Our canine companions can make some unusual sounds and behave in unusual ways which can be scary to the pet owner. If your canine companion is spitting up white foam, there could be several conditions/reasons why it is occurring:
Kennel Cough
This is a very contagious condition which can be picked up by your pet when he is boarded, has spent time in a shelter or hospital or when he comes into close contact with other canines. It is an upper respiratory infection which can show up within 10 days of exposure. The most frequent symptoms are a dry, honking
cough sometimes accompanied by
gagging or coughing up white foam.
Bloat
Your pet may spit up white foam after eating or exercise because his stomach has filled with air or fluid. The stomach will become swollen and hard. This is called bloat and can be a very dangerous condition for your pet because, when the stomach fills with air or fluid, it can cause the stomach to rotate, which then traps the food. It obstructs the veins around the stomach. This condition is unmistakable and dogs get very unwell within a matter of hours.
Upset Stomach
Sometimes your canine family member will wolf down his dinner or drink a whole bowl of water after exercising and then vomit it back up. Something has probably upset his stomach or he has eaten something which doesn’t agree with his digestive system. You may also find your dog is nauseous, off their food and tired.
Fungal Infection
Due to the curious nature of most canines, they can pick up fungal organisms as they sniff, scratch or dig into soils which have been contaminated. This is especially true if the soil contains bird, poultry or bat excrement. If ingested or inhaled, the fungal organism can cause an infection which is characterized by a harsh cough and a white foam discharge.
Rabies
Your pet may be rabid, having contracted rabies from an outside source, and may be demonstrating the classic symptom of foaming at the mouth. The foam comes as a result of nerve damage in the mouth and throat which prevents the infected canine from swallowing. Your dog will show other obvious signs of Rabies such as a
fever,
seizures and fear of water (hydrophobia).
Pneumonia
A bacterial or viral lung infection can cause signs including a cough, fever and malaise. The cough can become severe and may be productive in some cases.
Heart Disease
Many heart conditions can lead to coughing due to fluid build up in and around the lungs. Oftentimes, a cough will lead to foam being brought back up.
Tracheal Collapse
Certain breeds such as the Bichon Frise and Terriers are more prone to tracheal collapse. It is more commonly seen in middle-aged to older dogs who are overweight. We can see a chronic cough which worsens with exercise. During a coughing fit, it is not uncommon for some foam to be produced.
Lungworm
Parasites within the lungs may lead to signs including a productive, foamy cough and an increased tendency to bleed. Chest
x-rays and
stool analysis can help us reach a diagnosis.