Dog Throwing Up Spit: A Guide to Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment

If your dog is throwing up spit, it's essential to take a closer look at what might be causing this behavior.

Dogs throw up spit, also known as bilious vomiting, due to an accumulation of stomach acid and bile in the esophagus.

This can be triggered by eating too quickly, gobbling down food, or consuming fatty foods.

A common cause of bilious vomiting in dogs is gastrointestinal foreign bodies, such as swallowing a toy or a piece of cloth.

If your dog is showing signs of vomiting, it's crucial to provide plenty of fresh water to prevent dehydration.

For another approach, see: Dog Spit up White Foam

Dogs can vomit white foam due to a variety of reasons, ranging from minor stomach upset to more serious health issues.

Some common causes of white foamy vomit in dogs include acid reflux, gastroenteritis, pancreatitis, internal blockage, and ingestion of toxic substances.

A fresh viewpoint: Types of Dog Vomit

In some cases, dogs may vomit white foam due to eating spoiled food, allergies, or ingesting a known irritant, which can cause gastritis and irritation of the stomach lining.

Here are some possible causes of vomiting in dogs:

Vomiting can be a stressful and worrisome experience for both you and your furry friend. So, what causes it? Well, it can be a complex issue, but let's break it down.

Vomiting can be caused by a variety of factors, including dietary indiscretions, allergies, and infections. For example, if your dog eats something that's different from their normal diet, it can lead to inflammation of the stomach and intestines, resulting in vomiting.

Sometimes, vomiting can be a sign of a more serious underlying condition, such as kidney or liver failure, pancreatitis, or cancer. These conditions can cause chronic vomiting, which requires veterinary attention.

In other cases, vomiting can be caused by acute conditions, such as intestinal obstruction, intestinal parasites, or parvovirus. These conditions can be life-threatening if left untreated.

Discover more: Why Dogs Throw up Food

Here are some possible causes of vomiting in dogs:

It's essential to note that some conditions, such as gastritis, can cause vomiting due to irritation and inflammation of the stomach lining. If you suspect your dog has gastritis, it's crucial to identify and eliminate the cause of the irritation.

If your dog is vomiting white foam, it can be a sign of an empty stomach or gastritis. However, it can also be a symptom of more serious conditions, such as bilious vomiting syndrome, parvovirus, or pancreatitis. In these cases, prompt veterinary care is necessary to prevent further complications.

In some cases, vomiting can be a sign of toxin exposure, such as eating chocolate or human medication. If you suspect your dog has ingested a toxic substance, it's essential to seek veterinary care immediately.

In summary, vomiting can be caused by a variety of factors, ranging from dietary indiscretions to serious underlying conditions. If you're concerned about your dog's vomiting, it's always best to consult with a veterinarian to determine the underlying cause and develop a treatment plan.

Additional reading: Dogs Twisted Stomach

Rabies can cause your dog to vomit white foam, a symptom that's rare in the United States thanks to vaccination programs.

Rabies is a serious disease that affects animals, and it's essential to be aware of the symptoms to get your pet the help they need.

In the US, rigorous vaccination programs have made rabies a rare occurrence, but it's still crucial to monitor your dog's behavior and health.

If your dog is showing signs of rabies, such as vomiting white foam, seek veterinary care immediately to ensure their safety and well-being.

Symptoms of dog throwing up spit can vary, but some common signs include frequent and severe vomiting, inability to keep down food or water, and blood in the vomit.

If your dog is vomiting white foam, it's essential to monitor their behavior and watch for warning signs. These can include lethargy, weakness, pain, and a bloated or distended abdomen.

Recommended read: Dogs Vomiting Food

In some cases, vomiting can be a sign of a more serious issue, such as bloat, which is an emergency situation that requires immediate attention. If you suspect your dog is experiencing bloat, look for symptoms like a bloated abdomen, rapid breathing, and pacing or acting uncomfortable.

Here are some symptoms that warrant a trip to the vet immediately:

If you're unsure about the severity of your dog's symptoms or if they're experiencing a combination of warning signs, it's always best to err on the side of caution and consult a veterinarian.

Kennel cough can be a real concern for dog owners, and it's essential to know the signs to look out for. Kennel cough and other upper respiratory problems may cause dogs to cough up foamy white liquid.

This liquid can sometimes be mistaken for vomit, but it's actually mucus and fluids from the respiratory system. You might see your dog's stomach lurching before vomiting white foam, which is a clear distinction from coughing up white foam.

If you notice your dog coughing up white foam, it's crucial to take them to the vet to rule out any underlying conditions.

Your vet will likely start by thoroughly examining your dog, taking note of their medical history and any recent or unusual ingestions. They'll want to know about anything your dog might have eaten that could be causing the vomiting.

Blood and urine testing may be recommended to look for underlying causes like internal parasites, infections, or certain conditions. X-rays and ultrasound can also be used to identify life-threatening diseases, foreign object blockages, or other issues.

If your vet suspects an intestinal obstruction or bloat, they may recommend decompression of the stomach gasses via gastric lavage and surgery. This is an emergency situation that requires immediate action.

Here are some common tests your vet may use to diagnose vomiting in dogs:

Keep in mind that the specific tests used will depend on the underlying cause of the vomiting and your vet's professional judgment.

Regurgitation is a passive action that's not accompanied by abdominal contractions and effort, making it more like a burp. It often occurs right after eating or drinking, and common signs include coughing and difficulty breathing.

Regurgitation can be confusing, but it's not the same as vomiting, which is a forceful ejection of stomach contents. If your dog is regurgitating, they might be trying to bring up food that's not digesting properly.

A reverse sneeze, on the other hand, is a reflexive action to irritation at the back of the throat. It's usually nothing to be concerned about unless it occurs frequently.

Reverse sneezing can be alarming if you're not familiar with it, but it's actually a common occurrence in dogs. They'll often stand with an extended neck and pull back to inhale dramatically through their nose, making a gagging type of noise.

Curious to learn more? Check out: Why Does My Dog Keep Gagging but Not Throwing Up?

Treatment for dog vomiting, also known as throwing up spit, largely depends on the underlying cause. Your veterinarian may conduct several tests, including radiographs, blood work, and fecal analysis, to determine a diagnosis.

If your dog is vomiting white foam, it's not usually a cause for panic, especially if they're acting normally. However, it's essential to monitor them for repeat occurrences and other signs of illness like depression, diarrhea, or decreased appetite.

In cases where your dog has ingested a toxic substance, early treatment and contact with the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center can be a lifesaver. If your dog is experiencing vomiting, your vet may prescribe medication depending on the cause.

To prevent vomiting in dogs, it's crucial to keep them away from things they shouldn't eat, lick, or chew. You can also take preventative measures such as keeping up-to-date with vaccinations, using monthly preventatives, and arranging regular wellness checks.

Here are some tips to help prevent your dog from throwing up white foam:

Increasing the number of meals throughout the day by splitting their food into smaller portions can help alleviate vomiting yellow bile. This way, there's always something in their stomach to help prevent vomiting.

Pancreatitis is a serious condition that can be triggered by foods high in fat, such as bacon, or by viral or bacterial infections. It's crucial to get your pup to the vet right away if you notice any of the following signs: a distended abdomen, lack of appetite, lack of energy, abdominal pain, vomiting, or fever.

If your dog has pancreatitis, it will likely vomit a lot, and the vomit might be white and foamy if their stomach was empty. Pancreatitis can be life-threatening, so don't hesitate to seek veterinary care if you suspect something is wrong.

Your vet will perform a physical exam and review your dog's medical history to determine the best course of treatment. Depending on the severity of the condition, treatment may include hospitalization for intravenous fluids and frequent medication dosing, or a change in diet to address acid reflux, allergies, pancreatitis, or kidney disease.

Here are some common symptoms of pancreatitis to look out for:

If your vet suspects a GI obstruction, they may recommend endoscopy or surgery to remove the cause of the blockage. In some cases, pancreatitis can lead to severe dehydration and even collapse and shock, so it's essential to seek veterinary care right away if you notice any of these symptoms.

Regular wellness check-ups are crucial in early disease detection, so make sure to bring your dog to the vet every year (or more if recommended).

Feeding a healthy diet and keeping treats to a minimum can also help minimize the risks of vomiting. Your dog's digestive system will thank you for it.

Preventing your dog from chewing on grass, plants, and sticks can also help prevent vomiting caused by foreign objects. Get to know your dog's habits and proceed accordingly.

Keeping objects that may become foreign bodies out of reach of your dog is also a good idea. Some dogs will be happy to eat anything they find on the floor.

Here are some preventatives to help prevent your dog from throwing up white foam: