When Dog Throws Up Yellow

Seeing your dog vomit yellow liquid can be alarming, but it’s a relatively common occurrence with several potential causes. The yellow color usually indicates the presence of bile, a digestive fluid produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder. Bile helps break down fats in the small intestine.

Why is my dog vomiting bile? The most frequent reason is an empty stomach. If a dog goes too long without eating, stomach acids and bile can irritate the stomach lining, leading to vomiting. This is especially common in dogs who are fed only once a day or who tend to skip meals. Think of it like stomach acid reflux in humans – it is irritating.

Other potential causes of yellow vomit include:

• Dietary Indiscretion: While not always directly causing the yellow color, eating something they shouldn’t, like garbage, spoiled food, or a foreign object, can upset a dog’s stomach and trigger vomiting that eventually includes bile.
• Inflammation: Conditions like gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining) or pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) can lead to nausea and vomiting, which may include bile.
• Intestinal Obstruction: If something is blocking the passage of food through the intestines, bile can back up into the stomach and be vomited up. This is a serious condition that requires immediate veterinary attention.
• Food Allergies or Intolerances: Similar to dietary indiscretions, these can also irritate the digestive system and lead to vomiting.
• Certain Medications: Some medications can irritate the stomach and cause nausea and vomiting.
• Liver or Gallbladder Issues: Since bile is produced and stored in these organs, problems with them can lead to an excess of bile in the system.
• Parasites: Intestinal parasites can sometimes cause vomiting.

What should I do if my dog vomits yellow liquid?

1. Observe Your Dog: Note the frequency of vomiting, the amount of vomit, and any other symptoms your dog is exhibiting (lethargy, diarrhea, loss of appetite, abdominal pain). This information will be helpful for your veterinarian.
2. Withhold Food: For 12-24 hours, withhold food to give your dog’s stomach a chance to rest. However, always provide fresh water.
3. Offer Small, Bland Meals: After the fasting period, if your dog hasn’t vomited, offer small, frequent meals of a bland diet like boiled chicken and rice.
4. Contact Your Veterinarian: If the vomiting persists, is accompanied by other concerning symptoms, or if you suspect your dog may have ingested something toxic or has an intestinal blockage, contact your veterinarian immediately. Don’t hesitate; a prompt diagnosis and treatment can be crucial. Chronic or frequent vomiting should always be investigated by a vet. They can perform blood tests, X-rays, or ultrasounds to determine the underlying cause.

Prevention:

• Regular Feeding Schedule: Feed your dog regular meals throughout the day to prevent their stomach from becoming empty. Consider splitting their daily food allowance into two or three smaller meals.
• High-Quality Diet: Feed your dog a high-quality dog food that is easily digestible.
• Avoid Table Scraps: Table scraps can upset your dog’s stomach.
• Secure Trash Cans: Keep trash cans out of your dog’s reach.
• Regular Veterinary Checkups: Regular checkups can help identify and address potential health problems early on.

While occasional yellow vomit might not be a cause for major concern, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and consult with your veterinarian if you’re worried about your dog’s health.