Seeing your dog vomit is something that most dog owners have to deal with. It can be an undesirable sight, and it can also be very concerning. However, the first thing you have to do is stay calm and take a look at your dog’s vomit.
This is very important as the color and texture of your dog’s vomit can tell you a lot about why your dog may be vomiting. And if you see your dog’s vomit has white foam, it’s important to know the potential causes of that.
Since white foam and dogs are usually associated with rabies, it can be very concerning to see your dog throwing up white foam. However, you can relax as if there’s white foam in your dog’s vomit; it likely isn’t rabies. If you need a complete guide to the reasons your dog is vomiting white foam, you can check out this article: whatthepup.spotandtango.com/dog-throwing-up-white-foam/.
However, it could indicate a couple of other things that you also need to take seriously, which we’ll get into in this comprehensive guide on the white foam in your dog’s vomit.
Why Your Dog Is Vomiting White Foam
Most of the time, white foam in your dog’s vomit is absolutely nothing to worry about. This is because the white foam in your dog’s vomit is a mixture of saliva, gastric juices, and the air. So, a lot of the time, your dog simply may have eaten or licked something they shouldn’t have, and that’s what caused them to vomit.
Dogs tend to vomit a lot, especially if they run around a lot or get their paws in places and ingredients they shouldn’t have. However, if your dog is vomiting frequently and isn’t acting like its usual self, then that may indicate something a bit more serious.
Here are a couple less common but more serious reasons your dog may be vomiting white foam.
An Upset Stomach
The first cause of white foam in your dog’s vomit is an upset stomach. Again, this is likely the cause of them vomiting and happens frequently, especially if your dog ate something they shouldn’t have.
So, try and retrace your dog’s steps to see if they could have eaten something they shouldn’t have during the day or throughout the past week.
From there, it will be easier to find the potential causes of your dog’s upset stomach.
Indigestion
At times, white, foamy vomit can also indicate indigestion. Again, this is nothing serious and you shouldn’t really worry about it. With that said, this can cause severe discomfort in your dog, just like indigestion has with humans. So, if your dog eats or drinks too fast or starts running around right after eating, they could develop indigestion and throw up.
Pancreatitis
This isn’t a very common reason for your dog vomiting white foam, but it can happen from time to time. The pancreas plays a vital role in your dog’s digestion. So, if it is inflamed, their whole digestive system is messed up, which could potentially cause them to throw up white foamy vomit.
Pancreatitis is usually accompanied by a host of other symptoms such as diarrhea, poor appetite, a hunched back, and weakness. If you notice any of these signs in your pet, contact the vet immediately.
Kidney Disease
Kidney disease is very serious for dogs. It can have fatal and crucial consequences, which is why it’s important to catch it early and apply the necessary treatments. And one of the signs of kidney disease is frequent vomiting. If your dog vomits frequently, there may likely be white foam in their vomit.
However, this isn’t the only sign of kidney disease. While white foamy vomit is one of the symptoms, for it to indicate kidney disease, it’s usually accompanied by a host of other symptoms. This includes lethargy, weakness, disorientation, and bladder troubles.
If your dog exhibits a couple of these symptoms, get in touch with your vet immediately. If your dog develops kidney disease, the sooner they get veterinary attention, the better. So, keep in mind that every second counts.
Acid Reflux
Another reason you might be finding white foam in your dog’s vomit a lot is acid reflux. If bile enters the stomach after eating, your dog can develop acid reflux which could result in them throwing up. And at times, the mix of gastrointestinal juices, saliva, and the air can cause the vomit to become white and foamy.
If you think your dog has acid reflux, try to find the proper food options that are ideal for pups with acid reflux.
Conclusion
While we covered some of the most common reasons your dog is vomiting white foam, the whole picture is far more complicated.
White foam in your dog’s vomit is usually no reason to panic. But if ever you suspect that something a bit more serious is happening, then we recommend contacting your vet as soon as possible.
