Common Causes of Bleeding and Nose Injuries in Dogs

As with humans, our dog's are able to suffer from nose bleeds. While most nose bleeds in dogs are generally of no concern, there are other times a nose bleed can be a result of nose injuries or even underlying health conditions. Depending on your dog's symptoms, you may be able to detect the cause of the bleeding nose but the safest option is to have them seen by a veterinarian to find the exact cause. The cause of a nose bleed can be as simple as a foreign object or more severe to that of a tumor.

Canine Nose Tumors

Unfortunately, a dog's bloody nose can often be caused from a nose tumor. Certain breeds, such as basset hounds, collies, and Shetland sheepdog, are at an increased risk of developing a tumor. Symptoms of a tumor generally begin before the nasal bleeding occurs, however they are often misinterpreted as something else. Common symptoms for a canine nose tumor are snoring or trouble breathing. This is often misinterpreted as a foreign object in the nasal passage. The nose usually begins bleeding after the tumor begins causing the dog irritation. The dog then begins rubbing their face on objects or frequently sneezing, resulting in a nose injury and a bloody discharge. Because nasal tumors can occur, it's best to seek a veterinarians advice if your dog develops a bloody nose.

Foreign Objects

Often a dog's bleeding nose is caused from a foreign object in the nasal passage way. Persistent sneezing, bloody nasal discharge, and rubbing their face are common symptoms of a foreign object it the nose. Foreign objects can easily get into a dogs nose. As they run through brush or sniff the ground, they can inhale a small stick or bur, which gets caught in their nose. In the case of my small puppy, he got a sun flower seed stuck in his nose. If you suspect a foreign object in your pets' nose, it's best to take them to a vet immediately especially if sneezing is persistent. Persistent sneezing can cause the object to cause further nose injuries, which can lead to serious complications.

Infections

Other common causes of nose bleeds in dogs include viral and bacterial infections. If this is the case, nose injuries can occur, which will result in bleeding. Often, your pet will have other symptoms of an infection, such as coughing, wheezing, and sneezing. Due to the discharged produced by the infection and sneezing that may occur, a dogs' nose becomes raw and sensitive. Prolonged discharge or sneezing will often result in nasal bleeding. If this is the case, your pet needs to be taken to a veterinarian to see if antibiotics or other medications are needed.

Treating a Nose Bleed

When your pet experiences a bloody nose, chances are they are going to be a little frightened. This can make it very difficult to try and get them to hold still. It may even make the nicest pet snap when they are scared and hands are coming at their face. As long as a dog's breathing without difficulty, the best thing you can do is call your vet. Unless the bleeding is profuse, just let it bleed until it stops. Afterwards, take your dog to the vet. If bleeding is profuse, get it to the vet as soon as physically possible.

References:

"Canine Nose Bleeding and Tumors" www.dog-health-guide.org

"Nasal Discharge and Sneezing" www.vetmed.edu

"Nose-bleeding-Chance" www.nose-bleeding-chance.com