal infection, treatment may include prescription medicine that canines seem to respond well to, especially if the condition is caught early. If the prognosis is serious, as in the case of tumors, surgery may be required, followed by other treatments if the tumors are malignant.

Warning

Canine nosebleeds can be caused by something serious. It is important to contact a vet to ensure the dog's optimal health and recovery. Nosebleeds very often indicate serious conditions, so being aware of the dog's day-to-day habits and issue are essential.