My chihuahua's nose bleeds from digging blankets. What can I do?

Trauma, tumor, infection or even clotting dysfunction can all cause a nosebleed. Ideally, Gus should be physically examined by a veterinarian to diagnose and treat the underlying cause. This may require specialized diagnostics/blood tests. Gentle pressure may stop minor bleeding, but if not then a visit to the nearest veterinary ER may be needed.

Your dog may have rubbed it raw, under the couch or through the fence maybe? I suggest washing the area gently with antibacterial soap and water. Apply a warm washcloth 2-3 times a day for five minutes at a time to help keep it clean and draining. After washing and the compress, dry thoroughly and apply a dab of antibiotic ointment that **does NOT** contain hydrocortisone to the wound. Steroids will slow healing. An OTC triple antibiotic ointment will suffice. Rub it in well and don't leave any excess for your pet to lick off. If it does not show signs of healing or if your dog develops a fever, loses his appetite, starts vomiting or has diarrhea have him seen by your veterinarian right away. Potential cause may include allergies, infection, automimmune disease or even cancer. An e-collar (cone) may be used to prevent rubbing or pawing.

This looks like it might not simply be from digging. I can see what looks like hair loss all the way up the bridge of Charlie’s nose. I would recommend having your vet examine him - he might need antibiotics. Your vet might recommend taking a biopsy to rule out autoimmune skin diseases that can affect the nose.

Hi, I'm Dr. Johnson. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Lucy! The best way for the area to heal is to prevent Lucy from rubbing her nose. I'd recommend getting an Elizabethan Collar (aka "The Cone of Shame") and then apply some triple antibiotic on the area twice daily. Keep using the Cone until the area has healed. You can get Elizabethan collars at your vet and some pet stores. Good luck!

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Ellie. It could be she injured her nose causing the bleeding, has a foreign body in her nasal passage, may have an upper respiratory infection, or could have gotten into something toxic. Keep a close eye on her, and if this bleeding continues over the next 15-20 minutes, have her seen by a vet right away. I hope this helps!

Hello and thank you for reaching out to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Nose bleeds can occur as a result of trauma, significant rhinitis or inflammation of the nose, high blood pressure, rat poison ingestion, a problem with blood clotting, and/or a possible cancerous cause. How to treat it depends on what the underlying cause is. Koeby should be evaluated by a veterinarian as soon as possible to determine what the underlying cause is. Dogs can lose a significant amount of blood from their noses and become anemic. There is no at home treatment that is sufficient. I hope this is helpful!

She may have been exposed to something that is making her itchy, a new cleaner in your house or something like that. I suggest giving her a bath with cool water and a mild dog shampoo, making sure to rinse her very thoroughly. If this doesn't help or if she starts rubbing again, I would get her in to see your vet to determine wi there is something else causing her discomfort.