Vomiting Brown Liquid in Dogs

Vomiting is a common sign of many illnesses that shouldn't be overlooked. In some cases, your dog might be vomiting because they ate something that upset their stomach. Vomiting brown liquid, however, can indicate that something more serious is wrong. Here are some common causes of your dog vomiting brown liquid:

• Bleeding ulcers

• Intestinal blockage

• Something they ate

• Other sources of bleeding (such as tumor or gum disease)

Some of the causes of throwing up brown liquid are more serious than others. For example, bleeding ulcers and intestinal blockages should be treated right away. If your dog is throwing up brown liquid due to something that they ate or because of a source of bleeding, the severity of their condition will depend on what they ingested and where they're bleeding.

Brown vomit can happen to any dog for a variety of reasons. Although you may be alarmed to see your dog vomiting brown liquid, most dogs can recover with no permanent side effects as long as they're treated promptly.

Bleeding ulcers

If your dog develops an ulcer and it begins to bleed, it could cause them to vomit. If the ulcers are located in the upper intestine or stomach wall, the vomit could turn a brown color since the blood would be digested by stomach acid. Tarry, black stools are another sign of bleeding ulcers.

Ingesting aspirin or other types of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) is just one cause of ulcers. Others causes include:

• stress
• shock
• ingestion of foreign objects or toxic substances
• cancer
• allergies
• bacterial or viral infections
• liver and kidney disease or failure
• pancreatitis
• mast cell tumors
• intervertebral disk disease.
  

Signs of stomach ulcers include severe vomiting, blood loss, and dehydration.

Intestinal blockage

Intestinal blockages can also cause your dog to vomit brown liquid. Ingesting a large object, such as a non-food item, can obstruct the intestines. Growths in the abdomen can also cause blockages. Symptoms vary depending on the location or cause of the blockage. Common signs include:

• vomiting
• abdominal pain
  
• loss of appetite
• difficulty defecating
  

In the case of a total blockage, the vomit will be accompanied by a fetid smell. A foul smell can also accompany a dark brown vomiting if your dog ingested feces.

Items will move through the gastrointestinal tract in 10 to 24 hours, and signs of a blockage will occur within 12 to 24 hours after ingestion. If the item gets lodged in the esophagus, your dog will begin to show signs fairly quickly. They'll lick their lips, swallow often, and regurgitate soon after eating.

The vomit may emerge in a tubular shape and can contain pieces of kibble. Your dog may also suffer from dehydration since they can't eat or drink properly. If the blockage is located in the stomach, the pylorus may get blocked, which can keep food from passing through the intestinal tract. In this case, your dog will most likely vomit within a few hours of eating.

Blockages in the small intestine can cause gas to accumulate, which can be fatal without prompt treatment. This can lead to the intestine getting distended, the blood supply getting cut off, and tissues dying. The dog might begin heaving right after being fed or experience abdominal pain, fever, shock, and a distended intestine. Blockages located elsewhere may present other signs, including diarrhea.

Other sources of bleeding

This can include bleeding in the digestive tract, which can be caused by a bleeding tumor in the upper small intestine or stomach, blood coming from gum or tooth diseases, or a blood clotting disorder.

Ingesting rat poison can also cause your dog to vomit blood and have black stools. Secondary bleeding can occur if your dog ingests blood from the mouth or lungs, or licks it up from other wounds or nosebleeds. The dog may then expel the ingested blood, which can come out as a black or brownish color. 

Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis is a disease that can lead to your dog throwing up digested blood. Hemorrhages are serious, as they can lead to low blood pressure, anemia, and sometimes death. A warning sign of excessive blood loss is pale gums. If you notice lethargy, weakness, pale gums, and excessive loss of blood, take your dog to the vet immediately.

Stomach ulcers can usually be managed medically. If the ulcers perforate the walls of the stomach, your dog may need hospitalization or surgery. Dogs with severe stomach ulcers (even those that haven't perforated the stomach lining) may require hospitalization, blood transfusions, intravenous fluid replacement therapies, and nutritional and electrolytic support. Other types of treatments include medication, supportive care, and dietary and lifestyle changes.

Foods that are easy to digest can help reduce irritation and inflammation of the digestive tract. Feed your dog small meals several times throughout the day. Your pet should always have access to fresh water.

Blockages should be treated quickly — if left untreated, a dog with a blockage can face fatal complications like peritonitis and perforation of the bowels. If brought to the vet soon after the blockage occurs, your dog can avoid surgery, and the blockage may be able to be removed via endoscopy. If death of the tissue (or necrosis) occurs, affected parts of the intestine will need to be removed along with the object.

The best way to prevent intestinal blockage is to supervise your dog while they're playing and act quickly if you notice them eating something they shouldn't. Don't give your dog cooked bones or small toys that are easy to swallow. Since it can often contribute to stomach irritation, try to eliminate stress, such as loud noises, from your dog’s environment.

If you notice that your dog has swallowed something, your veterinarian may advise you to induce vomiting to prevent a blockage. Teaching your dog the "drop it" and "leave it" commands can make all the difference between prevention and treatment.

Dietary modifications and feeding small meals throughout the day can help your dog avoid stomach ulcers. Ensure your dog always has access to fresh water.

Intestinal blockages and other causes of vomiting brown liquid in dogs can be expensive to treat. If you suspect your dog has intestinal blockages or is at risk, start searching for pet insurance today. Brought to you by Pet Insurer, Wag! Wellness lets pet parents compare insurance plans from leading companies like PetPlan and Trupanion. Find the “pawfect” plan for your pet in just a few clicks!

The cost of treating dogs who vomit brown liquid will vary depending on the cause and veterinary costs in your area. Treatment for stomach and intestinal ulcers can cost between $500 and $2,000. Intestinal obstruction and ingestion of feces or foreign objects can cost $1,500 to $3,000. If your dog is vomiting brown liquid because they ingested blood, the cost of treatment will vary depending on the location and severity of the bleeding.