Is your dog throwing up white foam a lot? If yes, then it’s better not to ignore it.
Just like humans, dogs can also have stomach issues. One thing that often worries pet owners is when their dog vomits white foam. Although occasional vomiting in dogs might not always be serious, repeated ones are something to notice.
Your dog depends on you for care, so there couldn’t be a nicer way to express your love than being proactive about its health concerns. Read on to learn the common reasons behind dogs vomiting white foam and how to recognize their symptoms.
What Does It Mean When Dogs Vomit White Foam?
If your dog vomits pale, frothy liquid that looks like white foam or saliva with bubbles, it’s usually because of excess air or gas in its stomach. When there’s not much in its stomach to throw out, it brings up a mix of saliva and gut juices.
Gastrointestinal (GI) distress is mainly the reason behind that, which can result from various situations, including;
- When they eat any non-food items, like grass
- When feeling nervous or stressed,
- Motion sickness, like during car rides, or
- When they have an empty stomach
So, indigestion often makes dogs vomit either in white or yellow foam. But is there any other cause that makes them vomit?
What Are the Causes of Dog Throwing Up White Foam
1. Acid Reflux
Dogs can also have acid reflux, just like humans. The main reason behind acid reflux is when stomach acid comes back up into the throat. For dogs, this can be irritating and make them throw up white foam. Apart from that, acid reflux in dogs can also happen for several other reasons, like changes in their diet, medications they take, or even when they’re anxious or nervous.
2. Kennel Cough
Kennel cough is considered a highly contagious respiratory infection. It can easily catch any dog. It makes them cough a lot; sometimes, they might even spit white foam. How do dogs get infected with this? Dogs usually get kennel cough when they’ve been around lots of other dogs, like in parks or other places.
3. Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis occurs when a dog’s pancreas gets inflamed. It can cause really bad stomach pain and vomiting. When this occurs, the dog might vomit white foam. This is because the body eliminates too much bile and digestive juices.
4. Bloat or GDV (Gastric Dialatation-Volvulus)
As a human, you might know how painful bloating is. This is a serious condition in which a dog’s stomach fills with gas and twists. When dogs suffer, eventually, it can make them vomit white foam, and their belly can also look swollen.
5. Ingestions of Toxins
Sometimes, your dog can eat things that are not supposed to be eaten by it. These can include harmful substances, chemicals, chocolate, grapes, or plants (grass). If your dog vomits white foam, it could mean that its body is trying to get rid of those toxic materials.
When to Seek Veterinary Care?
If the vomiting lasts for several hours, or if you notice any of these symptoms, take them to the vet right away;
- Loss of appetite
- Coughing
- Lethargy and weakness
- Persistent diarrhea
- Abdomen pain
- Dry nose and gums
- Sunken eyes
- Excessive drooling
When you act fast, it can help vets to diagnose the issues early.
Treatment and Prevention
Treating dogs that throw up white foam varies depending on the cause. Your veterinarian will perform a thorough physical exam and discuss your pet’s medical history with you. As an owner, be sure to tell them everything about the dog’s health, including any medications or supplements the dog takes and recent changes.
The vet may recommend tests like blood work, urine and fecal testing, and abdomen X-rays. Based on the results, they can treat the specific issue troubling your little puppy. Treatment might involve surgery, medications (such as antibiotics like doxycycline, anti-inflammatories, or gastric acid reducers like Pepcid), hospitalization, intravenous fluids, or deworming medications like Interceptor Plus or Heartgard Plus.
If the test results are minor and your dog is healthy, the veterinarian may recommend providing fluids and anti-nausea medication, such as Cerenia. They might also advise giving your dog a special diet for gastrointestinal problems for a few days, like Royal Canin Gastrointestinal dog food.
Treating Dog Vomiting At Home: Is It Possible?
If you’re not a specialist, there isn’t much you can do. Still, in case your dog has mild vomiting, vets recommend trying these steps at home;
1. Dietary Adjustments: Feed your dog a balanced diet regularly to prevent indigestion and acid reflux. Try giving them smaller, more frequent meals to avoid an empty stomach.
2. Medication: For issues like acid reflux or kennel cough, your vet might prescribe medications to reduce stomach acid or antibiotics for infections. Always follow your vet’s instructions for any medication.
3. Hydration: Make sure your dog stays hydrated, especially if they are vomiting. Offer small amounts of water frequently, and ask your vet if an electrolyte solution might help.
4. Avoiding Toxins: Keep harmful substances out of your dog’s reach. Secure trash bins, store chemicals safely and avoid having toxic plants in your garden.
5. Regular Vet Check-ups: Regular visits to the vet can catch and prevent health issues early. Your vet can give you advice tailored to your dog’s health and specific needs.
Apart from that, you should also make the following efforts;
1. Fasting: Don’t feed your dog food for 12-14 hours; just give them water to drink. This will let their stomach settle.
2. Bland Diet: After fasting for 12-14 hours, feed them small amounts of boiled chicken and rice. Then, slowly give them their regular food.
After all, watch your dog’s behaviors carefully and see if there are any changes in appetite and stool. If anything unusual happens, don’t waste a minute—tell your vet.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can diet changes help prevent white foam vomiting in dogs?
Feeding smaller, more frequent meals and ensuring a balanced diet can help reduce the chances of white foam vomiting caused by digestive issues.
2. Should I be concerned if my dog vomits white foam?
While occasional vomiting of white foam may not be serious, persistent or frequent vomiting should be evaluated by a veterinarian.
3. What should I do if my dog throws up white foam?
Monitor your dog for other symptoms, ensure they stay hydrated, and consult a veterinarian if the vomiting persists or is accompanied by other concerning signs.
4. Can stress cause a dog to vomit white foam?
Yes, stress and anxiety can sometimes cause a dog to vomit white foam, especially if the stomach is empty.
5. Is white foam vomit a sign of a serious condition?
In some cases, white foam vomit can indicate a serious issue like bloat, pancreatitis, or ingestion of a toxic substance. Seek veterinary attention if you are concerned.
Summing-Up
When your dog throws up white foam, it can be worrying. As an owner, understanding why it happens can help you take the necessary steps to keep your pet healthy.
As mentioned, it could be something minor, like indigestion or acid reflux. Or, your dog might be facing more serious issues like bloat or pancreatitis. Knowing the signs and when to act is more important in these situations. What you can do to prevent these issues is to give a steady diet and keep harmful things out of reach from your dog.
Remember, if your dog keeps throwing up white foam or shows other troubling symptoms, it would be best to see your vet immediately.
