Home  /  Pet Symptoms  /  Nosebleeds
Nosebleeds

Dog or cat nosebleed? Here's when to come in.

A nosebleed in a dog or cat can come from something as simple as a bumped nose or as serious as a clotting problem, rat poison, or a nasal tumor, so it is always worth a call. We see dogs and cats with nosebleeds same day, and heavy bleeding should be seen right away.

Book a visit Call (818) 922-2209
Under 1 hr
For many lab results
Jump toCall Us Right Away IfCommon CausesAt Your VisitFAQ
Call Us Right Away If

Nosebleed signs that need care now.

A single small drip after a hard sneeze may settle quickly. Call us and come in right away if:

  • ✓The bleeding is heavy, steady, or won't stop within a few minutes
  • ✓Blood is coming from both nostrils
  • ✓You see bruising on the skin or gums, blood in the urine or stool, or tiny red spots
  • ✓Your pet may have eaten rat or mouse poison
  • ✓Your pet is weak, pale, breathing hard, or collapses
  • ✓There was trauma to the face or head
  • ✓Nosebleeds keep coming back, even small ones

Some rat and mouse poisons stop blood from clotting, and signs can appear days after a pet eats the bait. If you suspect exposure, bring the package with you. While you get ready, keep your pet calm and quiet, do not put anything inside the nose, and do not give human medications. See our emergency and urgent care page for more. If heavy bleeding starts after 7:30 PM, go to the nearest 24-hour emergency hospital.

Common Causes

Why do dogs and cats get nosebleeds?

The medical term is epistaxis. A bleed from one nostril often points to a problem inside the nose, while bleeding from both sides, or bleeding elsewhere in the body, can suggest a whole-body issue.

  • ✓Trauma, such as a bump, fall, or scratch
  • ✓Foreign bodies, especially grass awns and foxtails, which are common in Southern California and often cause sudden, violent sneezing
  • ✓Nasal and sinus infections, bacterial or fungal
  • ✓Dental disease, when an infected upper tooth root wears into the nasal passage
  • ✓Clotting problems, including low platelets and rat or mouse poison exposure
  • ✓High blood pressure, often linked to kidney disease or thyroid disease in older cats
  • ✓Nasal tumors, more common in older pets and often starting with small, recurring bleeds on one side

Dental disease is an overlooked cause. If your pet also has bad breath or swelling below the eye, our dental care team can check for a tooth root problem.

At Your Visit

How we find the source of the bleeding.

First we make sure your pet is stable, then we look for the cause, starting with an exam of the nose, mouth, eyes, skin, and gums.

  • ✓Bloodwork, including a platelet count and clotting tests, with many results in under an hour
  • ✓Blood pressure measurement
  • ✓X-rays of the skull, chest, and teeth
  • ✓A CT scan of the nose and sinuses for a detailed view of the nasal passages and surrounding bone
  • ✓Rhinoscopy, a look inside the nose with a small camera through pet endoscopy, which can find and remove foxtails and collect biopsies

Treatment depends on the cause. It may mean removing a foxtail, treating an infection or tooth root, treating and monitoring for rodenticide exposure, or managing blood pressure. Pets who have lost a lot of blood may need close monitoring through pet hospitalization.

We see pets from across the Valley, Santa Clarita, Palmdale, Lancaster, and Ventura. Pet parents in the Lancaster area can call ahead so we are ready when you arrive.

Common Questions

Pet nosebleed FAQ.

Is a dog nose bleed an emergency?
A nosebleed is an emergency if it is heavy, won't stop, comes from both nostrils, or appears with bruising, weakness, or possible rat poison exposure. A single small bleed after a sneeze may be minor, but it should still be checked, especially if it happens again. Call us at (818) 922-2209 for guidance.
What causes a bloody nose in dogs?
Common causes include trauma, foxtails or other foreign objects, nasal infections, and dental disease. More serious causes include clotting problems, rat poison, high blood pressure, and nasal tumors in older dogs. Testing helps us tell these apart.
Why is my cat's nose bleeding?
Cats can get nosebleeds from trauma, nasal infections, foreign objects, dental disease, high blood pressure, or clotting problems. In older cats, high blood pressure linked to kidney or thyroid disease and nasal tumors are important causes. Any nosebleed in a cat should be checked.
Can a foxtail cause a nosebleed?
Yes. Foxtails and other grass awns can be inhaled into the nose, causing sudden sneezing, pawing at the face, and bleeding, usually from one nostril. They can travel deeper if left in place. Rhinoscopy lets us look inside the nose and often remove them.
How do you diagnose the cause of a nosebleed?
We start with an exam, bloodwork, clotting tests, and a blood pressure check. If those do not explain the bleeding, a CT scan of the nose and rhinoscopy give a detailed look inside the nasal passages and allow biopsies if needed.

Is your pet's nose bleeding?

Call (818) 922-2209 or come in today, we are open every day from 7:30 AM to 7:30 PM.

Book a visit(818) 922-2209