Not pleasant at all, but most dog owners may have noticed that their dog occasionally vomits a yucky yellowish-green goo. But what causes it and should you worry?
No one wants to study their dogs vomit, but hopefully you don't have to get too close to see that it could be a yellowy, greeny goo type of sick that's been left in a puddle on the floor. This is yellow bile vomit and it's usually nothing to worry about. Below, we list the common reasons why your dog may have vomited this goo, which is often referred to as Hunger Pukes.
Reason Number 1: Your dog has an empty stomach
If bile has built up in your dogs stomach, it can irritate the lining and your dog will vomit the excess bile to reduce the heat from the inflammation. To reduce the frequency of vomiting, offer your dog a small treat or feed him more frequently through the day.
Reason Number 2: Feeding a dry food (kibble)
Kibble can dry out the digestive tract and increase heat. Kibble absorbs moisture in the digestive tract. That causes the stomach to expand and overproduce stomach acids. Consider feeding your dog a raw food diet.
Reason Number 3: Food Intolerances
Food intolerances can cause inflammation which leads to bile reflux. Your dog may also have diarrhoea alongside the bile vomit. Corn, Soy and Wheat are common reactive foods, although many other foods can trigger a reaction. To ease this reaction, try fasting your dog for 24-48 hours. When you do present your dog with food, ensure it isn't cold or straight from the fridge.
Should you take your dog to see a vet?
Whilst it can be very common and easily remedied, vomiting can be a symptom of more serious conditions that you should speak to your vet about.
Intestinal Blockage
If your dog is vomiting as well as being constipated or can't keep fluids down, take him to the vet asap as he may have an intestinal blockage.
Bloat
This is when the stomach fills with gas and twists, closing it off at both ends. If your dog has some of these symptoms, don’t delay in getting him to a vet.
- Vomiting yellow or white foam, or trying to vomit with nothing coming out
- Drooling
- Tight stomach
- Lethargy
- Pale gums
- Restlessness
- Looks distressed
Giardia
This is a parasite that causes vomiting, as well as diarrhoea and lethargy. If you suspect your dog has Giardia, take a fecal sample to your vet for testing.
Pancreatitis
This is inflammation of the Pancreas. It is usually because your dog cannot digest fats or oils. Symptoms include lethargy, spasms, decreased appetite, diarrhoea and abdominal pain. Your dog should see a vet if you suspect Pancreatitis.