Symptom: Blood in Vomit – When Should I Contact a Vet?
Blood in vomit may appear in different ways depending on where the bleeding is coming from. Any blood in your pet's vomit is abnormal and should be assessed promptly by your vet.
You may notice:
Bright red blood, which usually indicates fresh bleeding
Dark brown or black "coffee-ground" material, suggesting partially digested blood
Blood clots mixed with the vomit
Small streaks of blood in otherwise normal vomit
'My pet has blood in their vomit' - Frequently asked questions
What are the common reasons for my pet has blood in their vomit?
- Inflammation of the stomach or oesophagus: vomiting, irritation, ulcers or swallowed foreign material can damage the lining of the digestive tract and cause bleeding.
- Swallowing blood: blood from the mouth, nose or an injury may be swallowed and then vomited.
- Foreign bodies: swallowed objects can damage or block the digestive tract, leading to vomiting and bleeding.
- Stomach ulcers or tumours: these can cause bleeding into the stomach and may result in blood in the vomit.
- Blood clotting disorders or other serious illnesses: some diseases or toxins can interfere with normal blood clotting and lead to bleeding.
DOs - My pet has blood in their vomit, what to do at home:
- If your pet has blood in their vomit, contact your vet immediately.
- Keep your pet calm and allow them to rest while you arrange veterinary attention.
- If possible, take a photo or collect a small sample of the vomit to show your vet.
- Follow any instructions given by your vet before offering food or water.
DON'Ts - My pet has blood in their vomit, what not to do at home:
- Don't wait to see if the bleeding stops on its own.
- Don't give your pet any human medications unless your vet has specifically advised you to do so.
- Don't try home remedies or attempt to treat the cause yourself.
- Don't delay contacting your vet, even if there is only a small amount of blood.
My pet has blood in their vomit - when is it an emergency?
Blood in your pet's vomit should always be treated as an emergency and requires immediate veterinary attention. This is especially important if your pet is also weak, collapsed, has pale gums, difficulty breathing, or is repeatedly vomiting.
Written by Gill Burkhill, Veterinary Surgeon, Animal Trust Vets CIC | Published May 2026 | Review date May 2029 | This advice is for UK pets only and is not a replacement for seeing a vet