Epistaxis or nose bleeding is a health concern that happens both to humans and animals. In humans, nose bleeding usually does not pose a real threat. Nose bleeding in humans is usually caused by nose picking or by indoor heat during the winter months. Even without treatment, nose bleeding caused by these conditions will stop after a while. Although some causes of nose bleeding in dogs are not serious, others can be life threatening concerns. Nose bleeding is not considered as an illness but sign of a health concern.

Dogs have made a great difference to people’s way of life. People have formed a strong bond with these affectionate and loyal four legged friends. This is the reason why a dog owner would be frightened if something out of the ordinary is seen in the pet. What would you do if you see blood gushing out of the dog’s nose?

Nose bleeding can happen to all dogs but this health concern usually occurs more often in dolichocephalic breed or in dogs with long noses. The bleeding is unilateral when it occurs only in one nostril and bilateral if blood will pour out from both nostrils. Sneezing can produce some blood in the nasal discharge while other cases of nose bleeding will be profuse.

There are various reasons why a dog can have nasal bleeding. The condition can be caused by a foreign object in the nostrils that has managed to puncture a blood vessel. Fighting with others dogs, an accident being swiped by a speeding car or falling from heights are some of the scenarios where the dog’s nostrils can suffer from trauma so that the pet will nose bleed. Dog fights would not be as serious as the injuries a dog that falls from heights or one that was bumped by a car can have. A dog that bleeds internally can nose bleed as well. It is imperative that the pet have immediate medical attention.

Some cases of nose bleeding can be resolved with first aid. To be able to help the pet, the owner has to be calm as highly attuned to the feelings of the master, the pet will be agitated if the owner is panicking. Excitement will raise the blood pressure of the pet and consequently increase the bleeding. As the reason for the dog’s nose bleeding is not yet verified, the usual first aid for bleeding of putting direct pressure to the affected body part may not be a good idea. Apply a cold compress or an ice pack to the bridge of the nose. Blood flow will be stopped because cold constricts the blood vessels. Take the pet to a vet for proper diagnosis even if the nasal bleeding was controlled by first aid treatments.

Sarah’s Dogs has more answers to dog first aid as well as information about dog nosebleeds.

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