Dog Vomiting: Causes, Types, Colors, Treatment & When to Worry

By the Telavets Veterinary Team (DVMs)

This is for educational purposes only. If your dog is throwing up repeatedly, has blood in their vomit, or can't keep water down, it's crucial to seek veterinary care right away or schedule an online visit with Telavets.

Vomiting is one of the top reasons pet owners contact their vets. Some instances are pretty straightforward (like a dog vomiting once after munching on grass), while others can be quite serious (such as a dog throwing up blood, vomiting every hour, or experiencing vomiting and diarrhea with blood). You might notice various types of dog vomit, including yellow, white foam, green bile, clear liquid, brown liquid, jelly-like mucus, or even worms and each type can indicate something different.

This detailed guide will help you interpret the colors and types of dog vomit, understand the potential causes, learn safe at home care techniques, know when to induce vomiting (and when to avoid it), and figure out when it's time to get your vet involved quickly.

What We’ll Cover in This Article

If your dog is vomiting, you’re not alone—and you’re in the right place. In this guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know, including:

• Vomiting vs. regurgitation – how to tell the difference and why it matters.
• Common causes – from dietary indiscretion (eating the wrong thing) to infections, parasites, toxins, stress, or chronic diseases.
• Types and colors of vomit – what yellow bile, white foam, brown or red/bloody vomit, green, pink foam, mucus, “coffee-grounds” material, or undigested food can mean.
• Timing triggers – why some dogs vomit after eating or drinking water, first thing in the morning, at night, in hot weather, in the car, or after vaccines/medications.
• Special life stages – what vomiting means for puppies, seniors, pregnant or nursing dogs, and diabetic pets.
• Safe home care – bland diets, pumpkin, probiotics, ginger, electrolytes, and when they might help.
• Medications your vet may recommend – such as Cerenia, Pepcid (famotidine), metronidazole, or ondansetron (Zofran)—always under veterinary guidance.
• Inducing vomiting at home – when (and only when) a vet says it’s appropriate, plus cautions around hydrogen peroxide.
• Unusual but common searches – “dog vomit fungus,” slime molds in the yard, dogs getting the zoomies after vomiting, or vomit that smells like poop.
• FAQs answered – including “what to give a vomiting dog,” “what to feed a dog with vomiting and diarrhea,” “is dog vomiting an emergency?” and more.

Vomiting vs. Regurgitation

Pet owners frequently state, "my dog is vomiting," when in fact, they are witnessing regurgitation. Although the two may appear similar at first, they occur due to distinctly different causes.

• Vomiting is an active process. Typically, you will observe signs such as heaving, retching, drooling, or nausea prior to the event. The expelled material may resemble yellow bile, white foam, partially digested food, or a clear/green liquid.

• In contrast, regurgitation is a passive occurrence. Food or water is expelled suddenly, without any warning or effort. The material often appears as undigested kibble or water in a tubular shape, sometimes occurring immediately after eating or even hours later.

The significance: Vomiting frequently indicates issues within the stomach or intestines, whereas regurgitation is more often associated with the esophagus. Given that the underlying causes and treatments differ, it is crucial to closely monitor what you are witnessing.

If your dog regularly expels undigested food—particularly right after meals or in a tubular shape reach out to your veterinarian to discuss the possibility of regurgitation or an obstruction.

Major Causes of Dog Vomiting (From simple to serious)

1) Dietary indiscretion (“garbage gut”)

Dogs are curious eaters: grass, spoiled food, socks, toys, and even Q-tips can end up in their stomach. This often leads to sudden vomiting. Some dogs also vomit after “zoomies” if they run around too soon after a big meal.

2) Food changes, intolerance, or allergies

Switching to a new food too quickly can upset your dog’s stomach, causing vomiting and diarrhea. Certain proteins or high-fat foods may also trigger intolerance or allergic reactions.

3) Gastrointestinal irritation & reflux

When a dog vomits yellow bile or white foam, especially in the morning, it may be due to an empty stomach and acid reflux. Frequent bile vomiting can point to gastritis or other GI irritation.

4) Infections & parasites

Viruses, bacteria, or parasites like giardia can cause vomiting. Dogs with kennel cough may gag or foam, and sometimes worms even show up in vomit. Systemic infections (like UTIs) can also trigger nausea.

5) Toxins & poisons

Chocolate, xylitol (a sugar substitute), grapes/raisins, certain plants, human medications, and household chemicals are all toxic to dogs. If you suspect poisoning, call a vet immediately—only induce vomiting under veterinary guidance.

6) Foreign body & obstruction

If your dog vomits everything, even water, or vomit smells like feces, it may mean a blockage in the intestines. This is a life-threatening emergency and needs urgent vet care.

7) Pancreatitis

Often triggered by fatty meals, pancreatitis can cause repeated vomiting, lethargy, and abdominal pain. Dogs with these signs should see a vet right away.

8) Organ disease & metabolic issues

Kidney failure dog vomiting, liver disease dog vomiting, heart failure dog vomiting, diabetic dog vomiting (including diabetic dog vomiting yellow), Addison’s, lymphoma—all can cause vomiting.

9) Heat, stress, motion sickness

Dog vomiting in hot weather, heat stroke, dog vomiting in car, separation anxiety can trigger nausea.

10) Medications & preventives

Some dogs vomit with NexGard, Galliprant, Loxicom (meloxicam), trazodone, gabapentin, Keppra, ketoconazole, prednisone. Any new medicine for dog vomiting or unrelated meds can cause GI upset ask your vet if your dog is vomiting after vaccines or after starting a new drug.

Types & Colors of Dog Vomit

Yellow or Bright Yellow Vomit (Often bile)

When a dog is vomiting yellow liquid or yellow bile, it often happens because their stomach is empty for too long—such as overnight or when there are long gaps between meals. This is why you may notice bright yellow dog vomit in the morning. Some dogs that vomit yellow bile regularly may also refuse food or appear nauseous, which is why pet parents often ask, “Should I feed a dog vomiting bile?” In most cases, offering small, frequent meals and avoiding skipped breakfasts can help. If your dog keeps vomiting yellow and is not eating, it’s best to consult a veterinarian, who may recommend safe acid reducers such as Pepcid (famotidine).

Yellow Foamy Vomit

Yellow foamy vomit in dogs usually appears as a frothy, bubbly mixture of bile and gastric foam. Many pet owners describe this as yellow foamy dog vomit, and it can look alarming at first. While a single episode of a dog vomiting yellow foam isn’t always a cause for panic, frequent occurrences may point to an underlying issue. In mild cases, adjusting meal timing and avoiding long gaps without food can help. Some dogs may also benefit from a temporary bland diet for 24–48 hours. However, if your dog continues vomiting yellow foam or shows other symptoms, it’s important to consult your veterinarian to rule out parasites or other health problems and discuss safe treatment options at home.

White Foam Vomit

White foam vomit in dogs can appear thick or frothy and is often linked to an empty stomach, acid irritation, or mild gastrointestinal upset. Some dogs may also gag up white foam due to kennel cough. Pet owners commonly search for terms like dog vomiting white foam, thick white foam, white foam with diarrhea, or white foam with blood. While occasional episodes may not be serious, repeated vomiting of white foam—especially when accompanied by lethargy, shaking, or diarrhea—warrants a prompt veterinary consultation to ensure there’s no underlying illness.

Green Vomit (Green bile or grass)

Green vomit in dogs, which may appear as green bile, foam, or liquid, can have several causes. Common searches include dog vomiting green, green bile, green foam, or green liquid. Occasional green vomit from grass ingestion is usually harmless, but if your dog is repeatedly vomiting green bile, refuses to eat, or does so every morning, it could indicate acid reflux, gastrointestinal irritation, or gallbladder issues. In these cases, it’s important to consult a veterinarian for proper evaluation and care.

Brown Vomit (From benign to severe)

Brown vomit in dogs can appear as liquid brown, light brown, or even have a foul odor similar to feces, sometimes resembling coffee grounds. This coloration may result from ingested dirt or food, but it can also indicate digested blood. If the vomit has a strong fecal smell, a coffee-ground appearance, or dark blood, it could signal a serious gastrointestinal bleed or an obstruction, and you should seek veterinary attention immediately.

Red / Pink / Bloody Vomit

Red, pink, or bloody vomit in dogs can appear as bright red liquid, pink foam or mucus, dark blood, blood clots, or tiny specks of blood. This type of vomiting is always considered urgent. Bright red vomit usually indicates fresh bleeding from causes like ulcers, toxins, or a foreign object, while dark or brownish vomit suggests digested blood. If you notice any of these signs, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Clear Liquid / Jelly / Mucus

Clear vomit in dogs can appear as clear liquid, slime, jelly-like substance, or thick mucus. This is often caused by gastritis, bile reflux, or drinking too much water. If your dog repeatedly vomits after drinking water, it’s important to consult a veterinarian.

Undigested Food (right after eating or hours later)

Dogs may vomit undigested or partially digested food, either immediately after eating or several hours later. Vomiting right after a meal is often due to rapid eating, regurgitation, or esophageal issues, while vomiting hours later may indicate delayed gastric emptying, gastritis, or a possible obstruction.

Coffee-Grounds Appearance

• A coffee-grounds appearance in a dog’s vomit usually indicates digested blood, which can be a sign of a serious gastrointestinal bleed. This type of vomiting should be treated as an emergency, and you should contact a veterinarian immediately to ensure your dog receives prompt care.

Common Vomiting Patterns in Dogs & Their Implications

1. Vomiting after eating

If your dog vomits shortly after meals, it is often due to eating too rapidly or experiencing food intolerance. Utilizing a slow-feeder bowl or providing smaller, more frequent meals may be beneficial. Should vomiting persist despite these adjustments, it could indicate gastritis or another gastrointestinal issue, thus a veterinary consultation is advisable.

2. Vomiting after drinking water

Certain dogs tend to gulp water, particularly following playtime, which can lead to stomach upset. Consider offering smaller quantities at a time. If your dog frequently vomits water or does so immediately after drinking, it may suggest an underlying health concern.

3. Morning or nighttime vomiting

Dogs that vomit bile in the morning might be experiencing reflux. Providing a small late-night snack can sometimes alleviate this issue. Conversely, nighttime vomiting may be associated with meal timing or conditions such as pancreatitis. Both scenarios warrant a discussion with your veterinarian if they occur regularly.

4. Vomiting associated with specific situations

• Heat cycle, pregnancy, or post-mating – Hormonal fluctuations can induce nausea. However, persistent vomiting (particularly of white foam or yellow bile) in pregnant dogs should always be evaluated by a veterinarian.

• Post-vaccination – Mild digestive disturbances can occur. Nevertheless, if vomiting is recurrent, severe, or accompanied by bloody diarrhea, contact your veterinarian immediately.

• Hot weather – If vomiting occurs alongside drooling, panting, or collapse, it may indicate heatstroke—this constitutes an emergency.

• Car rides & motion sickness – Some dogs experience vomiting during travel. Motion-sickness medication or veterinarian-approved alternatives can facilitate more comfortable car journeys.

5. Vomiting during activity

If your dog vomits following vigorous play or zoomies, it may simply be due to exercising on a full stomach. It is advisable to wait at least an hour after meals before engaging in high-energy activities.

Life Stages & Health Conditions

• Puppies – Young dogs can become dehydrated rapidly when they vomit. If a puppy is expelling bile, blood, or exhibiting signs of weakness, it is crucial to consult a veterinarian without delay.

• Senior dogs – Older animals are at a higher risk for conditions such as kidney or liver disease, pancreatitis, or even cancer. It is important not to overlook vomiting in senior dogs, particularly if it is accompanied by diarrhea or lethargy.

• Pregnant & nursing dogs – While occasional nausea may occur, persistent vomiting poses risks to both the mother and her puppies. Seeking veterinary assistance is vital.

• Diabetic dogs – Vomiting in diabetic animals may indicate a serious condition such as diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), which requires immediate medical attention.

Smart Home Care & At-Home Remedies (for mild, one-off vomiting)

If your dog vomited once but seems bright, alert, drinking small sips, try:

1) Stomach rest

Withhold food for ~6–12 hours (not water). If they are very thirsty and vomiting, give tiny, frequent sips or ice chips.

2) Bland diet for dog vomiting

24–48 hours of boiled chicken + white rice (or lean turkey, cottage cheese if tolerated).

Add plain canned pumpkin (fiber) for dog vomiting and diarrhea.

3) Probiotics

Yes—do probiotics help with dog vomiting? They support gut balance, especially with diarrhea.

4) Ginger / Kefir / Yogurt

Small amounts of fresh ginger, kefir, or plain Greek yogurt can soothe mild nausea (avoid sweeteners—xylitol is toxic).

5) Electrolytes

Pet-safe oral electrolyte solutions can help. Avoid “water and sugar for dog vomiting” unless a vet instructs—sugar water isn’t ideal and may worsen GI upset.

Stop home care and call a vet if your dog: vomits multiple times, has blood, can’t keep water down, is lethargic, shaking, or has diarrhea with blood.

Medicines You’ll Hear About (Always ask your vet first)

• Cerenia (maropitant): the best injection for dog vomiting many vets use; also in tablets.
• Pepcid (famotidine): for acid/bile irritation; ask about dosing.
• Metronidazole: sometimes for dog vomiting and diarrhea due to GI bugs—only if indicated.
• Zofran (ondansetron): can I give my dog Zofran for vomiting? Only with a vet’s guidance; human dosing isn’t plug-and-play.
• Ranitidine (Rantac): can I give my dog Rantac for vomiting? It’s largely not recommended/no longer used in many places; your vet will offer safer options.
• Ursodiol: sometimes used for bile/gallbladder disease—vet-prescribed only.
• Over-the-counter medicine for dog vomiting: very limited; always check with a vet first—many human meds are dangerous for dogs.

How to Make a Dog Vomit (Only when a vet says to)

People search how to make a dog vomit, how to induce vomiting in a dog who ate chocolate, hydrogen peroxide dog vomit, and when to induce dog vomiting. The short, safe truth:

• Call a vet (or Telavets) first. Inducing vomiting isn’t always safe.
• Never induce if your dog swallowed sharp objects, caustic/acidic/alkaline substances, or if they are unconscious, seizing, very weak, or brachycephalic with breathing issues.
• If a vet instructs you to proceed at home, they may recommend fresh 3% hydrogen peroxide—dose and timing depend on weight and case. Using the wrong strength/dose or repeating doses can cause ulcers, aspiration, or worse.
• After inducing, dogs still need a vet exam to ensure the toxin/foreign object is truly gone and to prevent complications.

When Is Dog Vomiting an Emergency?

In the majority of instances, dog vomiting is mild and resolves swiftly. However, at times, it may indicate a serious condition that requires immediate attention. If you observe any of these warning signs, seek assistance from an emergency veterinarian promptly or schedule an urgent consultation with Telavets.

Persistent vomiting – your dog can’t stop throwing up (multiple times in a day, or every hour).

Blood in vomit – bright red, clots, or material that looks like coffee grounds.

Vomiting with other serious symptoms – bloody diarrhea, black/tarry stools, pale gums, collapse, or signs of severe pain.

High-risk dogs – puppies, senior dogs, diabetic pets, and pregnant or nursing dogs should see a vet if they vomit more than once.

Toxin ingestion – chocolate, xylitol (sugar substitute), grapes/raisins, human medications, or chemicals.

Vomiting everything, even water – may indicate an obstruction in the stomach or intestines.

Bloat in large breeds – retching without producing vomit, a swollen/distended belly, restlessness, and distress.

Other alarming signs – high fever, shaking, quivering, or extreme thirst followed by repeated vomiting.

“Dog Vomit Slime Mold” & “Dog Vomit Fungus”

You may have seen viral posts about “dog vomit slime mold” or “dog vomit fungus.” Despite the name, this has nothing to do with your dog. It’s actually a harmless, yellow foamy mold that grows on mulch or grass in warm, damp weather.

• It doesn’t come from dogs and usually isn’t dangerous to them.
• If it shows up in your yard, you can just rake it away—no vet care needed.

What a Vet Might Do (So you know what to expect)

• History & exam (color, frequency, timing—dog vomiting after eating, after drinking water, only at night, in the morning)
• Tests: fecal exam (worms/giardia), bloodwork (organ function, pancreatitis), x-ray/ultrasound if foreign body suspected
• Treatment: anti-vomit meds (Cerenia), fluids (oral or IV), gastroprotectants (famotidine), dewormers (if worms in vomit), antibiotics only when indicated; diet changes and feeding plan
• Hospitalization for severe dehydration, pancreatitis, poisoning, or obstruction (surgery/endoscopy)

Telavets Can Help—Right Now

Unsure what to do for dog vomiting? With Telavets you can:

• Get a same-day online vet to review your dog’s symptoms and history.
• Learn what to give a dog for upset stomach and vomiting safely for your dog’s size and condition.
• Get prescriptions and a bland-diet plan without leaving home.
• Decide if you need ER vs. home care and stop guessing.

FAQ: Fast Answers to the Questions People Actually Search

Can dogs throw up?

Yes. Occasional vomiting can be normal; frequent or severe vomiting is not.

When should I worry about dog vomiting?

If it’s repeated, has blood, with diarrhea/lethargy, won’t keep water down, or your dog is very young/old/diabetic/pregnant—seek vet care.

Is dog vomiting an emergency?

It can be. Blood, coffee-grounds, foreign objects, toxin ingestion, nonstop vomiting, bloat signs = emergency.

What should I do if my dog is vomiting and diarrhea?

Short rest, bland diet, small frequent meals, probiotics. If there’s blood, fever, lethargy, or it lasts >24 hours—see a vet.

What to feed a dog who is vomiting (and diarrhea)?

Boiled chicken + white rice, small portions; pumpkin for fiber; transition back to regular food slowly over 2–3 days.

What can I give my dog for upset stomach and vomiting (home)?

Bland diet, probiotics, ginger (tiny amount), plain Greek yogurt/kefir if tolerated. Do not give random human meds without a vet.

Best medicine for dog vomiting?

Cerenia (vet Rx) is highly effective. Pepcid/famotidine may help acid. Metronidazole only if indicated. Ask your vet for dosing.

Zofran for dog vomiting—can I give it?

Only with a vet’s guidance. Dosing depends on weight/condition.

Will Benadryl help dog vomiting?

Benadryl can help motion sickness/allergy signs but isn’t a primary anti-emetic. Ask your vet.

Can I give my dog Rantac (ranitidine)?

It’s largely not recommended/used now. Vets prefer safer options like famotidine.

Hydrogen peroxide to make a dog vomit—safe?

Sometimes, only with fresh 3% solution and vet instructions. Never for caustics/sharp objects; risks include ulcers and aspiration.

Dog vomiting white foam—what does it mean?

Often acid/bile irritation or gagging. If it repeats or pairs with coughing, lethargy, diarrhea, see a vet.

Dog vomiting yellow foam—what does it mean?

Bile from an empty stomach or reflux. Try smaller, more frequent meals; vet help if persistent.

Dog vomiting brown liquid—should I worry?

Yes if it smells like poop, looks like coffee-grounds, or repeats—possible bleeding/obstruction.

Dog vomiting clear liquid—normal?

Occasionally, yes. Repeated clear liquid or slimy jelly can signal gastritis or water overconsumption—monitor and consult if ongoing.

Dog vomiting blood—what could it be?

Ulcers, toxins, foreign body, severe infection. Emergency.

My dog vomits every morning—why?

Empty-stomach bile reflux. Add a late-night snack, consider acid control (ask vet).

Dog keeps vomiting bile—what now?

Reflux, gastritis, or other GI disease. Needs a vet assessment and likely diet + medication.

Dog vomiting after vaccines—normal?

Mild GI upset can occur. Repeated vomiting, bloody diarrhea, or collapse needs urgent care.

Dog vomiting and not eating—how long is OK?

If >24 hours, or paired with lethargy/diarrhea, see a vet.

What will the vet do for dog vomiting?

Exam, tests (fecal, bloodwork, imaging), Cerenia, fluids, gastroprotectants, specific treatments (e.g., dewormers, diet changes, surgery for obstruction).

Dog vomiting vs regurgitation—how do I know?

Vomiting = active heaving; regurgitation = passive return of undigested food/liquid. Video the episode for your vet if you’re unsure.

Dog returns to its vomit (Bible/KJV) quote—relevant?

Just a proverb; it isn’t veterinary guidance. If your dog eats its vomit, prevent access and consult on nausea/behavior.

Can dog vomiting cause seizures?

Vomiting itself doesn’t cause seizures; toxins/metabolic disease can cause both. Emergency if both occur.

Pumpkin for dog vomiting—does it help?

Yes, a spoon of plain pumpkin can help mild upset/diarrhea. Avoid pumpkin pie mix (sugar/spices).

Probiotics for dog vomiting—worth it?

Often helpful for GI balance, especially with diarrhea.

When to take dog to vet for vomiting?

Any repeated vomiting, blood, inability to keep water down, puppy/senior, or pain/lethargy warrants a vet visit.

Quick Prevention Checklist

• Keep diet consistent; introduce new foods gradually.
• Use slow-feeder bowls for gulpers.
• Prevent scavenging and bin-raiding; keep chemicals/meds secured.
• Stay on deworming and vaccines schedules.
• Avoid heavy exercise after meals; manage motion sickness.
• In hot weather, cool down routines; never leave dogs in cars.
• Consider daily probiotics for sensitive stomachs.

Final Word from Telavets

If your dog is vomiting, you don’t have to guess. Telavets connects you with a licensed veterinarian who can:

• Triage when it’s safe to manage at home vs. when to visit ER
• Tailor a bland-diet and re-feeding plan for your dog’s size and condition
• Prescribe appropriate anti-emetics and gut protectants
• Follow up to ensure your dog truly improves

Book an online vet visit with Telavets now and get your dog comfortable—safely and quickly.

Reviewed by the Telavets Veterinary Team (DVMs). This content supports, not replaces, your veterinary relationship.