When Should I Worry If A Dog Vomits?

DuskTelemetry Updated: 2025-08-26

1. Vomit is clear or yellow

Vomiting is a natural way for the body to eliminate poisons.
Bile reflux can also be a symptom, where acidic fluid from the stomach flows back into the esophagus and mouth.
Bile is a substance produced by the liver to assist in the metabolism of fats. However, it can also indicate an underlying problem known as gastric obstruction - when the stomach wall does not open completely. This serious problem requires immediate medical intervention and can cause dehydration, weakness, and headaches.

2. Vomit has a foamy appearance

Vomiting with a foamy appearance occurs when saliva and digestive secretions mix with air to form this cloud of liquid. While less common than standard chunky or yellow vomit, foamy vomit may indicate excess gas in your stomach.
Vomiting white foam could be indicative of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). With this disorder, the ring between the dog's stomach and esophagus weakens, allowing food to pass back into its stomach.
Your dog could also have swallowed too much grass, which could have led him to vomit. Herbs contain pesticides, parasites, and other materials that are difficult for dogs to digest.

3. Vomiting is accompanied by drooling

When a dog vomits, there is usually some drooling that accompanies it. Drooling plays an essential role in digestion as saliva mixes with stomach acid to dissolve chewed food particles.
Drooling can be caused by hypersalivation or excessive salivation.

4. Vomiting is accompanied by pain

Vomiting in a dog does not always indicate an immediate health problem, but it can serve as an alert that something is wrong.
Pain can be caused by a variety of things, such as broken bones, dental pain, arthritis, ear infection, or cancer. Recognizing when your dog is experiencing discomfort and providing the necessary assistance can make a big difference in his recovery process.
If your dog is feeling distressed, they may show signs such as hiding or panting. If you notice these changes in your puppy, contact your veterinarian immediately so they can examine him and decide if any medical intervention is necessary.