Things To Do If Dog Vomiting White Foam

When dogs vomit, it can look different. The color of the vomit can be clear, brown, yellow, or frothy and white. In case your dog throws up white foam, it could mean a few things, like a tummy ache, eating something bad, or getting sick. If this happens a lot, you’ll need to take action, like keeping an eye on what they eat or going to the veterinary doctor for a checkup.

Witnessing your dog throwing up white foamcan be scary, but usually, it’s not a big problem if it happens just once. Still, watch out for other signs your dog might show. If they seem really sick, don’t wait around. Contact the vet immediately instead of hoping they get better on their own.

What is white foamy vomit?

When dogs throw up white foam, it’s usually a mix of their saliva and stomach juices getting all bubbly, making the vomit look like soap suds.

Dog vomiting white foam usually happens because something’s irritating their tummy. It’s different from the orange or yellow vomit that shows there’s bile present.

Also, dogs can bring up white foam without the whole heaving and “about to throw up” act. It’s called regurgitation. It’s often just clear or white fluid, maybe with some undigested food, if it’s food at all.

If you notice your dog doing either of these, make sure to let your vet know. It can give them important clues about what’s going on inside your furry friend.

Why Do Dogs Vomit White Foam?

You may wonder, why is my dog throwing up white foam? The answer is your dog may throw up white foam for a few reasons. Sometimes, it’s as simple as eating something that upsets their tummy; maybe they snack on grass or taste something not-so-great. But vomiting, even if it’s foamy, can hint at a more severe problem, especially if it happens a lot. Here are some typical reasons why dogs throwing up white foam:

1. Indigestion

If your dog throws up because of this common reason, it just means they ingested some substance that didn’t sit well, like munching on grass or finding something in the trash. Eating too fast or chowing down right after a big play session can also upset their tummy.

2. Acid Reflux

Sometimes, dogs throw up white foam because of extra stomach acid or bile. It’s called bilious vomiting syndrome. This often happens at dawn before eating breakfast. Canines with this issue do better with little, more regular meals and a little snack prior to bedtime and also in the morning. A few pooches might even need antacid medicine to help out.

3. Pancreatitis

When a dog has an inflamed pancreas, they tend to vomit a lot, sometimes with white foam if their tummy is empty. But usually, there’s more to it, like pain, not wanting to eat, or having diarrhea. If your dog shows these signs, it’s best to head to the vet ASAP.

4. Other Gastrointestinal Inflammation

If your dog’s stomach gets inflamed from a virus or bacteria, they might throw up white foam or different-colored vomit.

5. Gastrointestinal Obstruction

If your dog gulps down a toy, bone chunk, or something else, it could cause a blockage in their gut. This is super serious and might need to go under. If your pooch keeps throwing up and seems uncomfortable or in pain, it’s crucial to ring up your vet.

6. Toxin Exposure

If your dog gobbles up something toxic, like certain foods, cleaning stuff, meds, or bad plants, they might toss up white foam. But usually, there are other signs, too, like feeling weak, shaking, or throwing up a lot. In this case, get on the phone with your vet right away.

7. Rabies

Although uncommon in the US because of strict vaccination adherence, rabies can make your dog throw up white foam.

8. Bloat

Bloat is really painful. It’s when a dog’s tummy gets bloated with gas, liquid, or meals. Hurling white foam might happen early on. But here’s the thing: bloat is a big crisis. If your dog’s stomach looks swollen, they seem to be hurting, and they can’t poop, dial your vet right away. And if it’s after hours, rush to the closest emergency vet clinic at your earliest.

9. Kennel Cough

This and other respiratory issues can make dogs cough a frothy white foam. It may look like vomit, but it’s actually fluids and mucus from their breathing system. Sometimes, if they swallow that stuff, they might throw it up, too. But here’s the key difference: when they cough up white foam, you’ll notice their belly move before it happens, unlike with vomiting, where their stomach heaves before it comes out.

What To Do If Your Dog is Vomiting White Foam

When dogs throw up white foam, it’s often just a mix of their saliva and stomach gas. If it happens just once and your dog is acting normal otherwise, there’s usually no need to worry right away.

But, if your dog shows other signs along with the white foam vomit, like:

• Being really tired
• Feeling weak
• Having diarrhea
• Not wanting to eat
• Traces of blood 
• Jerking or trembling

It’s best to hold off on their next meal and give your vet a call. Also, if your dog vomiting white foam multiple times in a day or keeps vomiting off and on for over a day, or if there are other indications of sickness, it’s a good idea to reach out to your vet.

How Vets Diagnose Vomiting White Foam in Dogs

When your dog throws up white foam, it’s really important to see a vet. They’ll check your dog thoroughly and might suggest more tests to figure out what’s going on. Acting fast and getting help from the vet raises the chances of treating your dog successfully.

1. Visiting the Vet 

If your dog’s throwing up white foam often, don’t ignore it. While dogs might throw up occasionally without it being a big deal, frequent white foam vomiting could signal a problem. Seeing the vet is key to finding out what’s up and how to fix it.

2. Full Checkup 

At the vet’s office, they’ll give your dog a good look-over. They’ll check things like the heartbeat, temperature, and how your dog’s breathing. The vet will also feel around your dog’s belly to see if there’s any pain or odd stuff going on.

3. Tests to Find Answers 

To figure out why your dog throw up white foam, the vet might recommend tests. These tests can tell a lot about your dog’s health and what might be causing the vomiting. The usual tests include:

• Blood tests: These can spot issues with organs or find infections.
• Scans like X-rays or ultrasounds: These show detailed pictures of what’s inside your dog and can find any blockages or problems.
• Checking the poop: A sample of poop can rule out problems like parasites or other tummy issues.

Treatment for Vomiting in Dogs

How you help when my dog is throwing up white foam depends on what’s causing it. Usually, you’ll need the vet’s help. But if your dog only throws up white foam once in a while and doesn’t show any other signs like diarrhea, weakness, weight loss, or not wanting to eat, you can try some home remedies before heading to the vet.

What will the vet do?

Your vet will check your dog thoroughly and talk with you about their history. Make sure to share everything about your dog’s health, like the meds they take and any recent changes. It’s helpful to bring their records and know their diet well.

The vet might suggest tests like urine, bloodwork, and poop checks, and X-rays of the belly. Then, they’ll treat the specific issue. This could mean surgery, meds like antibiotics or anti-inflammatories, drugs to lower stomach acid, staying at the animal hospital with fluids, deworming, and more.

For mild cases, especially if your dog is otherwise healthy, the vet might start with fluids, shots to stop nausea, and a special easy-to-digest diet for a few days.

What can you do at home?

For one episode of white foam vomit in an adult dog, it’s best to hold off on food and water for about 12 hours. This gives the tummy time to settle down. After that, offer food and watch how your pet reacts. If they eat happily and act normal, there’s usually no big worry. But if they don’t eat or if they eat and then throw up again, it’s time for a vet visit.

For a puppy throwing up white foam, it’s not a good idea to keep food and water away as they could get dehydrated quickly. They should head to the vet sooner rather than waiting.

If your dog vomits a lot within 24 hours, keeps throwing up after a day, or shows other signs of being sick, get them to the vet right away.

How to Prevent Vomiting in Dogs

The best method to stop your dog from getting sick is by keeping things they shouldn’t lick, eat, or chew out of their reach. When they’re exploring new spots or playing with toys, keep an eye on them.

While we can’t stop vomiting completely, there are some easy steps to lower the chances:

1. Get your dog a yearly checkup to catch any issues early. Routine tests can help spot problems before they become serious.
2. Keep their vaccinations up to date to prevent catching diseases.
3. Give your dog a balanced diet.
4. If you’re changing their food, do it slowly.
5. Stick to low-fat, simple human treats like plain fruits, veggies, and lean meats.
6. Keep stuff like plants, meds, cleaning things, and human food away from your dog’s reach.
7. Watch closely when they play with toys, especially if they like tearing stuff apart.
8. Get your pet dewormed every year and keep up with heartworm prevention.

Remember, the sooner you find and treat a problem, the better for your dog’s health and your wallet. If your dog’s vomiting and you’re not sure what to do, give your vet a call. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

Home Remedies for White Foam Vomiting in Dogs

If your dog’s throwing up white foam, there are some natural ways to help them feel better at home:

1. Offer Water in Small Bits: 

To prevent dehydration, give your dog small sips of water often. This helps them stay hydrated without upsetting their tummy more.

2. Skip a Meal: 

Give their tummy a break by not feeding them for a little bit. It helps calm things down and might stop more vomiting.

3. Go Bland: 

Try simple foods like boiled chicken and rice. These are easy on the stomach and can soothe it.

4. Chamomile Tea or Ginger: 

Chamomile tea can help calm their tummy, but make sure it’s plain. Ginger, grated and mixed with food or in special dog treats, can also help with nausea.

5. Keep an Eye Out: 

Watch your dog closely. If the vomiting continues or gets worse, or if they’re tired, not eating, or have diarrhea, it’s time to see the vet. They’ll figure out what’s going on and suggest what’s best for your dog.

Remember, every dog’s different, so what helps one might not help another. If you’re unsure or if the vomiting keeps up, talking to the vet is a good idea. It’s all about making sure your furry friend feels better!

FAQs

Conclusion

If your pup or dog vomiting white foam, don’t panic right away. But it’s important to check on your dog when you first notice the vomiting. If your dog seems okay, it might just be a small thing like an upset tummy or eating something that didn’t agree with them. Switching to easy-to-digest food might help prevent messy throw-up moments later on. But if you think it’s something serious, it’s crucial to call your vet as soon as you can.

Explore Further:

• Kennel Cough in Dogs: Symptoms and Treatments
• Canine Vaccinations: Essential Shots for Your Dog’s Health
• Gabapentin for Dogs: Uses, Dosage and Side Effects