Vomiting Foam in Dogs

Vomiting is nature’s way of protecting animals when they have eaten something that is not necessarily the best for them. While the occasional vomiting episode is not usually cause for concern, it is important to pay attention to the state of the vomit and what is contained in it. There are many causes for vomiting and they may not all be as simple as an upset stomach due to ingestion of something harmful. 

• Upset stomach, for example, due to bloat or ingestion of a foreign object
• Rabies
• Parasites
• Health issues like liver disease 

By paying attention to the state of the vomit, color and contents, you may be able to determine what the underlying issue is and resolve the problem without a vet’s assistance. However, if you notice that your dog is vomiting up blood, parasites, or is showing other signs of distress (coughing, loss of appetite, diarrhea) you will want to visit your veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment.

There are multiple different forms of vomiting in dogs. White foam or yellow foam are typically associated with upset stomachs, while bloody foam is cause for concern. The main reasons why vomiting occurs in dogs are upset stomach, parasites, and health issues like liver disease. Rabies is also suspected when a dog is vomiting foam.

Upset Stomach

More often than not, if your dog is vomiting white foam, the cause is most likely an upset stomach. When yellow foam appears, it is from the same cause; however, your dog most likely has an empty stomach. The yellow is merely caused by bile within the stomach. There are multiple reasons why upset stomach can occur: 

• Drinking too much water after exercising
• Eating grass
• Swallowing something that can’t be digested
• Bloat

The condition known as bloat is the main cause for concern and should be checked out immediately by your vet. Failure to do so can result in death. 

Rabies

One of the most common signs of rabies is an animal who has excess salivation and is vomiting foam. Other symptoms, such as fever, staggering, and paralysis may indicate that your canine has rabies. Unfortunately, once symptoms become apparent, the condition is in the final stages and often, the majority of dogs who have rabies succumb to the disease.

Parasites

Typically, parasites are more of an issue for younger dogs and puppies. Lots of worms within the system can be a heavy burden for the bowel lining, which can lead to blockage. This will then result in nausea and vomiting. While this issue is serious, it can be easily resolved with the proper medication. Take your dog to the vet if the vomiting is accompanied by:

• Lack of energy
• Poor appetite
• Pot belly

Health Issues

Older dogs tend to not be affected by parasites as younger dogs are, however their bodies tend to become the problem as they age. For instance, if your dog has liver disease, toxins will begin to multiply within the blood stream. This will cause the dog to become nauseous and vomit. A few other common health issues that can cause vomiting are uncontrolled diabetes, a womb infection (in a female dog) and inflammation of the bowels.

When your dog vomits, do not simply clean it up and move on. Pay attention to the color and contents. If, for instance, the vomit is white or yellow and clear of any debris then most likely the vomiting is caused by an upset stomach (as in over drinking of water). If there is something like grass or food in the vomit, restrict access to those substances until the vomiting has passed. 

If blood is seen or the vomiting is accompanied by other symptoms, such as lethargy or diarrhea, visit your vet as soon as possible to resolve the issue. Never ignore the signs your dog may be giving you, as some of the underlying causes of vomiting can be detrimental to your dog’s health.

For puppies, the best way to prevent vomiting is to get regular check ups to ensure there are no parasites in their system and as well, minimize the amount of grass or other random objects they could ingest. After exercise, try to help dogs drink water slowly and provide plenty of time for them to calm down before feeding. 

If a dog is vomiting due to an empty stomach, this does not mean you should feed them more. Simply try to stretch out their food throughout the day by feeding smaller meals more frequently.

Older dogs should be checked by a vet if vomiting occurs in order to rule out any underlying diseases such as kidney disease or inflammation of the bowels.

Treatment cost will vary depending on the underlying causes of your dog vomiting foam. For example, treatment for diabetes can range average $3000 depending on the severity. If your dog is vomiting foam and is diagnosed with intestinal parasites, the expense to treat may be around $300.