Introduction
Losing a pet is an incredibly difficult and emotional experience, especially when their passing seems sudden or contains unsettling details. Seeing a dog bleed from the mouth after death can be very alarming and upsetting for owners. It’s normal to feel distressed and want an explanation in these situations.
Though the visual is jarring, bleeding from the mouth after death is actually quite common in dogs. There are a number of potential causes, many of which may not mean your dog suffered prior to passing. Try not to let the presence of blood cause undue trauma or self-blame. Focus instead on grieving and honoring your loyal companion.
This article will provide an overview of some reasons a dog may bleed postmortem, whether it’s normal, and tips for coping with the loss. Finding answers may help provide some closure.
Causes of Bleeding
There are several potential causes for why a dog may bleed from the mouth after death, including trauma, poisoning, and cancer.
Trauma
Trauma such as being hit by a car or attacked by another animal can result in severe injuries that lead to internal or external bleeding. This bleeding can sometimes come out of the mouth after death (https://www.quora.com/My-deceased-dog-was-bleeding-from-the-mouth-when-we-found-him-Any-thoughts-on-why-that-could-have-been).
Poisoning
Ingesting poison, such as rat poison, can cause bleeding disorders that lead to bleeding from the mouth and other orifices after death. The toxins interfere with the dog’s clotting ability (https://www.justanswer.com/dog-health/7rxk0-days-ago-dog-found-dead-pool-blood.html).
Cancer
Certain cancers, like hemangiosarcoma, can cause bleeding disorders. As the tumors grow, they weaken blood vessels which can rupture and bleed. This bleeding may come out of the mouth after death (https://dogdiscoveries.com/uncategorized/my-dog-was-bleeding-from-the-mouth-and-died).
Trauma
Trauma such as falls, blunt force injuries, or being hit by a vehicle can sometimes cause internal or external bleeding in dogs, which may manifest as bleeding from the mouth after death. If there is trauma to the head, chest or abdomen, this can damage blood vessels or internal organs and lead to hemorrhage. For example, blunt trauma to the chest can cause pulmonary contusions, damage to the lungs that leads to internal bleeding. Or trauma to the spleen or liver could rupture these organs and cause heavy internal bleeding. There may be no visible external injuries, but significant internal hemorrhage.
According to the Quora article (source), trauma is one potential cause of a deceased dog bleeding from the mouth. If major blood vessels or organs are damaged by falls, accidents or blunt force, this can lead to severe internal bleeding that may manifest as bleeding from the mouth after death.
Poisoning
One potential cause of bleeding from the mouth in dogs after death is poisoning from toxins or chemicals. Certain types of rat poison contain potent anticoagulants that prevent the blood from clotting properly. This can lead to uncontrollable internal and external bleeding, including bleeding from the mouth, nose, and other orifices after death.
Rodenticides like warfarin, bromadiolone, brodifacoum, and difethialone are common anticoagulant poisons found in over-the-counter and commercial rat baits. Pets can be exposed from eating the bait or consuming a poisoned rodent (Source). The toxins work by inhibiting vitamin K needed for normal clotting. Without this, dogs can hemorrhage internally or externally.
Bleeding from the mouth after fatal poisoning may also occur with ingestion of certain pesticides, chemicals like antifreeze, or toxic plants. Substances like strychnine, metaldehyde, and zinc phosphide are examples. The toxins can damage internal organs, blood vessels, and linings, leading to uncontrollable bleeding as tissues break down after death.
If you suspect your dog ingested something toxic, seek emergency veterinary care immediately. Signs include vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, seizures, and bleeding from body orifices. With prompt treatment, many dogs can recover. But sadly, some toxin ingestions lead to fatal outcomes if not treated quickly enough.
Cancer
Two types of cancer that can cause bleeding from the mouth in dogs are hemangiosarcoma and lymphosarcoma.[1] Hemangiosarcoma is an aggressive form of cancer that affects the cells lining blood vessels. It often starts in the spleen and spreads rapidly to other parts of the body. As the tumors grow, they can rupture and bleed into the abdomen or chest cavity. This internal bleeding can then cause blood to come up from the mouth or nose.
Lymphosarcoma is a type of lymphoma that affects the lymph nodes and lymphatic system. It causes lymph nodes to swell which can obstruct or rupture blood vessels. Ruptured blood vessels may result in internal bleeding that manifests as blood coming from the mouth. Lymphosarcoma also causes inflammation in organs like the intestines which can lead to ulcers that bleed into the digestive tract. This blood can then make its way up to the esophagus and out the mouth.
For dogs with either cancer, bleeding from the mouth indicates advanced disease. It is often sudden and severe due to the rupturing of large blood vessels or internal organs. In many cases, it results in rapid death for the dog.
Other Causes
Some other potential causes for a dog bleeding from the mouth after death include:
Coagulation disorders – Dogs with conditions like hemophilia, von Willebrand disease, thrombocytopenia, or liver disease may have problems with blood clotting. This can lead to excessive bleeding from even minor injuries. If the dog had an undetected internal injury, a coagulation disorder could have caused bleeding from the mouth after death.
Organ failure – Conditions like kidney failure, liver failure, or heat stroke can all cause significant internal bleeding prior to death. As the organs shut down, blood vessels may rupture and leak blood into places like the lungs or throat. This blood could then come out through the mouth.
According to one veterinarian, “Dogs can have bleeding disorders that prevent proper clotting. They can also have issues with their liver or kidneys that might make them bleed more than normal.” While the cause is often difficult to confirm after death, coagulation issues and organ failure are known to sometimes result in bleeding from the mouth in dogs.
What Happens
When a dog dies, the heart stops beating and circulating blood. Without blood circulation, gravity causes the blood to pool and settle in the lower parts of the body. This pooling of blood after death is called livor mortis or lividity.
Within 30 minutes after the heart stops, gravity will pull the blood down to the lowest parts of the body, causing discoloration or purplish patches where blood has settled. The discoloration starts as a pinkish hue and deepens to a dark purple color as more blood pools over the next few hours. The pooled blood causes the skin to feel cooler in those areas since blood is no longer circulating.
This pooling and settling of blood after death is normal. It occurs in both humans and animals as a result of the heart no longer pumping and circulating blood when it stops beating. Seeing bloody fluid come from the mouth of a deceased dog is also common as the blood purges and gravity pulls it out.
Is it Normal
It’s understandable to feel distressed and concerned when finding a deceased pet with blood coming from their mouth. However, it’s important to know that this can be a common occurrence after death, so try not to panic or jump to conclusions.
Blood or foam around the mouth is often seen when a dog passes away, even from natural causes. The bleeding stems from a breakdown in the body systems after death occurs. With the heart no longer pumping blood, gravity causes it to seep out through the mouth, nose, or other orifices.
While the sight of blood is always upsetting, it does not necessarily mean your dog suffered before passing. More likely, it is a natural part of the death process. Keep in mind that the blood flow may even start after your dog has passed away.
Seeing a beloved pet in this condition is difficult no matter the cause. Don’t be afraid to take time to grieve. Just know that the blood itself may not signify pain or trauma before death. Focus on honoring your dog’s memory and the joy they brought you when alive.
Coping with the Loss of Your Pet
Losing a beloved pet can be absolutely devastating. Here are some tips that may help you cope during this difficult time:
Create a memorial. Doing something to honor your pet’s memory can help with the grieving process. Ideas include assembling a photo album or memory box, planting a tree or garden in their name, or making a donation to an animal charity.
Have a funeral or special farewell. Rituals like burying your pet, scattering their ashes, or holding a vigil can provide closure.
Spend time with sympathetic friends and loved ones. Don’t isolate yourself. Being with those who understand your bond with your pet can be very comforting.
Join a pet loss support group, either locally or online. Connecting with others going through the same heartbreak can make you feel less alone.
Consider getting a new pet, when the time is right. Caring for a new animal companion can help many people move forward in their grief journey. But there’s no set timeframe, so wait until you feel ready.
Be patient and take care of yourself during the grieving process. There’s no right or wrong way to mourn a cherished pet. Don’t be afraid to reach out for help from a mental health professional if needed.
Summary
In summary, bleeding from the mouth after death is actually quite common in dogs. The bleeding may be caused by trauma, poisoning, cancer, or another medical issue that led to the dog’s death. When death occurs, the heart stops pumping blood and gravity causes any blood remaining in the head region to seep out through the nose and mouth. This bleeding does not indicate the dog suffered, as it happens after death has already occurred. While startling to witness, it is a natural physiological response as the body shuts down. By understanding the potential causes and knowing it is normal, dog owners can find comfort that their pet likely passed away peacefully.
The key points to recap are that post-mortem mouth bleeding has various potential causes but occurs after death and does not mean the dog suffered. We aimed to emphasize it is a natural physiological response. Let me know if you would like me to modify or expand the summary section.
