border collie with stethoscope in its mouth

Just like people, our pets can experience occasional bouts of tummy trouble. But what about a dog throwing up yellow foam? Is it cause for serious concern?

At Curem Veterinary Care, we know how much your four-legged family members mean to you, and seeing your pet get sick can be concerning. In this blog, we share helpful information about the causes of digestive problems in dogs, and how to know when it’s time to call the doctor.

Dog Yellow Vomit Causes

A dog throwing up yellow foam can be a concerning symptom for pet owners. The yellow color comes from bile, a digestive fluid produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder. Bile aids in digestion by breaking down fats and improving the absorption of vital nutrients. When vomited, bile can appear bubbly, which might create yellow foam dog vomit.

Here are five possible dog yellow vomit causes:

  1. Empty Stomach
    If you spot yellow foam dog vomit in the morning, it’s likely due to your dog’s empty stomach. Sometimes when a dog has not eaten for an extended period, the bile can irritate the stomach lining, leading to nausea and vomiting. Providing a healthy, late-evening snack might help.
  2. Dietary Indiscretion
    Another common cause of yellow foam dog vomit is dietary indiscretion, which means the dog has eaten something poisonous or inappropriate. This can include spoiled food, garbage, toxic substances, or foreign objects. These can disrupt the digestive system, causing irritation and bile production.
  3. Gastrointestinal Disease
    Certain gastrointestinal diseases can lead to a dog throwing up yellow foam. Conditions such as gastritis, pancreatitis, or inflammatory bowel disease can cause inflammation of the stomach and intestines, resulting in bile accumulation and vomiting.
  4. Parasitic Infections
    Parasitic infections, including worms and Giardia, can irritate the gastrointestinal tract and cause vomiting. These infections are more common in dogs that spend time outdoors or in environments where parasites are prevalent.
  5. Food Allergies
    Do you see yellow foam dog vomit after your pet eats? Food allergies or intolerances can lead to gastrointestinal upset, including vomiting bile. Identifying and eliminating the offending food from the dog's diet can help manage this condition.

When to Seek Veterinary Care

While occasional vomiting of yellow foam may not be a cause for alarm, frequent or severe episodes warrant a visit to the veterinarian. Signs that indicate a need for emergency veterinary care include:

  • Persistent vomiting
  • Loss of appetite
  • Lethargy
  • Diarrhea
  • Blood in vomit
  • Weight loss

We’re Here to Help

If your dog’s vomiting persists or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms, consulting a veterinarian is essential for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

Contact us at (480) 787-0544 if your dog has tummy troubles or if it’s time for a checkup. We’ll help get your pet on the path to better health.