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Bruising (Hematoma) in Dogs

Author: Dr. med. vet. Gisa Löwe | Last modified: 17.02.2026

When to visit the vet?

Non-urgent see a veterinarian within 2–3 days

ORANGE for rapid increase in size, severe Pain, hematomas without obvious trauma, Bleeding in other areas (nose, gums), lethargy; RED for Pallor/collapse, shortness of breath, or suspected internal Bleeding after trauma.

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Definition

A bruise, medically known as a hematoma, is an accumulation of blood outside the blood vessels, caused by an injury or another reason. In dogs, a hematoma often appears as a discolored, swollen area on or under the skin.

Can Occur with the Following Diseases:

Basics and possible causes

Bruises occur when blood vessels are damaged and blood leaks into the surrounding tissue. This can be caused by blunt traumas such as bumps, falls, or bites. The body reacts to this injury by attempting to activate the blood coagulationBlood coagulation is a process that helps stop Bleeding when a blood vessel is damaged. Platelets and certain proteins in the plasma form a blood clot that seals the wound. system to stop blood loss and initiate healing.

There are various factors and conditions that can influence the development of hematomas in dogs. One of the most common causes is traumas, where dogs are injured in accidents or fights. Certain breeds, especially those with thin skin or deep-seated blood vessels, may be more prone to bruises.

Another important criterion is blood coagulationBlood coagulation is a process that helps stop Bleeding when a blood vessel is damaged. Platelets and certain proteins in the plasma form a blood clot that seals the wound. disorders. Some dogs may have a reduced ability for blood coagulationBlood coagulation is a process that helps stop Bleeding when a blood vessel is damaged. Platelets and certain proteins in the plasma form a blood clot that seals the wound. due to genetic predispositionA predisposition is an innate inclination or susceptibility of an organism to certain diseases or conditions. In dogs and cats, there may be a genetic predisposition to certain conditions such as hip dysplasia or certain heart diseases. or diseases such as von Willebrand disease. Liver diseases can also impair the production of coagulation factorsCoagulation factors are proteins in the blood that are essential for blood coagulation. They work together to stop Bleeding by forming a blood clot. Disorders or deficiencies in coagulation factors can lead to bleeding problems in dogs and cats., increasing the risk of bruises.

Medications such as anticoagulantsAnticoagulants are medications that slow down or inhibit blood coagulation. They are used to prevent the formation of blood clots and are used in dogs and cats with certain heart conditions or coagulation disorders. or steroidsSteroids are a group of lipids that include both hormones and certain medications. In veterinary medicine, steroids are used to treat inflammatory conditions, allergies, and autoimmune diseases in dogs and cats. can also affect blood coagulationBlood coagulation is a process that helps stop Bleeding when a blood vessel is damaged. Platelets and certain proteins in the plasma form a blood clot that seals the wound. and increase the risk of hematoma formation. It is important to inform the veterinarian about all medications a dog is taking, as these can be a crucial factor in the diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. and therapyTherapy refers to the treatment of diseases or disorders with the aim of alleviating symptoms, promoting healing, or improving quality of life. Therapies can be medicinal, surgical, or through other medical interventions. of bruises.

Typical accompanying symptoms

Swelling: A bruise often leads to a visible Swelling of the affected area. This Swelling results from the accumulation of blood and can vary depending on the severity of the injury.
Skin discoloration: The skin over a hematoma can take on a bluish, reddish, or purplish color. This is a classic sign of blood that has entered the tissue.
Pain: The area may be sensitive and cause Pain, especially when touched. This can lead to Behavioral changes, such as avoiding touch or Licking the spot.
Limited mobility: In the case of larger hematomas or those located near joints, the dog may have difficulty moving normally.
Hematomas in the ear area: In dogs, hematomas can also occur in the earlobe, leading to a so-called “aural hematoma”, which is particularly common in dogs with floppy ears.

When to see a vet?

In certain situations, it is important to consult a veterinarian immediately. If the hematoma is large or growing rapidly, this could indicate severe internal Bleeding or a deeper traumaA trauma refers to a physical injury or damage caused by external force. Traumas can range from simple cuts to severe multiple injuries. that requires immediate attention. Also, if the dog shows signs of severe Pain, Fever, or a general deterioration of health, a veterinarian should be consulted.

Another critical sign is the appearance of multipleMultiple means manifold or repeated and is used to describe conditions or events that occur in multiple instances or at different locations. In veterinary medicine, this may indicate multiple lesions, tumors, or other pathological changes. hematomas without an apparent reason. This could indicate a systemic disease affecting blood coagulationBlood coagulation is a process that helps stop Bleeding when a blood vessel is damaged. Platelets and certain proteins in the plasma form a blood clot that seals the wound. and requires a thorough medical examination.

Symptom recognition for the pet owner and veterinary diagnostic procedure

For pet owners, recognizing a hematoma is often visual. Observe your dog for signs of discomfort, Swelling, or skin discoloration. Pay attention to Behavioral changes that could indicate Pain, such as Licking a specific spot or Lameness.

During the veterinary visit, the veterinarian will first perform a thorough physical examination. This may include palpating the affected area to determine the type and extent of the hematoma. Blood tests may be ordered to identify possible blood coagulationBlood coagulation is a process that helps stop Bleeding when a blood vessel is damaged. Platelets and certain proteins in the plasma form a blood clot that seals the wound. disorders or underlying conditions.

Imaging procedures such as ultrasoundUltrasound refers to sound waves that are above the hearing threshold of the human ear. In medicine, ultrasound is used for diagnostic imaging procedures to visualize internal organs, tissues, and blood flow. or X-rayX-ray is an imaging technique that uses X-rays to create images of the inside of the body. It is often used to diagnose bone fractures, lung diseases, and other conditions. can also be helpful to assess the depth and exact location of the hematoma and rule out other injuries. In some cases, a sample of the affected tissue or fluid may be taken to rule out infections or other abnormalities.

What the pet owner can do and professional therapy options

As a pet owner, you can take some measures to improve your dog’s comfort and support healing. One option is to gently cool the affected area to reduce Swelling and relieve Pain. Use a cold pack wrapped in a towel and apply it for short periods.

It is important to keep the dog calm and avoid excessive movement to prevent additional injuries. Make sure the dog does not lick or scratch the affected area, as this can delay healing or lead to infections. An Elizabethan collar can be useful in such cases.

Avoid administering Pain relievers or other medications without veterinary instruction, as some medications can further impair blood coagulationBlood coagulation is a process that helps stop Bleeding when a blood vessel is damaged. Platelets and certain proteins in the plasma form a blood clot that seals the wound.. If in Uncertainty / disorientation, you should always seek the advice of a veterinarian before taking any action.

Outlook on current research

Research on bruises or hematomas in dogs currently focuses on improving diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. methods and developing more effective therapyTherapy refers to the treatment of diseases or disorders with the aim of alleviating symptoms, promoting healing, or improving quality of life. Therapies can be medicinal, surgical, or through other medical interventions. approaches. Scientists are investigating the biochemical processes that lead to hematoma formation to better understand how tissues respond to injuries and how blood vessels in dogs can be structurally and functionally protected. In dogs, hematoma formation is often associated with traumatic injuries, but anticoagulantAn anticoagulant is a medication that inhibits blood coagulation, thus preventing the formation of blood clots. It is used for the treatment and prevention of thrombosis and embolism. medications can also play a role. Researchers are working to identify molecular differences in blood coagulationBlood coagulation is a process that helps stop Bleeding when a blood vessel is damaged. Platelets and certain proteins in the plasma form a blood clot that seals the wound. between different dog breeds, which could help develop more individualized therapyTherapy refers to the treatment of diseases or disorders with the aim of alleviating symptoms, promoting healing, or improving quality of life. Therapies can be medicinal, surgical, or through other medical interventions. plans.

Another area of research is the investigation of genetic factors that could make dogs more susceptible to hematomas. Studies have shown that certain genetic markers are associated with an increased susceptibility to blood coagulationBlood coagulation is a process that helps stop Bleeding when a blood vessel is damaged. Platelets and certain proteins in the plasma form a blood clot that seals the wound. disorders, which could increase the risk of hematomas. Identifying such markers could help develop preventive measures and conduct risk assessments for various breeds. Furthermore, research is being conducted on how diet and lifestyle changes can influence the frequency and severity of hematomas, which could lead to better preventionPrevention includes measures taken to prevent diseases or injuries. In veterinary medicine, this includes vaccinations, parasite control, and health monitoring. strategies in the long term.

Innovative approaches in biotechnology also have the potential to revolutionize the therapyTherapy refers to the treatment of diseases or disorders with the aim of alleviating symptoms, promoting healing, or improving quality of life. Therapies can be medicinal, surgical, or through other medical interventions. of hematomas in dogs. Researchers are testing the use of stem cells and regenerative therapies to promote healing and reduce the inflammatory response in affected tissues. These therapies could improve the regenerative capacity of the tissue and shorten healing time. In addition, clinical trials are underway to evaluate the effectiveness of new topicalTopical refers to the direct application of medications or treatments to the skin or mucous membranes for a local effect, without being absorbed into the body. treatments specifically developed for use in dogs to accelerate the absorptionAbsorption refers to the uptake of substances by living cells or tissues. In the context of veterinary medicine, it often refers to the absorption of nutrients, drugs, or toxins from the digestive tract into the bloodstream. of hematomas.

An interdisciplinary approach, bringing together veterinarians, geneticists, and pharmacologists, is considered crucial to better understand the complexity of hematoma formation in dogs. By combining clinical observations with advanced laboratory techniques, researchers hope to gain more comprehensive insights that will improve not only the therapyTherapy refers to the treatment of diseases or disorders with the aim of alleviating symptoms, promoting healing, or improving quality of life. Therapies can be medicinal, surgical, or through other medical interventions. but also the preventionPrevention includes measures taken to prevent diseases or injuries. In veterinary medicine, this includes vaccinations, parasite control, and health monitoring. of hematomas. New technologies, such as high-resolution imaging, are being used to gain detailed insights into the structure and healing of hematomas, which could lead to more accurate diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. tools.

Finally, there is also research on the development of integrative databases that collect and analyze information about hematomas in dogs. These databases are intended to make it easier for veterinarians to identify patterns and trends that could indicate underlying health problems. By using machine learning and artificial intelligence, predictive models are to be developed that can calculate the risk of hematomas based on a dog’s individual health and genetic profiles.

Frequently asked questions

1. What is a bruise or hematoma in dogs?

A bruise or hematoma in dogs is an accumulation of blood outside the blood vessels, which can be caused by an injury or other factors. It often appears as a blue or purple spot on the skin and can lead to Swelling.

2. How do I recognize a bruise on my dog?

A bruise can be recognized by skin discoloration, Swelling, or sensitivity to touch. Some dogs also show signs of Pain or discomfort in the affected region.

3. What causes can lead to bruising in dogs?

Bruises can be caused by traumas such as bumps or falls, anticoagulant medications, or blood coagulation disorders. In rarer cases, infections or tumors can also trigger bruises.

4. Should I take my dog to the vet if he has a bruise?

Yes, it is advisable to consult a veterinarian to clarify the cause of the bruise and ensure there are no serious underlying problems. The veterinarian can also provide recommendations for therapy and monitoring.

5. How is a bruise diagnosed in dogs?

The diagnosis of a bruise is usually made through a physical examination. The veterinarian may also order further tests such as blood tests or imaging procedures to determine the cause and rule out other conditions.

6. Can bruises in dogs heal on their own?

Yes, smaller bruises can often heal on their own, but it is important to monitor the healing process and ensure that no complications arise. Larger or painful hematomas may require veterinary therapy.

7. How can I help my dog with a bruise?

You can help your dog by resting the affected area and applying cold compresses to reduce Swelling. Make sure your dog does not excessively lick or scratch the affected area.

8. What treatment options are there for bruises in dogs?

The therapy depends on the severity of the bruise. In mild cases, rest and cooling may be sufficient. In more severe cases, Pain relievers, anti-inflammatory medications, or even surgical interventions may be necessary.

9. Can bruises in dogs be prevented?

While some causes of bruises, such as accidents, are difficult to prevent, the risk can be reduced by measures such as avoiding dangerous situations and monitoring the dog's activities. A balanced diet and regular health check-ups can also help.

10. Are certain dog breeds more prone to bruising?

Yes, some dog breeds have genetic predispositions to blood coagulation disorders that can increase the risk of bruises. These include breeds such as the Doberman or the Cocker Spaniel. A veterinarian can provide specific advice for your dog.