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Puppy vomiting blood, bloody diarrhea, breathing hard. Is it an emergency?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Female | unspayed | 8 lbs

hello my name is Heather and my puppies name is Scout. She wasn't feeling well today and was vomiting and had some diarrhea. That stopped for about 4 hours and now she is having a hard time breathing and is vomiting blood and having bloody diarrhea. We live a long way from emergency vet services and don't know what to do. Can you please help our Scout?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Ann Dion, DVM

Answered By Ann Dion, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on May 2nd, 2017

Hello. I am sorry Scout isn't feeling well. It sounds like Scout is very very sick and even though it is a long way from an emergency clinic I recommend you going there. Vomiting blood and having bloody diarrhea can be life-threatening, and can because caused by many issues, including parvo-virus. Without care, and quickly, Scout could get very sick or even die as this can lead to sepsis (severe whole body infection) or severe dehydration. If it is impossible to get Scout to a vet tonight (try calling around to see if a clinic in your area does out of hours care), then try to get Scout to eat or drink anything and get Scout to the vet ASAP in the morning. Good luck with her.
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Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Jeffrey Milner

    Veterinarian

    Published on September 2nd, 2017

    Sorry to hear about Scout! Sounds like she isn't feeling great! A single episode of diarrhea isn't too much a big deal particularly in a young puppy. They can very easily get an upset tummy from one of a huge host of things, including dietary indiscretion, parasites, or a mild infection. If you think she might have a fever, try to obtain a temperature yourself using a regular rectal thermometer. Above 102.5 would be considered feverish. Assuming there is no fever, you should also check the gums for a nice pink color / moistness, and the skin's elasticity for evidence of reasonable hydration. As long as all of this seems pretty normal, there is no need to rush out to the vet. I would consider switching Scout to a bland diet for the two or three days, something such as boiled chicken / hamburger and rice before switching back to the puppy food gradually. If Scout does has a fever or any other more concerning clinical signs of illness, I would definitely have her checked out sooner than later. Things like parvovirus come to mind when you mention vomiting and diarrhea in such a young dog. Hope this helps and good luck!

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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