Ask a Vet: Why Does My Dog Vomit Bile (Yellow Foam)?

Q. My dog occasionally vomits yellow and foamy liquid, usually in the morning. What could be the cause and what should I do?

Dr. Brian Loon: Causes of vomiting are widely varied. It can be due to minor ailments, such as gastrointestinal upset and gastrointestinal parasites, or more severe causes, such as kidney and liver diseases and even cancer.

Younger dogs may sometimes vomit bile (yellow foamy liquid) in the morning because of dietary intolerance to certain food ingredients.

If you are feeding a variety of foods, an elimination diet trial may help determine the cause of the intolerance.

This involves limiting the diet to just what your dog needs for a complete and balanced diet. For example, a well formulated commercial diet of a single brand and flavour. Stop all other food and treats for one to two months.

If your dog no longer vomits bile, slowly re-introduce the ingredients you used to feed, one at a time every two weeks.

I recommend bringing your dog to a veterinarian for a thorough examination before embarking on an elimination diet trial. That is to rule out potential causes of vomiting that may need investigation or treatment.

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