What Is the White Foam That Dogs Throw Up?
- According to Dr. Collins, “When we think of ‘throwing up,’ we have to determine if the dog is experiencing vomiting, coughing, or a combination of both.” Dog vomit can look different depending on the reason for throwing up and whether something is wrong with their digestive system or if it is a different medical emergency like kennel cough. Sometimes it might be chunky, sandy, or even watery, foamy vomit. Dogs treatment for persistent vomiting might also differ depending on the color of the vomit, whether they clearly ate spoiled food, or if their throw-up is somewhere between brown, yellow, or clear. Severe vomiting of watery white foamy vomit could also be a symptom of too much gas, creating stomach acid in your dog’s stomach. If your dog is vomiting white foam because of excess gas, there is a chance it is caused by acid reflux. Throwing up is forcing out the contents of the dog’s stomach or upper intestines. Sometimes it might look like partially digested food, other times it could just be bile.
- Acid reflux might not be the only cause of your dog vomiting white foam. If your dog throwing up white foam is coughing so hard that they gag up white foam, there is the possibility they have contracted kennel cough. According to veterinary medicine, throwing up white foam when coughing is caused by a build-up of liquid mixing with air in your dog’s lungs. Unlike other health concerns, if your dog is coughing so hard they gag, they probably won’t have abdominal pain and you won’t notice their stomach contracting.
What Are the Possible Causes of a Dog Throwing Up White Foam?
- Depending on your dog’s other symptoms, there are a variety of reasons they might be coughing up white foam. Coughing up white foam might be caused by respiratory infections like pneumonia, heart disease, or a collapsing trachea. If your dog is coughing up white foamy vomit, seek immediate veterinary attention. We should never procrastinate when it comes to our pet’s health and always get professional advice.
Empty Stomach
Vomiting white foam is not always a huge health scare. Sometimes it can be caused by an empty stomach. Dogs who have not eaten for a while might throw up white foamy vomit, especially when they gobble up grass or substances that cannot be digested. Putting your pup on a normal diet and consistent feeding schedule will help prevent them from throwing up because of an empty stomach.
Bilious Vomiting Syndrome
Vomiting white foam is also a symptom of bilious vomiting syndrome. Usually, this means there is something imbalanced in your dog’s digestive tract. Either they are fasting for long periods or do not have a regular feeding schedule. Feeding your furry friend a consistent two meals a day will help prevent further vomiting caused by bilious vomiting syndrome.
Gastric Irritation or Inflammation
Sometimes foamy vomit can be caused by irritation or inflammation of the stomach lining. The underlying cause depends on the individual situation. Maybe the dog got into spoiled food, human food, infections, stomach acid, or is experiencing another medical issue. Depending on your dog’s health and accompanying symptoms, it would be wise to consider blood tests to determine why they are vomiting white foam.
Gastrointestinal Obstruction
A serious underlying cause of vomiting white foam is an obstruction. A gastrointestinal obstruction happens when the digestive tract is blocked by a foreign body or substance. This is a serious medical issue that prevents dogs from eating and drinking normally. Dogs are naturally curious and might swallow a foreign object or toy they shouldn’t, causing a blockage. This could be a life-threatening condition, requiring immediate veterinary attention and in severe cases needing surgery.
Is Home Treatment Appropriate for a Dog Vomiting White Foam?
- Dr. Collins tells us that the occasional vomiting of white foam does not mean pet parents need to panic. If their behavior is otherwise normal, he suggests instead “monitor for repeated occurrences and any other signs of illness such as depression, diarrhea, or decreased appetite.” Keep an eye on your dog if they are vomiting white foam, but do not worry if their appetite, drinking, and bathroom habits appear normal. Make sure they have no problems breathing or they do not have a distended abdomen or abdominal pain.
- Do not hesitate to reach out to your veterinarian if you are worried about white foam vomiting. They might recommend not feeding for 12-24 hours, and then only feeding them a bland diet such as rice and boiled chicken. Throwing up white foam can cause dehydration, so always make sure there is fresh, clean, water available to your dog. Dr. Collins reminds us that unless your dog is already prescribed medication for a pre-existing condition, “It is not recommended to give any medications” when they are vomiting.
When to Seek Veterinary Care
- Dog owners do not always need to rush to the emergency veterinary clinic if their dog is vomiting. However, dog vomit could be one of several early signs of a more serious health problem. Here are some other symptoms that require an immediate vet visit:
- Persistent Vomiting: It is time to go see a veterinarian if your dog continues vomiting multiple times over 24 hours.
- Blood in Vomit: If you see blood in your dog’s vomit, regardless of whether it is fresh or digested, that could be a sign of a serious health concern. They need to be in veterinary care immediately.
- Lethargy or Weakness: An unresponsive dog who is also lethargic or weak, needs to be rushed to the closest clinic for veterinary medicine. These other symptoms could be indicative of a major medical problem and show a rapid deterioration of the pet’s health.
Preventive Measures and Home Care
Any time you are worried about your dog’s health, you should always talk to your veterinarian. However, you can take preventive measures at home to prevent your dog from vomiting white foam in the future.
- Regular Feeding Schedule: A consistent feeding schedule will prevent your dog from having an empty stomach and keep them from building up stomach acid, causing acid reflux and vomiting white foam. Depending on the dog, pet owners might want to consider small, more frequent meals. This keeps their dog’s stomach full and prevents vomiting.
- Safe Environment: It is the responsibility of a dog owner to create a safe, pet-friendly, environment in their home. This means putting away human food, keeping toxic substances out of a dog’s reach, and making sure they have appropriate toys that will not cause a blockage if accidentally ingested. On walks, be vigilant that your pup does not eat anything that will make them sick. Additionally, ensure your yard or garden is free of dangerous plants or materials.
- Hydration and Diet: Finally make sure your dog always has access to fresh water to make sure they do not become dehydrated. If your dog has been vomiting they can easily become dehydrated, making a medical issue even more threatening. Dogs also require a properly balanced diet, customized to their activity level and nutritional needs. This will improve their digestive health and minimize the occurrence of vomiting. Plus, with the proper diet, your canine companion will always have the energy to join you and the family for all the adventures!
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