How to Recognise and Treat Internal Bleeding in Dogs

Internal bleeding in dogs can be a hidden and life-threatening condition that requires immediate attention. While external wounds are easier to detect and treat, internal bleeding often goes unnoticed until serious signs develop. This guide will help you recognise early, secondary, and late signs of internal bleeding in your dog, understand why prompt veterinary care is critical, and learn temporary steps you can take in an emergency to support your pet until professional help arrives.

What is Internal Bleeding in Dogs?

Internal bleeding occurs when blood leaks from blood vessels inside the body instead of outside through an open wound. Common causes include trauma such as being hit by a car or falling from a height but can also result from severe illness or infections. Blood loss within the body reduces oxygen delivery to vital organs, which can lead to shock and organ failure if untreated. Because the bleeding happens out of sight, recognising it early is challenging but crucial to give your dog the best chance of recovery.

Early Signs of Internal Bleeding

Knowing the subtle early signs can help you seek veterinary care promptly. These include:

• A rapid heart rate — faster than normal pulse
• Anxious or restless behaviour
• Bright red gums, which may indicate oxygen deprivation
• Shallow, rapid breathing
• Pulse easy to detect — blood vessels may be dilated

Secondary Signs That Indicate a Progressing Problem

• An increased heart rate that persists or worsens
• Pale or bluish gums — signs of poor oxygenation and blood loss
• Lethargy, weakness, or reluctance to move
• Shallow breathing that may be laboured
• Pulse becoming hard to locate — low blood pressure developing

Late Signs and Critical Emergency Indicators

• Mottled or white gums
• Markedly faster heart rate or weak pulse
• Glazed eyes, inability to focus or respond
• Loss of consciousness or coma
• Possible heart attack and death if untreated

Checking Your Dog’s Abdomen for Signs

Gently feeling your dog’s abdomen can sometimes reveal swelling or hardness caused by internal bleeding in the abdominal cavity. Always be extremely gentle to avoid causing pain or distress. A healthy abdomen feels soft and slightly springy. A tight, hard, or bloated abdomen can be a sign that blood is accumulating inside, increasing urgency for veterinary care.

Why Immediate Veterinary Attention is Essential

Internal bleeding can rapidly become life-threatening as vital organs starve of oxygen. At the vet, your dog will receive oxygen therapy, intravenous fluids, and possibly a blood transfusion to support circulation and organ function. Diagnostic tests like blood pressure measurement, blood tests, X-rays, or ultrasound will help identify the source of bleeding. Prompt professional care significantly improves survival chances.

Temporary Emergency Measures You Can Take at Home

While you await veterinary help, certain steps can support your dog:

• Carefully lay your dog on their back
• Gently raise their back legs to encourage blood flow to the brain
• If your dog shows signs of shock, place them on a strong board as a stretcher, securing them gently with a blanket or towel
• Place a cushion under the board beneath the hind legs and tilt the board so their head is lower than the body
• Call your vet immediately to explain the emergency and get advice

These steps help maintain vital brain oxygenation while minimising further harm, but they are no substitute for urgent veterinary treatment.

Summary

Recognising internal bleeding in dogs starts with spotting early signs like rapid heart rate, anxious behaviour, and gum colour changes. Secondary and late signs confirm advancing shock and need for emergency intervention. Gently checking your dog’s abdomen may reveal swelling from internal bleeding. Immediate veterinary attention is critical to stabilise your dog, diagnose the cause, and treat the bleeding. While waiting for help, keeping your dog calm, positioning them to maximise blood flow to the brain, and calling the vet promptly can save lives.

Always trust your instincts and never hesitate to seek professional advice if you suspect internal bleeding. It’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your furry friend’s health and survival.

For a loving home suitable for a range of dog breeds including those that need special care, consider adoption from reputable breeders or rescue organisations to promote responsible pet ownership and health.