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My dog has bloody vomit/diarrhea, labored breathing. Should I worry?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Female | spayed | 7 years old | 30 lbs

My dog was throwing up and had explosive diarrhoea. There was blood in the stool and vomit (only a small bit). She also keeps lying on her side and her breathing is laboured. Should I be concerned?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on September 27th, 2017

Yes, I would be concerned - especially due to the presence of blood. Vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy and rapid breathing are not specific signs of any one disease process or illness. Many things can cause these symptoms so it is best to get Lucy checked out by your vet. It may not be anything terribly serious but if you have her checked out it willl give you peace of mind.

Some potential causes: dietary indiscretion (eating something she shouldn't have, gastrointestinal obstruction, hemorrhagic gastroenteritis, toxin exposure/ingestion, internal parasites, gastric/colonic ulceration, viral or bacterial infection just to name a few.

Please get her checked out as soon as you can. Hope this helps. Best wishes.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on February 10th, 2017
It's quite serious that Sara hasn't eaten since last Saturday, and it's also serious that she may be pooping and/or vomiting blood. She has to see a vet immediately. She could have a foreign body, may have gotten into something toxic, or could be suffering from hemorrhagic gastroenteritis among other causes. Her symptoms are a medical emergency, please take Sara into an ER vet or find a vet on call to see her now.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on March 4th, 2018
It sounds as Duster is suffering from a gastrointestinal condition, possibly an infection. it could also be due to ingestion of a foreign body material or a stomach ulcer. i would recommend taking him to the vet the first chance you get, he will need to be checked first, if the vet thinks it's a simple gastrointestinal infection he will need an anti vomiting injection, antibiotics and a special food for a few days in order to get better.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on September 22nd, 2017
I'm sorry Merida isn't doing well! There could be a couple of things causing the blood in her poop. Many of my colleagues have reported cases of hemorrhagic gastroenteritis in dogs fed Blue products, so that could be the cause of it. It could also be caused by an ulcer, possibly extreme stress, intestinal parasites, or a foreign body. I would say that she isn't feeling fine if she hasn't eaten or drank all day. That sounds like to me a dog who isn't feeling well. When a dog poops blood and doesn't eat or drink, then it's considered a medical emergency. She needs veterinary attention now. Please take her into an ER vet clinic; if there isn't one in your area, there will be a vet on call for emergencies. The information to reach that vet is found on a clinic's answering machine or website. I hope this helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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