Dog Vomiting — Causes, Colors & When It's Serious
Occasional vomiting can be normal for dogs who eat too fast or get into something they shouldn't. However, frequent vomiting, certain vomit colors, or vomiting with other symptoms can indicate serious problems requiring immediate veterinary attention.
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Common Causes
Dietary Indiscretion
Monitor at HomeEating garbage, rich foods, or too much food too fast. Usually causes one or two episodes of vomiting followed by recovery. The most common cause.
Empty Stomach (Bilious Vomiting)
Monitor at HomeYellow or green foam vomited in the morning or after long periods without food. The bile irritates an empty stomach. Often helped by smaller, more frequent meals.
Foreign Body Obstruction
See Vet ImmediatelyToys, bones, socks, or other objects blocking the digestive tract. Causes repeated vomiting, inability to keep food/water down, abdominal pain, and lethargy. Emergency.
Pancreatitis
See Vet ImmediatelyInflammation of the pancreas, often after eating fatty foods. Causes repeated vomiting, severe abdominal pain, diarrhea, and lethargy. Can be life-threatening.
Toxin Ingestion
See Vet ImmediatelyPoisoning from plants, medications, chemicals, or toxic foods (chocolate, xylitol, grapes). Vomiting may be accompanied by drooling, tremors, or seizures.
Infection (Parvovirus)
See Vet ImmediatelyViral infection causing severe vomiting and bloody diarrhea, especially in unvaccinated puppies. Life-threatening without treatment.
Kidney or Liver Disease
See Vet ImmediatelyOrgan dysfunction causes toxin buildup leading to chronic vomiting, especially with increased thirst, weight loss, or appetite changes.
Bloat (GDV)
See Vet ImmediatelyStomach twists and fills with gas. Causes non-productive retching (trying to vomit but nothing comes up), distended belly, and distress. Life-threatening emergency.
How to Photograph for Best AI Analysis
Getting a clear photo helps our AI provide more accurate insights. Follow these tips:
- Photograph the vomit to show color and contents (before cleaning up)
- Note the color: yellow (bile), brown (digested food), red/pink (blood)
- Check for any foreign objects like plastic, fabric, or plant material
- Note if the vomit is foamy, liquid, or contains undigested food
- Take a photo of your dog's posture if they seem uncomfortable
- Track how many times your dog has vomited and over what time period
When to See a Veterinarian
Contact your veterinarian if you notice any of the following:
- •Blood in the vomit (red or looks like coffee grounds)
- •Your dog can't keep water down for more than 12 hours
- •Repeated vomiting (more than 2-3 times in a few hours)
- •Unproductive retching — trying to vomit but nothing comes up (possible bloat)
- •Abdominal pain, bloated belly, or hunched posture
- •Lethargy, weakness, or collapse
- •You know or suspect your dog ate something toxic
- •Vomiting with diarrhea, especially bloody
- •Puppy under 6 months vomiting (risk of parvovirus)
- •Vomiting continues for more than 24 hours
How PetSensAI Can Help
While PetSensAI can't diagnose the cause of vomiting, our AI can help you assess your dog's overall condition and document symptoms. By tracking episodes and associated signs, you'll have useful information to share with your veterinarian.
Related Symptoms
Sources
- VCA Animal Hospitals — Vomiting in Dogs
About the Author
PetSensAI Editorial Team
Pet Health Content
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Last updated: 2025-01-09