Why Is My Dog Vomiting White Foam?

As humans, we eat some delicious foods that our dogs shouldn't have. Whether your pets sneak away with your sandwich or you give them table scraps, human food upset a canine's stomach. Fatty, sugary, and spicy dishes can be especially irritating. Stick to dog foods and treats that are vet-approved.

If you've ever taken your dog to the vet because it ate an off-limits item like chocolate, the doctor might have induced vomiting. Your dog will do something similar naturally when it has an upset tummy—by chowing down on some greens. Grass irritates your dog's stomach and may cause it to throw up, which can ease their stomach pain and bloating.

Chowing grass is an instinctual behavior, and your dog knows that it will help ease discomfort. There's nothing to worry about if this is an occasional behavior. If it becomes a habit, however, try to identify the underlying cause of the unwanted munching.

Dogs are guided by evolutionary instincts, but they don't always know what's edible and what's not. Your dog might try eating dirt, rocks, leaves, or sand. Inedible items can upset a stomach but are rarely a cause for concern. You shouldn't worry unless your dog ate something large or sharp that might damage their digestive system.

Some foods, household items, cleaning chemicals, and auto maintenance products can cause intoxication and vomiting. If your dog has ingested a toxin, monitor them for behavioral signs such as confusion, trouble moving, and listlessness. A dog that is vomiting while showing these signs needs emergency veterinary care.

Have you ever experienced acid reflux? Bilious vomiting syndrome (BVS) is the canine equivalent of this uncomfortable affliction. No one knows what causes it, but the tell-tale symptom of BVS is that your dog vomits white foam when they haven't eaten for a few hours. Vomiting is especially common in the early morning. Antacids and a special diet can help ease your dog's BVS discomfort.

This medical condition is more likely to occur in large breeds and breeds with deep chests. When dogs suffer from this illness, their stomachs rotate and begin to distend. The rotation can put substantial pressure on the other organs.

Bloating is a primary sign of this illness. Gastric dilation and volvulus is an emergency condition that usually needs to be corrected with surgery.

Pancreatitis is a serious and painful condition where a dog's pancreas becomes inflamed. This affliction causes vomiting, diarrhea, and lack of appetite. Pancreatitis can be either acute (short-term) or chronic (permanent). Feeding your canine a diet high in fats can trigger inflammation and pancreatitis.

Creating a strict, specialized diet can help your dog overcome inflammation. While you can manage chronic pancreatitis at home, you'll need to get immediate help if your dog is suffering from acute pancreatitis. Talk to a vet when the symptoms begin to find out which one your pet has.

There's no way around it: Sometimes dogs are gross. Your favorite pet might really love eating the poop of other animals from time to time. Some feces won't cause any problems, but droppings from animals such as birds and bats can carry dangerous fungi.

If your dog ingests these droppings, a fungal infection that irritates their stomach lining can develop, and this can lead to vomiting white foam. This type of infection can be managed with the help of antifungals, antibiotics, fluids, and a bland diet.

Heat-related illnesses aren't just a problem for dog owners. Your pets can also suffer from heatstroke if they spend either a prolonged time in somewhat high temperatures or a short time in extremely high temperatures. Diarrhea, vomiting white foam, drooling, lethargy, and bright-red gums are signs that a dog is suffering from heatstroke.

Breeds with thick, furry coats are more likely to develop heatstroke, but it can happen to any breed. Bring your pets in on hot days. If your pets must be outside, provide them with fresh water and a shaded shelter.

Do your pets spend time at doggy daycare, or have you boarded them at a kennel recently? Vomiting white foam after being in close contact with other dogs can be a sign of kennel cough. This contagious disease is spread from dog to dog in tight quarters like kennels, pet shelters, and daycares. The primary symptoms are unusual sounds, labored breathing, vomiting white foam, and a runny nose.

There's no cure for kennel cough. However, giving your canine plenty of fluids should help. Regular vaccinations can prevent kennel cough.