Why is My Dog Throwing Up Yellow Foam?
Anyone with a four-legged friend knows that an occasional bout of tummy trouble is part of being a pet owner. But what if your canine companion is vomiting yellow foam? Is there a logical explanation or does this signal a veterinary emergency?
At Cherry Creek Veterinary Hospital, we know how much your furry family members mean to you, and we’re here to help you understand the causes of digestive issues in dogs and when it’s time to call the doctor.
It Begins With Bile
Typically, vomiting yellow foam is caused by bile leaking into a dog’s stomach and reacting with stomach acid. Bile is produced in the dog’s liver and gallbladder to aid the digestive system by breaking down fats while improving the absorption of vital nutrients.
Bile is yellow or sometimes greenish in color, and when vomited, it can appear foamy or bubbly.
What Causes Vomiting in Dogs?
There are many reasons why a dog might be vomiting yellow foam, and most of the time, a temporary bout of tummy upset is nothing to worry about. Sometimes, however, vomiting can be a sign of a much bigger problem, particularly when accompanied by other symptoms. Here are some common causes of vomiting in dogs:
Empty Stomach Syndrome
Some dogs vomit bile early in the morning because they have an empty stomach. It’s speculated that a long fasting period between their evening meal and morning meal can cause intestinal fluid to backflow into their tummies, causing nausea and vomiting. A late-evening snack might relieve this issue.
Acid Reflux
Just like humans, dogs can have acid reflux — a condition that occurs when stomach acid moves up into the esophagus. Dogs with reflux may burp and experience retching and vomiting. Overweight dogs are more prone to acid reflux.
Gastritis
Gastritis occurs when the stomach lining becomes inflamed, and dogs with gastritis will experience sudden vomiting and lack of appetite. Common causes of gastritis include consuming spoiled foods or kitty litter, swallowing foreign objects, or ingesting other foods and substances that are toxic to dogs.
Other Causes of Gastrointestinal Problems
A range of health conditions can trigger digestive issues and cause a dog to vomit yellow foam, including:
- Ulcers
- Bacterial infections
- Viruses
- Parasitic infections
- Certain cancers
- Pancreatitis
- An intestinal blockage
- Food allergies
- Addison’s Disease
When to Call the Veterinarian
If your dog is having digestive issues, it’s important to have a veterinarian diagnose the underlying cause. Contact your veterinarian right away if your dog’s vomiting happens more than once a day, occurs in conjunction with other symptoms like diarrhea and lethargy, or if your dog is consistently vomiting yellow bile.
Gastrointestinal problems can make pets very uncomfortable and can indicate a serious underlying condition. If your dog is experiencing digestive issues, please contact us at (916) 349-2755 so we can put your pup on the path to better health.