If you notice your dog throwing up white foam, it is entirely normal to feel alarmed. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon to see dogs vomiting white foam, but it is essential as a pet owner to understand why this may occur – and what to do about it.
The following guide will help you know what you need to do if you see your dog throwing up foam.
Causes for Dog Throwing Up White Foam
There is no particular reason why a dog may throw up white foam. The most common reason dogs may throw up white foam is an upset stomach, which can be caused by a variety of things such as chewing on grass, chewing something that causes irritation, or licking something that did not taste good.
There are more serious reasons why you may see a dog throwing up white foam, such as pancreatitis, an obstruction in their bowls; exposure to toxins; a disease (such as kennel cough); or bloat.
Note: If you suspect your dog has bloat, go to an emergency veterinarian right away.
How to Tell If it’s Serious
It may not be immediately noticeable whether or not your dog is throwing up white foam because of a simple upset stomach or something more serious.
As a general rule, look for signs of other symptoms which may suggest a problem.
- Is your dog vomiting white foam more than once?
- Is your dog heaving before they vomit?
- Is your dog coughing up the white foam?
- Is your dog behaving strangely in any other way?
- Is your dog experiencing diarrhea, shaking, or other visible symptoms?
If you see your dogs throwing up white foam only once, it may not be anything more than indigestion. But if they continue to throw up white foam, it may be a sign of something more serious.
The Best Course of Action
If your dog is throwing up white foam more than once, you should call your vet and tell them what symptoms your dog is currently experiencing. Depending on the potential severity, the veterinarian may recommend that you bring your dog in – or if they are closed, bring your dog to the nearest emergency vet clinic available. If it does not appear to be an immediate life-threatening emergency, they will likely schedule an appointment.
During the appointment, the veterinarian will physically examine your dog. They may take blood samples, test their urine, or engage in additional testing such as X-rays or tests for dehydration. The vet may also recommend that your dog be given anti-nausea medication to stop the vomiting.
Once the veterinarian has figured out what’s wrong, they will recommend the best course of treatment.
Most of the time, your dog vomiting up white foam once or twice is not likely a sign of anything more than an upset stomach. However, it’s essential to keep track of your dog’s symptoms so that you can - if necessary - get them into a vet to check for signs of more severe issues or complications.