What should i do if my dog is throwing up white foam

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 in their relationship with their dog.

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 not familiar with the possible causes of vomiting in dogs, your first reaction might be fear.

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. In most instances, the white foam isn’t anything scary – it’s just a combination of saliva and gastric juices.

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 to determine whether you should just 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 important to know that it’s common for dogs to vomit from time to time, but 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.

Why Do Dogs Vomit White Foam?

First and foremost, let‘s consider why white foam vomit happens at all. Here is the good news: in most instances, when a dog vomits white foam, which is saliva and gastric juices, remember, it‘s not a serious cause for concern.

Frequent vomiting coupled with other unusual symptoms for your pet 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, but there have been a few instances here and there, and you‘d like to be 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.

He/she may have licked something that tasted awful or eaten something that didn‘t quite agree with him/her. The dog may have even decided to have a little snack of grass, and then it all came up in a clump of white foamy vomit sending everyone into a panic.

Accidentally snacking on something that is not recommended for dogs can cause an upset tummy, which can be the trigger. 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, eating something that upsets the stomach, 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. Dog’s with pancreatitis will often throw up their food along with white foam.

• If your dog has pancreatitis, he/she will most likely show additional symptoms such as diarrhea, poor appetite, weakness, abdominal pain, a hunched back, and dehydration. Pancreatitis is a serious health risk, and you should visit your vet immediately if you suspect your dog may be suffering from the condition.

• 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 actually help your pet avoid this reflux by feeding him/her smaller, easy-to-digest meals more frequently. If you’re looking for a 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 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.

In case 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 definitely 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 the Spot & Tango range to make it the most complete and balanced dog food possible. Switching to this range will provide your dog with nutrient-rich food that’s easy on the tummy.

The Spot & Tango range features 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.

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. If your puppy is frequently vomiting 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.

If your dog seems otherwise fine, it could be something as minor as indigestion or eating something that tastes bad or didn’t agree with his stomach.

Feeding your dog an easy-to-digest food may help avoid messy vomiting events in the future. Consult Spot & Tango’s list of recipes to find the best dog food for sensitive stomachs.

Of course, if you think something more serious is at play, it is imperative to contact your vet as soon as possible.

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