Why is a dog coughing blood?
Coughing is the body’s way of dealing with irritation in the lungs or airways. Coughing up blood is often indicative of a potentially serious veterinary issue. Only a properly licensed veterinarian can determine the reason a dog is coughing blood.AmountDogs who have been coughing constantly due to allergies or irritants such as smoke or dust may cough up trace amounts of blood mixed with phlegm or fluids. This is usually indicative of severe irritation of the throat and is not a major cause for concern.IdentificationExamine your dog’s overall health, possible exposure to poisons or foreign objects and heartworm status. Each of these can give clues as to why a dog is coughing up blood.Potential CausesHemoptysis is the medical term used to describe the coughing of blood. Pulmonary vascular and arterial blood clots may cause hemoptysis. Other potential causes include hyperadrenocorticism, pancreatitis, hemolytic anemia, heartworm disease, exposure to poisons, bruising and extreme injury.
