Should You Worry if your Dog is Throwing Up Yellow Vomit?

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One of the hardest parts of being a dog parent is when your pup is sick!

Like humans, dogs get sick for all kinds of reasons. But if your dog is throwing up yellow vomit, should you worry?

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Why Is My Dog Vomiting?

There are many reasons a canine may throw up. Even healthy dogs vomit sometimes!

While some instances can be harmless, other kinds of vomiting warrant a closer look. So, how can you tell what is more serious? Look at the color!

Video: Ultimate Vomit Color Guide for Dogs by Dr. Gary Richter.




The color of a dog’s vomit can tell you a lot upfront and indicate if a vet visit is necessary. K9 vomit commonly manifests in the following colors.

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  1. Dark Brown or Black

    This color of vomit may indicate:

    • Toxicity.

    • An ulcer.

    • Internal bleeding; or

    • An intestinal blockage (along with abdominal pain, constipation, weakness, bloating, and no appetite).

    Call your veterinarian immediately!

  2. Red or Pink Vomit

    When vomit is either red or pink that means there is blood. If there are blood clots, fresh blood, or a coffee-ground appearance to the vomit, there may be bleeding in the stomach or upper small intestine.

    Call your veterinarian immediately!

  3. White Foam

    Foamy vomit can range from normal to serious. What white foam could mean:

    • An upset stomach from eating something that did not agree with him like grass.

    • They ate too quickly.

    If the vomiting does not persist, your dog is probably fine.

    But if the vomiting persists, the white foam could indicate more serious health conditions including:

    • Kidney issues.

    • Pancreatitis; or

    • Parvo.

    In these more serious cases, your dog will also show symptoms of:

    • Disorientation.

    • Lethargy.

    • Weakness.

    Call your veterinarian immediately!

  4. Yellow

    Yellow vomit is bile from your dog’s liver. Keep reading below to learn more!

Why is My Dog Throwing Up Yellow Vomit?

Yellow vomit or foam is bile, the liquid your dog’s liver produces for proper digestion. Bile is necessary for the natural breakdown of ingested food.

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Bile is usually yellow, but it could also be dark green, brown, or brownish-yellow. If your dog is in otherwise good condition, occasional yellow vomit is natural and not a huge worry.

Why does your dog throw up yellow vomit or foam (also known as bile reflux)? Possible reasons are:

  • An empty stomach.

  • The liver has produced too much bile causing your dog to throw up.

  • Eating too much grass.

  • Drinking too much water.

  • Allergies.

  • Eating too much fatty food.

    So when should you worry if your dog is throwing up yellow vomit?

  • He is vomiting often. More than three times an hour or lasts for more than a day.

  • He is lethargic or in pain.

  • He is refusing to eat.

  • Your dog is very old or very young.

  • Your dog throws up after drinking water.

  • You see blood in his vomit or diarrhea.

    Dogs Naturally Magazine:

    4 Potential Herbal Remedies for Yellow Dog Vomit

    The symptoms below may be a sign of a more serious health issue including:

  • Bowel problems or GI tract irritation/inflammation from food sensitivities.

  • An upset stomach.

  • An imbalance of harmful bacteria in the GI tract.

  • Pancreatic issues.

  • An intestinal blockage.

  • A stomach ulcer.

  • Liver issues.

    Call your veterinarian immediately!

This information does not constitute professional veterinary advice. If you are unsure what your dog’s vomiting means, call your veterinarian for advice.

Always work with your regular licensed vet when it comes to your dog’s health!

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