Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

My senior dog's nose is bleeding from one nostril, what's wrong?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Large (61lb +) | Male | neutered | 90 lbs

Dogs nose just started bleeding. Just out of one nostril. What could be the cause? He's a senior dog

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on March 27th, 2017

Oh no, poor Shadow! This nose bleed could be caused by rhinitis, sinusitis, a fungal infection, trauma, a foreign body, head trauma, or a tumor of the nasal passage. I would apply gentle pressure to see if that stops the bleeding, and if it does, then I would wait to have him seen by a vet until the morning. If you cannot stop the bleeding, or it becomes excessive, then I would take him into a vet right away. I see you live in Austin, Texas. The Emergency Animal Hospital of Northwest Austin (512-331-6121) and the Austin Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Center (512-343-2837) are both open 24 hours, so I would take Shadow into one of these clinics to be seen.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Lauren Jones VMD
Veterinarian
Oh no, Shadow! Bloody noses (epistaxis) can occur for several reasons, including nasal tumors, severe nasal infections (fungal or bacterial), coagulopathies (bleeding disorders), among others. Shadow should be examined by his vet and have a coagulation panel performed to assess his platelets and blood clotting factors. He may also need to have x-rays performed of his nasal cavity and chest to look for the presence of masses.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Jenny, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on August 17th, 2017
It can be from a sinus infection whether from a fungus or bacteria. A tumor is a possibility as most growths occur further up the sinus cavity and nose and are only visible with a scope being passed with anesthesia. The only way to get more answers is to start doing testing with X-rays and a scope or culture for bacterial growth.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA
Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer
Published on January 27th, 2017
Poor Stella! I'm sorry to hear that she's having this problem. Unfortunately, bloody nasal discharge in an older dog like this (especially if only one side is affected) is most often due to a nasal tumor of some kind. Other possible causes would include a nasal foreign body, a severe bacterial infection, or a fungal infection of the nasal cavity. Since the anti-inflammatory and antibiotics have not helped, I would strongly suggest talking with your vet about options for further work-up. In most cases like this, a rhinoscopy is needed in order to make a definite diagnosis. This usually requires referral to a specialist, since most general practice vets do not have the equipment or the expertise to do this test - your vet can tell you where your nearest referral center is, and help you make an appointment there if you with.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

Why is my old dog's nose bleeding? Is it a tumor or something else?

At 13 years of age, a nasal tumor would be most likely. A tumor typically would cause bleeding out of just one nostril. Other possibilities would be a severe bacterial infection, tooth root abscess, nasal foreign material (I've seen dogs that had toy stuffing in the nose), or fungal infection. Unfortunately anesthesia for nasal scoping and often CT scan is usually necessary to get a diagnosis.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My senior dog has a bloody nose. Is it an emergency vet visit?

It looks like her nose is very dry and cracked. To be safe, I would get her in to see a vet as soon as possible, especially if she's feeling sick otherwise, any unusual lethargy, refusal to eat and drink, vomiting, diarrhea could all point to this being a much more serious condition. I do recommend very gently cleaning her nose and applying a thin protective coating of Vaseline to her nose to help slow the cracking and dryness.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

Why does my 9-year-old dog's nose bleed every spring and he's weak?

Nose bleeding is usually either caused by an infection called "Tick fever", a fungal infection in the nose or a tumor in the nasal cavity. you must take him to the vet in order to get it checked and treated, it is a very serious symptom and there is nothing you can do to help him at home.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My senior dog is coughing blood and has nosebleeds. What should I do?

Poor Bailey! Coughing up blood along with bleeding from the nose are quite serious, and I would take her into the vet now. This bleeding could be a sign of ulcers, an inability to clot blood, liver failure, respiratory disease, or cancer. Unfortunately, cancer is always a possibly in an old dog, and if she did have cancer that had spread to her lungs, it could cause these signs. I would take her into a vet right away. The vet can do routine blood tests, a urinalysis, x-rays, and possibly blood clotting tests to see what is causing her to cough up blood and have nose bleeds. Once the cause is found, the vet can determine what, if any, treatment is appropriate for her.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My dog has a nosebleed. What can I do at home to help him right now?

Without knowing his age isn't hard to give you an idea of what could be going on. It could be anything from cancer to an infection to something stuck in his nose. Here is some accurate information to check out: https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/nose-bleeds-or-epistaxis-in-dogs -- most relevant details "Place an ice pack on the bridge of the nose (on top of the muzzle). In short-faced breeds, be sure your pet can breathe around the ice pack. The cold will constrict small blood vessels, which will slow the bleeding. If these steps do not stop the bleeding or the pet is having difficulty breathing, see your veterinarian or emergency clinic at once. Remember that a pet with a bloody nose will likely swallow a great deal of blood. This may lead to a black stool (melena) or vomit that contains blood clots (hematemesis). After an episode of epistaxis, these findings are common and do not necessarily indicate bleeding in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract." I hope that helps!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

I'm worried: my dog's nose is bleeding and he fainted. Is it serious?

I am concerned about Shalim. Sneezing blood definitely is not normal. I would have him evaluated by a veterinarian as soon as possible and in the meantime just keep him calm. Blood from the nose can be caused by many things including inhaling foreign material such as dried portion of plants/foxtails (if you have those in your area), tumors or infections in the nasal cavity, low blood platelets (a type of blood cell that is necessary for clotting), and high blood pressure.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My dog's nose is bleeding from an injury. Does he need emergency care?

I am sorry to hear about Stitch's accident! You can try to slow or stop the bleeding by applying pressure to the wound if you actually can see and reach it. Apply pressure with a clean cloth or towel. Another way to help stop bleeding is to apply an ice pack. Be sure to wrap it with a cloth or towel so it isn't directly touching the skin, and hold over the affected area. It will help the blood vessels constrict and bleeding to slow. If there is a nonstop stream of blood, then he should go to the emergency vet. An occasional drip doesn't require an emergency trip unless he seems to be becoming weak or his gums are pale in color.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share