You probably don’t need us to tell you that dogs vomit. They do it all the time. However, there are some instances when your dog is vomiting yellow foam that it’s concerning as opposed to just gross.
If your dog vomits yellow foam after eating something, this may indicate an underlying medical condition rather than just a case of bad table manners.
Vomiting is a process by which the body rids itself of toxins or pathogens by forcing them out through the mouth and nostrils.
In normal circumstances, your dog’s stomach contains acids that break down food and prevent any potential poisons from being ingested.
When something triggers your dog’s vomit response such as eating something untoward the gastric juices flow more quickly through their digestive tract and force much of whatever was recently ingested straight up and out.
What Causes Dogs To Vomit Yellow Foam?
When your dog vomits, you’re looking for signs that the food they just threw up is more than just stomach acid and bile.
If the vomit is filled with small, gritty specks of undigested food, your dog may have eaten too quickly or gulped down a small bone fragment. In this case, your dog’s vomit may be more than just cause for concern but require immediate veterinary attention.
If there are chunks of undigested food and broken up pieces of bones in your dog’s vomit, your dog may have eaten something that was too large to pass through their digestive tract.
If your dog is consuming something that does not normally pass through their system such as a toy, a sock, or something else that is not food these items may block the digestive tract and require surgical removal.
It’s Important To Rule Out Food Poisoning
If your dog has recently eaten something that is toxic to them, their body may react by vomiting sometimes even without showing any signs of diarrhea.
If your dog’s vomit is yellow and has a strong odor, food poisoning is a possible cause. If your dog ate spoiled, rotten, or contaminated food, or if they consumed human food that doesn’t agree with their system, they may vomit bright yellow foam.
If there is blood in your dog’s vomit, they may have eaten a poisonous substance that is causing bleeding in their digestive tract. If your dog is vomiting yellow liquid and has no appetite, they may have food poisoning and require veterinary attention.
It May Be A Symptom Of An Eating Disorder Or Anxiety
If your dog is eating something that doesn’t agree with them, they may vomit and experience diarrhea at the same time. However, the vomit may be a different color than the diarrhea.
If both are yellow, there is a high probability that your dog is suffering from an eating disorder. In this case, your dog may be vomiting yellow foam because they are not properly processing nutrients from their food. If your dog has a psychological issue that causes them to consume too much or too little food, they may vomit yellow foam.
If your dog is vomiting yellow foam, is not eating well, or has lost weight, it’s important to rule out the possibility that they have an eating disorder.
Your Dog May Have A Stomach Virus Or Infection
If your dog is vomiting yellow foam, their stomach may have contracted an infection that is causing inflammation and irritation in their digestive tract. In this case, your veterinarian will likely rule out food poisoning as a source of your dog’s symptoms.
However, your vet will want to run a lab analysis to determine the exact nature of the infection. If your dog has recently come in contact with other canines or been in a place where other dogs frequent such as a dog park, a groomer’s office, or the dog park they may have contracted a stomach virus.
In this case, your dog will likely be eating normal food but experiencing stomach cramps and diarrhea. If your dog is vomiting yellow foam, has a low appetite, and has a fever in addition to digestive distress, they may have contracted an infection and require antibiotic treatment.
There’s A Possibility That Your Dog Has Runaway Acid
If your dog is vomiting yellow foam, but has no other symptoms, it’s possible that they have runaway acid. In this case, your dog’s digestive tract is producing too much stomach acid. Your dog may have eaten something that they were not supposed to.
They may have eaten a dog food with high acid content, or they may have eaten a large amount of table scraps. They might have been stressed out by recent changes in their environment, such as a move, new family member, or the introduction of a new puppy.
Your dog’s medical history may also play a factor. Dogs that are older or have a chronic or degenerative disease may be more susceptible to developing runaway acid.
You May Have A Kidney Issue If Your Dog Vomits Yellow Foam
If your dog is elderly or has a preexisting medical condition, they may suffer from kidney disease. Your vet will determine the cause of your dog’s kidney disease.
Regardless of the cause of kidney disease, it may cause excessive amounts of acid to build up in the digestive tract.
If your dog is consuming too much acid, they may vomit yellow foam. If your dog has a kidney disease, they may also experience diarrhea, weight loss, and lack of appetite.
Bottom Line
If your dog is vomiting yellow foam, it’s important to rule out food poisoning as a source of their symptoms. If your dog is vomiting yellow liquid and has no appetite and diarrhea, they may have food poisoning and require veterinary attention.
If your dog is a puppy or senior, they may be more susceptible to developing kidney disease. If your dog is vomiting yellow foam, it could be a symptom of an eating disorder, runaway acid, or a stomach virus.
If your dog is vomiting yellow foam, it is important to rule out the potential for food poisoning before determining the underlying cause. Depending on the cause, your dog may need medication, treatment, or even hospitalization.
There are many potential sources for yellow foam in your dog’s vomit. It’s important to determine the cause so you can administer the proper treatment.