Why Is My Dog Throwing Up Foam? Full Expert Guides

Seeing your dog throw up white foam can be a bit of a shock, especially if it’s something you haven’t seen before. Whether it’s your first time witnessing it or you’ve experienced it a few times, it’s understandable to feel concerned.

If you’re here reading this, chances are you’re trying to figure out what’s going on, why it happens, and what you should do about it.

The good news is, you’re not alone—lots of dog owners have gone through this.

First, We should know why your dog throws up white foam, why it might be happening, and how you can deal with it.

By the end, you’ll feel much more confident about what’s going on with your dog and how to help them feel better.

What Is the White Foam That Dogs Throw Up?

White foam vomit in dogs can be alarming, but it often has a simple explanation. 

Vomit typically consists of fully or partially digested food or bile. Still, when a dog throws up white foam, it may indicate an empty stomach, acid reflux, or irritation in the digestive tract.

In some cases, dogs may vomit white foam when coughing, especially if they have kennel cough or other respiratory issues. 

This happens when saliva or a build-up of liquid in the lungs mixes with air, creating a foamy appearance.

If your dog frequently vomits white foam or shows other concerning symptoms, such as lethargy, loss of appetite, or difficulty breathing, consult a veterinarian to rule out severe health conditions.

Common Causes: Why is my dog vomiting white foam?

If your dog is coughing up white foam rather than vomiting, it could be due to kennel cough, a common respiratory infection. 

According to Dr. Collins, “One of the most common causes for coughing that results in white foam is a dog infected with kennel cough. These dogs may develop coughs ranging from mild to severe, and in some cases, they will cough repeatedly, producing small puddles of white foam.”

Other potential reasons for a dog coughing up white foam include upper respiratory infections, heart disease, pneumonia, and collapsing trachea. 

If your dog is coughing rather than vomiting white foam, consult your veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Main Causes of a Dog Vomiting White Foam

1. Internal Blockage: Dogs that ingest non-food objects like toys, socks, or trash may experience an internal blockage, leading to vomiting white foam as their body tries to expel the foreign material.
2. Toxic Ingestion: Consuming poisonous plants, household cleaning products, or contaminated foods (like chocolate, grapes, or xylitol) can lead to vomiting white foam.
3. Bloat (Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus – GDV): A life-threatening condition where the stomach fills with gas and twists, causing retching, discomfort, and white foam vomit. Bloat requires immediate veterinary attention.
4. Internal Parasites: Infestations with roundworms, heartworms, or lungworms can trigger vomiting or coughing up white foam.
5. Parvovirus: This highly contagious virus affects the stomach and intestines, primarily impacting puppies and unvaccinated dogs, and often causes severe vomiting, including white foam.
6. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Dogs suffering from chronic intestinal inflammation may vomit white foam due to irritation in the digestive tract.
7. Liver or Kidney Disease: Advanced liver or kidney disease can lead to nausea and vomiting, with white foam being one of the symptoms.
8. Urinary Blockage: A dog struggling to urinate due to a blockage may also experience vomiting, sometimes with white foam.
9. Infections: Bacterial and viral infections such as leptospirosis or giardia can lead to gastrointestinal distress, including white foam vomiting.
10. Certain Types of Cancer: Gastrointestinal or systemic cancers can cause vomiting, including white foam as a symptom.
11. Acid Reflux: When stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, it can cause nausea and vomiting of white foam.
12. Gastroenteritis: Dietary indiscretion, sudden diet changes, allergies, or infections can lead to inflammation of the stomach and intestines, resulting in vomiting.
13. Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas can cause severe abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting white foam.

If your dog is vomiting white foam frequently or showing additional concerning symptoms like lethargy, diarrhea, or loss of appetite, seek immediate veterinary care.

Dog Throwing up Whaite Foam – Signs of a Medical Emergency

While occasional vomiting of white foam may not cause alarm, sure signs indicate a serious underlying condition that requires immediate veterinary attention.

If your dog exhibits any of the following symptoms along with vomiting white foam, seek emergency care as soon as possible:

1. Frequent or Persistent Vomiting

• If your dog vomits white foam multiple times in a short period, it could indicate a severe issue such as poisoning, pancreatitis, or an intestinal blockage.
• Chronic vomiting over several hours or days is a red flag and should not be ignored.

2. Lethargy or Weakness

• If your dog appears unusually tired, weak, or unresponsive after vomiting, it could signal dehydration, organ dysfunction, or a severe infection.
• Lethargy combined with vomiting often indicates that the body is struggling to fight off an illness or toxin.

3. Difficulty Breathing

• Labored breathing, wheezing, or excessive panting, along with white foam vomiting, may be signs of respiratory distress, heart disease, or an allergic reaction.
• Kennel cough or other respiratory infections can cause coughing up white foam, which may become more serious if untreated.

4. Bloated or Swollen Abdomen

• A tight, swollen, or painful abdomen, along with vomiting white foam, is a classic symptom of bloat (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus – GDV).
• Bloat is a life-threatening emergency where the stomach twists, cutting off blood supply and trapping gas inside. Immediate veterinary surgery is needed.

5. Blood in Vomit or Stools

• If you notice blood in your dog’s vomit (pink, red, or dark coffee-ground-like appearance), it could indicate internal bleeding, ulcers, or severe gastrointestinal distress.
• Blood in stools, whether bright red or black and tarry, also suggests a serious health issue requiring urgent care.

6. Excessive Drooling or Foaming at the Mouth

• This can be a sign of poisoning, a foreign object lodged in the throat, or an underlying neurological condition.
• Some toxins, such as household cleaners, poisonous plants, or certain human medications, can cause foamy vomiting and excessive drooling.

7. Sudden Collapse or Unresponsiveness

• If your dog faints, collapses or seems disoriented after vomiting white foam, it could indicate shock, heart problems, or neurological issues.
• This is a critical emergency that requires immediate veterinary attention.

8. Severe Diarrhea Along with Vomiting

• If your dog is experiencing both vomiting and diarrhea, they are at high risk of severe dehydration.
• Conditions like parvovirus, poisoning, or bacterial infections can cause both symptoms and require urgent treatment.

9. Seizures or Tremors

• If your dog has a seizure or uncontrollable shaking after vomiting white foam, poisoning or a neurological disorder could be the cause.
• Common toxins that cause seizures include chocolate, xylitol (artificial sweetener), certain plants, and antifreeze.

10. Straining to Vomit with No Success

• If your dog appears to be trying to vomit but nothing comes out, this could be another sign of bloat (GDV) or an intestinal blockage.
• Dogs with blockages may also show abdominal pain, restlessness, and drooling.

What to Do in an Emergency

• Stay calm and assess your dog’s condition.
• Please don’t give home remedies without consulting a vet; some treatments can worsen the situation.
• Keep your dog hydrated if possible, but avoid forcing water if they struggle to drink.
• They will guide you on the next steps.
• You should transport your dog carefully to the vet, keeping them comfortable and secure.

Recognizing these warning signs can save your dog’s life. If you ever feel unsure, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and consult a veterinarian immediately. 

Your dog depends on you to make the right decision in an emergency!

Dog Throwing Up White Foam: When Should You Be Concerned?

While occasional vomiting of white foam may not be a cause for concern, there are certain situations where you should take immediate action.

Here are some red flags to look out for:

Persistent Vomiting: If your dog continues to throw up white foam over several hours or days, it may be a sign of something more serious.

Other Symptoms: If vomiting is accompanied by symptoms like lethargy, diarrhea, blood in the vomit, or loss of appetite, you should take your dog to the vet immediately.

Age and Breed: Puppies and seniors may be more susceptible to complications. Additionally, certain breeds (bulldogs or small dogs) are more prone to digestive issues.

How to Treat a Dog Throwing Up White Foam

If your dog is throwing up white foam, it’s important to know how to care for it. In many cases, simple steps can ease the discomfort.

Home Remedies

Sometimes, a dog throwing up white foam might need rest and careful monitoring. Here are a few things you can do at home:

• Water: Ensure your dog has access to fresh water, but don’t let it drink too much at once.
• Bland Diet: Offer a monotonous diet of boiled chicken and rice, or ask your vet for suitable recommendations.
• Small Meals: Divide their food into smaller meals throughout the day to avoid overwhelming their stomach.

Vet Treatment Options

If your dog’s vomiting persists, a visit to the vet may be necessary. Your vet might prescribe anti-nausea medications. Conduct tests to rule out more serious conditions like pancreatitis or GI disorders. Administer IV fluids if your dog is dehydrated from vomiting.

Prevention Tips to Keep Your Dog Healthy and Avoid Throwing Up White Foam

While some causes of vomiting white foam are unavoidable, there are several ways to minimize the risk and keep your dog healthy:

Feed Regularly: Stick to a consistent feeding schedule and avoid long periods between meals.

Avoid Harmful Foods: Be cautious about what your dog eats, and ensure harmful substances are out of reach.

Exercise and Hydration: Regular exercise and access to clean water help maintain digestive health.

Vet Check-Ups: Regular vet visits will help catch potential health issues early.

Conclusion

If your dog throws up white foam, it’s not always a reason to panic. Several potential causes exist, from an empty stomach to more serious conditions.

You can ensure your dog stays healthy and comfortable by monitoring your dog’s symptoms, offering care at home when needed, and seeking veterinary help when appropriate.

Remember, your dog’s health is in your hands, and the best way to keep it safe is to take quick action when something unusual happens.

If you’re concerned, don’t hesitate to consult with a vet for peace of mind.