If you’re reading this, you‘re probably thinking: “Yikes! My dog is throwing up white foam, and I don‘t know what to do!” Dog vomit is an eventuality that every pet parent has to deal with at some point.
Aside from the grim task of having to clean up the mess, you might be worried that white foamy vomit means something detrimental to your pet’s health. If you’re unfamiliar with the possible causes of vomiting in dogs, your first reaction might be fear.
What Is White Foam Vomit?
Here’s what you need to know. Vomit that looks like white foam or foamy saliva instead of chunky or yellow vomit is often because of excess gas and air in the stomach.
In most instances, your dog is throwing up white foam because there’s nothing much left in his stomach to eliminate. Usually, the white foam isn’t anything scary – it’s just a combination of saliva and gastric juices.
In this article we will talk about the potential causes for why your dog is throwing up white foam but before we do that it is also important to understand the different types of vomit and what they mean.
Different Types of Dog Vomit
Knowing the difference between the types of vomit your dog is producing is important. A chunky or granular vomit with bits of food in it implies that the treat or food you have given your dog does not agree with his stomach, and the fact that you can identify food bits is a sign that it hasn’t been in the gastrointestinal tract very long.
As you can see, there is quite a difference between white foamy vomit and other types of dog vomit. Understanding the difference between the types of dog vomit will help you determine whether you should wait it out (for the vomiting to stop). Or if you should jump into immediate action and head to the vet.
That said, it’s common for dogs to vomit from time to time. If your dog is vomiting on a regular basis, you will need to take some action to help your pet. Regular vomiting is not normal.
Possible Causes of Your Dog Throwing Up White Foam
First and foremost, consider how and why white foam vomit can happen. Here is the good news: in most instances, it‘s not a serious cause for concern. When a dog vomits white foam it’s a combination of saliva and gastric juices.
Frequent vomiting coupled with other unusual symptoms could be a sign of a more serious underlying condition.
For the sake of this article, let‘s assume that your dog isn‘t vomiting white foam daily. We’ll assume, it’s just a few instances here and there, and you‘d like to stay informed. In that case, you might find it reassuring that white foamy vomit is often just a sign of an upset stomach. And many things can upset your pup‘s stomach.
Your dog may have licked something that tasted awful or eaten something that didn‘t sit right. The dog may have had a little snack of grass unknowingly. And then it all came up in white foamy vomit sending everyone into a panic.
Accidentally snacking on something that is not recommended for dogs can cause an upset stomach. It also could lead to the white vomit. However, let’s consider a few of the other possible, more serious causes of your dog vomiting foam.
Indigestion
Just like us, dogs can have a bad case of indigestion. Common causes for this include eating grass or eating something that upsets the stomach. Other causes include eating too fast or drinking too much too quickly before or after exercise.
In this case, your dog coughing up white foam and gagging is normal and just an attempt to relieve the stomach of whatever is causing the upset.
Pancreatitis
This is a condition that causes the pancreas to become inflamed. In a dog’s digestive system, the pancreas is a vital component. Dogs with pancreatitis will often throw up their food along with white foam.
Acid reflux
Acid reflux can occur in dogs when bile enters the stomach (backward) during a long period of not eating. If you notice your dog throwing up white foam in the morning before breakfast, it could be a sign of acid reflux.
As a side note, you can help your pet avoid this reflux by feeding him/her smaller, easy-to-digest meals more frequently. If you’re looking for dog food that’s suitable for pups with acid reflux, the Spot & Tango range of recipes is a great choice.
Bloat
This condition often plagues adult and senior dogs and is a condition that causes a dog’s stomach to become full of food, liquid, or gas to the point of it expanding uncomfortably. A bloated abdomen can cause serious health issues by restricting the flow of blood to essential organs and making it difficult for your dog to breathe.
One of the tell-tale warning signs of the onset of bloat is your dog puking white foam. Bloat comes with various other symptoms such as pale gums, coughing, drooling, and what seems like constipation. It’s important to note that bloat is a severe condition, and if you suspect your dog has it, an immediate trip to the vet is advised.
Gastrointestinal Issues
If you have a dog throwing up white foam, it could be a sign that there’s a gastrointestinal issue at play.
Common gastro issues that cause white foamy vomit include gastrointestinal obstruction and gastrointestinal inflammation. Again, the Spot & Tango range offers nutrient-rich food options that are kind to a sensitive stomach.
Kidney Disease
If your dog is throwing up white foam and has additional symptoms of lethargy, disorientation, and problems urinating, it could be a red flag that your pup has kidney disease.
The onset of kidney disease can be blamed on ingesting something toxic (acute kidney disease) or may develop over time (chronic kidney disease). Acute cases need immediate veterinarian care, whereas chronic cases can be managed with lifestyle and diet changes.
Dog Vomiting White Foam Treatment
Digestion is a key factor in helping your dog avoid vomiting and enjoy a life that’s free of common digestive discomforts such as bloating and stomach pain.
If your dog is vomiting, it’s a good idea to skip the next meal while monitoring your dog’s behavior. If your dog vomits after receiving his/her next planned meal or vomits more than twice in one day, it’s time to consult with your vet.
If indigestion or a disease that affects digestion is the cause of your dog’s vomiting, you need to consider changing his diet. Veterinary nutritionists formulate Spot & Tango meals to ensure they’re complete and balanced for all ages & stages. Switching to this range will provide your dog with nutrient-rich food that’s easy on the tummy.
Spot & Tango offers both dry and wet dog food options with high-quality protein and fresh human-grade ingredients that are free from additives. All of this is great for a healthy digestive system. Visit the Spot & Tango website to choose from a variety of easy-on-the-tummy recipes.
Is Home Treatment Appropriate For A Dog Throwing Up White Foam?
Deciding whether home treatment is appropriate for a dog vomiting white foam depends on the frequency and severity of the episodes. In many cases, occasional white foam vomiting can be managed at home, especially if your dog is acting normally otherwise. Common causes like mild indigestion or an empty stomach are often harmless and can be resolved with a few simple steps.
Start by withholding food for 8–12 hours to allow your dog’s stomach to settle, but ensure fresh water is always available to prevent dehydration. After the fasting period, offer a bland diet, such as boiled chicken and plain rice, in small portions. Gradually reintroduce regular meals over the next day or two while keeping an eye on your dog’s behavior.
However, home treatment may not be suitable in all situations. If your dog is lethargic, refusing to eat or drink, or experiencing other symptoms like diarrhea, coughing, or abdominal discomfort, it’s best to consult a vet immediately. Puppies, senior dogs, and dogs with underlying health conditions are more susceptible to complications and should be evaluated by a professional. When in doubt, it’s always safer to seek veterinary advice.
When To Speak With A Vet About Your Dog Vomiting White Foam
While mild and infrequent vomiting of white foam can often be managed at home, there are clear signs that indicate it’s time to contact a veterinarian. Persistent vomiting, episodes occurring more than two or three times within 24 hours, or symptoms lasting beyond a day can point to underlying issues that require professional evaluation.
Be alert for other concerning symptoms, such as weakness, loss of appetite, dehydration, or changes in stool consistency. Vomiting white foam alongside wheezing or coughing may suggest respiratory problems, such as kennel cough or tracheal irritation. Similarly, if your dog has ingested a foreign object, or toxic substance, or shows signs of poisoning (e.g., drooling, tremors, or pale gums), seek veterinary help immediately.
In some cases, white foam vomiting may be linked to serious conditions like pancreatitis, gastrointestinal blockages, or kidney disease. Early diagnosis and treatment can make a significant difference in your dog’s recovery and overall health. By providing your vet with details about your dog’s symptoms, recent diet, and behavior, you’ll help them determine the cause and recommend the most effective treatment plan. When in doubt, err on the side of caution and consult with your veterinarian.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Why is my puppy throwing up white foam?
A. Puppies can experience gastrointestinal problems and indigestion if they eat food that’s hard for them to digest, eat something that tastes bad, or eat too fast. Once your puppy has thrown up his food, he/she may start vomiting white foam. If this happens after a meal, it could be that he/she has a bad case of indigestion. But if your puppy frequently vomits during the day or for several days, it’s essential to consult with a vet.
Q. What can I give my dog to stop vomiting?
A. If your dog is vomiting, you should withhold food for at least 12 hours and monitor him/her (don’t withhold water). After 12 hours, slowly reintroduce food to your dog and see how it goes. When reintroducing food to your dog’s diet, choose bland options like lean chicken with rice, which is easy to digest.
Final Thoughts
To sum up, if you see your puppy or dog throwing up foam, there’s no need to be immediately distressed. Of course, assessing your dog’s condition is essential when you first notice the vomiting.
However, if your dog seems otherwise fine, it could be something as minor as indigestion or eating something that tastes bad.
Feeding your dog easy-to-digest foods may help to avoid vomiting events in the future.
Of course, if you think something more serious is at play, it is imperative to contact your vet as soon as possible.
