In this brief discussion, we’ll answer the question “Why is my dog vomiting white foam and not eating?” We will also talk about the causes of vomiting white foam.
Why is my dog vomiting white foam and not eating?
Your dog is vomiting white foam and not eating is likely due to excess air or gas in your dog’s stomach which is why he is most likely refusing to eat. White foam is most likely an indicator of digestive distress. If you notice that your dog is vomiting white foam or liquid, there’s nothing much to worry about.
The white foam is a mixture of saliva and gastric juices. It also indicates that the mucus lining of the stomach is irritated. It becomes frothy and comes out as a white foam.
What are the causes of white foam vomiting?
Your dog can vomit white foam due to a number of reasons which can be harmless or potentially dangerous in some cases. Some of the causes of this problem are given below:
Your dog may be experiencing indigestion
Indigestion is the most common cause of white foam vomiting. Indigestion occurs when your dog eats something that doesn’t agree with his digestive system. This also greatly affects your dog’s appetite and because of this, he may refuse to eat.
For example, grass or something out of the trash can easily cause indigestion in dogs. It can also occur if your dog eats too quickly or right after vigorous physical activity.
Your dog is experiencing Acid reflux
Acid reflux is also known as bilious vomiting syndrome. It occurs when there is excess bile and stomach acids in your dog’s stomach. If your dog has acid reflux, it is most likely to vomit white foam in the morning before breakfast.
This condition in such dogs can be managed by giving them small frequent meals and a small snack before bedtime. Some dogs may need antacid medication if the problem does not resolve with diet management alone.
Your dog has pancreatitis
Pancreatitis is another issue that causes dogs to vomit quite a lot. The color of the vomit is most likely going to be white and foamy when its stomach is empty.
Typically, pancreatitis is also accompanied by other symptoms such as pain, changes in appetite and diarrhea. If you notice any of these symptoms along with vomiting, take your pet to the vet as soon as possible.
Dogs can also vomit white foam if they have viral or bacterial stomach inflammation.
Your dog was exposed to toxins
If your dog ate something toxic such as medication, cleaners or plants, it might vomit white foam. You will also observe some other symptoms if this is the case. If you notice anything unusual, call your vet for guidance as soon as possible.
Your dog has Gastrointestinal obstruction
If your dog swallowed anything unusual such as a toy, bone or any other foreign object, he may suffer from intestinal obstruction.
This can get very dangerous for your dog if it continues to vomit and shows signs of distress. If this is the case, visit a qualified vet as soon as possible because dogs often require surgery in such cases.
Your dog has rabies
Vomiting white foam is one of the symptoms of rabies in dogs. If your dog is not vaccinated and you notice white foam around his mouth along with other symptoms of rabies, call your vet for proper guidance and take precautions to keep yourself safe.
Your dog’s stomach is bloated
Bloating is a painful condition that causes a dog’s stomach to fill with gas, fluid or food. White foam vomit is one of the earliest symptoms of bloating and dogs often require immediate medical attention in such cases.
If your dog is unable to pass stool, appears to be in pain and has an extended belly, take your dog to the vet immediately.
What to do if my dog is vomiting white foam?
If your dog vomits white foam only one time, there is nothing to worry about because it is probably due to excess saliva and gas in its stomach.
However, if your dog vomits more than once and displays other symptoms including weakness, low appetite, diarrhea or shaking, withhold your dog’s next meal and take it to the vet as soon as possible.
Conclusion
We answered the question “Why is my dog vomiting white foam and not eating?” We also talked about the causes of vomiting white foam.
