Dog Vomiting Causes, Color Meanings, and Remedies

So, your dog is vomiting. Why does it happen? What should you look out for? When should you call the vet? In this article we’re going to discuss everything related to vomiting in dogs. Let’s get into it.

Table of Contents

• What Causes Dog Vomiting?
• Vomiting Dog: When to Call the Vet
• Dog Vomiting Water
• Dog Vomiting Yellow
• Dog Throwing Up White Foam
• Why is My Dog Throwing Up Brown Liquid?
• Why is My Dog Throwing Up Undigested Food?
• What Does Parvo Vomit Look Like?
• What Can I Give My Dog for Vomiting?
• Should I Feed My Dog Again After Vomiting?

What Causes Dog Vomiting?

What causes upset stomach in dogs? As with anything, dog vomiting can happen for a variety of reasons. Vomiting in dogs is pretty common, and in many cases it’s not a serious concern – especially if your Doodle seems happy and fine otherwise. 

Some of the most common (and usually not too serious) reasons of dog vomiting include:

• Eating trash or other items they’re not supposed to eat
• Eating too fast or too much
• Car or motion sickness
• Eating too much grass
• Eating something they’re allergic to or won’t tolerate (could be dairy, certain proteins etc)
• Diet change
• Going a long time without eating

Other reasons of dog vomiting include:

• Ingesting poisonous plants or other toxins
• Parasites and worms
• Parvovirus
• Infections
• Pancreatitis
• Kidney disease or failure
• Liver disease or failure
• Heat stroke
• Post-op nausea due to medications or anesthesia
• Bloating
• Foreign bodies like toys and bones
• Gut inflammation or gastroenteritis
• Constipation
• Addison’s Disease
• Stress and anxiety
• Thyroid problems
• Tumors or cancer

Can Dogs Get Stomach Bugs?

Dogs, just like humans, can easily catch stomach bugs. Tummy viruses in dogs are usually very easily spread in places where many dogs have been. Think of kennels, dog parks, doggy daycares and training centers. 

Why Do Older Dogs Throw Up?

Elderly dogs may experience dog vomiting for the same reasons as younger dogs. However, older dogs are more prone to kidney and liver problems. To make sure your elderly Doodle has the best possible last years, ongoing medications and treatments may be necessary. 

Vomiting Dog: When to Call the Vet

When should you be concerned about your dog throwing up? Call your vet immediately if your Doodle is experiencing any of the following symptoms in addition to vomiting:

• Fever
• Loss of appetite
• Blood in vomit
• Diarrhea 
• Blood in stool
• Shivers or shaking
• Seizures
• Lethargy and weakness
• Depression
• Dehydration 
• Weight loss   
• Stomach pain

Moreover, if you have a puppy or an elderly dog, act immediately. Puppies and elderly dogs have weaker immune systems and can become dehydrated more easily. Likewise, dehydration can lead to more serious health issues. 

Dog Vomiting and Diarrhea

Not only are dog diarrhea and vomiting at the same time a huge red flag, it can quickly lead to dehydration. It may also be a sign of parvo in dogs, which you can learn more about here. 

Dog throwing up and diarrhea at the same time might happen because of a dietary indiscretion like eating garbage. However, even in these cases, your Doodle might need medical care to balance lost electrolytes and combat dehydration.

Dog Vomiting and Shaking

If your Doodle is shaking or experiencing shivers in addition to vomiting, it may indicate that there’s a bigger health issue to be worried about. For example: kidney disease, poisoning, diabetes, or canine distemper. On the other hand, shaking can simply be a sign of anxiety. 

Dog Vomiting Water

It may seem that your Doodle is throwing up water. For instance, if moments earlier they were having fun in the pool, that might be the cause. It’s also possible if they were just drinking water a bit too enthusiastically.

Otherwise, clear liquid can actually be gastric juice, which is essential for your Doodle’s proper digestion. A dog vomiting clear liquid may be because they haven’t eaten for a while beforehand, or because they’re anxious or too worked up. But of course, it may also be an indication of a health problem that needs proper medical care. 

Dog Vomiting Yellow

If you notice your dog throwing up yellow liquid, it’s their bile. 

Why is my dog throwing up yellow bile? Yellow bile vomit in dogs happens commonly, usually because the dog hasn’t eaten anything in a while. Most often, dog owners will notice yellow bile vomit in the morning before their pups have had a chance to eat breakfast.

Other reasons range from eating something bad, gut issues, or it could be an indication of a more serious problem. If this is ongoing, contact your vet to get to the bottom of the issue. 

Should I Feed My Dog After Vomiting Yellow Bile?

Most likely, your dog won’t have much of an appetite after vomiting yellow bile. However, at some point they will start to feel hungry, so try free feeding (leaving his food out) or giving bland food as treats every so often.

Dog Throwing Up White Foam

Why is My Dog Throwing Up Brown Liquid?

Brown colored liquid may indicate the presence of blood in their vomit. Above all, vomit of any color can be a sign of a serious health concern. It’s best to contact your vet to determine the cause and find a solution. 

Why is My Dog Throwing Up Undigested Food?

This probably happened because your Doodle ate too quickly or too much. It could also be due to exercising right after eating. Keep an eye on your dog’s behavior. If the vomiting persists, contact your vet. 

What Does Parvo Vomit Look Like?

Parvo vomit might look foamy, slimy, yellow, white, green, or have blood. Dogs with parvo usually experience foul smelling and sometimes bloody diarrhea, as well.

What Can I Give My Dog for Vomiting?

How do you settle a dog’s upset stomach? In many cases, a 12-24 hour water fast is enough to help your Doodle’s tummy restore its balance. However, always consult this with your vet first. If the vomiting is caused by a more serious problem, fluid therapy, diet change, or medications to combat vomiting might be necessary. Your vet will let you know about the next steps.

Is Pepto Bismol safe for dogs? Generally, yes. But only if your vet gives you the green light and dosage guidelines. We also recommend you read more about this topic from the American Kennel Club website, as it explains why their chief veterinary officer usually does not recommend it.

What Home Remedy Can You Give a Dog for Vomiting?

In addition to fasting, ice cubes, a bland diet, and 100% pure canned pumpkin (unseasoned and without any other ingredients) all can help control your Doodle’s upset stomach and vomiting.

The bland diet should consist of boiled rice, skinless and boneless boiled chicken breast, and boiled potatoes. Home remedies for dog vomiting are pretty much the same as for dog diarrhea, so scroll down on our dog diarrhea article for the guidelines. 

Should I Feed My Dog Again After Vomiting?

If your doodle throws up just once and otherwise acts normal, try withholding food for at least a few hours. Usually, they can resume eating their regular food by their next mealtime. Keep in mind that fresh drinking water should be available at all times. 

However, if the vomiting persists, call your vet. Depending on the issue, your vet might ask you to put your Doodle on a 12-24 hour fast and continue with a bland food diet afterwards. 

In conclusion, dog vomiting may be caused by something as simple as your Doodle being a bit too excited about a meal, but it can also be a symptom of a more serious health problem.

As a dog parent, you know your Doodle best. Keep an eye on their behavior, watch out for the other symptoms like diarrhea, lethargy, or shaking, and always stay in contact with your vet.