Dog Throwing Up Yellow? Here's Why And What To Do

Amy Thompson

August 01, 2024

Witnessing your dog throw up yellow can be alarming. No wonder it often leaves dog owners puzzled, wondering what could be causing it and how to address it safely.

The sight of yellow vomit is typically indicative of bile, which suggests that your dog's stomach is either empty or irritated. Understanding the underlying causes of this issue is the first step to finding effective, natural solutions.

In the sections below, we'll walk you through the various reasons behind your dog’s yellow vomit and provide natural remedies to help alleviate the problem.

What Does Yellow Dog Vomit Mean?

Before we get started, it's important to understand what yellow vomit means and why it occurs, as it can help identify the best course of action for your dog.

Yellow vomit is primarily composed of bile, a digestive fluid produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder. Bile is usually released into the small intestine to help digest fats. When a dog's stomach is empty, bile can leak back into the stomach, causing irritation and resulting in vomiting.

The timing of yellow vomiting can also offer valuable clues about its cause. For instance, if your dog vomits yellow in the morning or after a long period without food, it likely indicates an empty stomach. But if the vomiting occurs shortly after eating, it could be related to dietary issues or other health concerns.

Recognizing these patterns can help you determine whether the vomiting is due to a simple dietary issue or if it requires further attention.

Common Causes Of Yellow Vomit In Dogs

So what specifically causes yellow vomit in dogs? A few different things could be the culprit.

Let's take a look at some of the most common causes so you can address the issue more effectively.

Dietary Issues

Dietary Changes: Sudden changes in your dog’s diet can upset their stomach, leading to the expulsion of bile. Gradually introducing new foods can help prevent this.
Food Intolerance or Allergies: Some dogs may be intolerant or allergic to certain ingredients in their food, which can cause gastrointestinal upset and vomiting bile. Identifying and avoiding these ingredients can alleviate the problem.

Health And Environmental Factors

Bile on an Empty Stomach: When a dog's stomach is empty, bile can irritate the stomach lining and cause vomiting. This is often seen in dogs that vomit yellow bile in the early morning or late at night.
Gastrointestinal Irritation: Consuming spicy foods, garbage, or non-food items can irritate a dog’s gastrointestinal tract, prompting the stomach to expel its contents, including bile.
Gastric Reflux: Gastric reflux can cause bile to flow back into the esophagus, leading to yellow vomiting, especially after a nap or in the morning.
Ingestion of Toxins: If a dog ingests something toxic, their body may respond by vomiting bile. This is a natural defense mechanism to expel harmful substances.
Motion Sickness: Just like humans, dogs can experience motion sickness, which can cause them to vomit bile during car rides or other forms of travel.
Underlying Health Conditions: Certain health issues, such as liver problems, pancreatitis, or gastrointestinal diseases, can cause a dog to vomit bile. These conditions often require attention from a holistic veterinarian.

How To Treat Yellow Vomit In Dogs Naturally

Addressing yellow vomiting in dogs can often be managed with natural remedies and dietary adjustments.

Personally, we recommend herbs for this purpose. In most cases, with the right herbs, vomiting bile is something you can resolve yourself at home.

Just keep in mind there are times when you might need to consult your holistic veterinarian ... especially if symptoms persist or worsen.

Here are some of the top home remedies and herbal treatments that can help soothe the underlying issues and treat yellow vomit in dogs naturally.

Licorice

Licorice coats the digestive tract and has a cooling effect, making it useful for acute bile vomiting and heartburn.
Use licorice glycerine extract, giving 3 drops for extra small dogs, 5 drops for small dogs, 8 drops for medium dogs, 12 drops for large dogs, and 15 drops for extra large dogs, twice daily on an empty stomach for 1-10 days during active vomiting.

Meadowsweet

Meadowsweet is beneficial for reducing acidity, over-reactivity, and pain in the stomach. It is ideal for dogs who are thin, cool, and lacking vitality.
For Dried Meadowsweet: 150 mg for every 20-25 lbs of body weight, twice daily with food.
As a Tincture: 1 drop for every 10 pounds, twice daily before eating. Dilute in water and administer orally.

Marshmallow Root

Marshmallow root calms the stomach, reduces heat, and soothes the gastrointestinal tract.
You can feed capsules: 1/2 for small dogs, 1 for medium to large dogs, 3 for extra-large dogs, twice daily.
Or make an infusion: Soak 2 tablespoons of root in 2 cups of water overnight. Administer 2 teaspoons for extra small dogs, 3 teaspoons for small dogs, 2 tablespoons for large dogs, and 4 tablespoons for extra large dogs, twice daily.

Chamomile

Chamomile reduces spasms and unease in the digestive tract and prevents acid and bile reflux.
Make an infusion with 2 tablespoons of chamomile in 1 cup of water. Steep for 30 minutes. Administer 1-2 teaspoons for extra small dogs, 3 teaspoons for small dogs, 1-2 tablespoons for large dogs, and 3-4 tablespoons for extra large dogs, 2-3 times a day.

Herbal Blend For Vomiting Yellow Bile
You can also combine chamomile, lemon balm leaf infusion, marshmallow glycerite.

Infuse the herbs, mix 4 ounces of infusion with 20 drops of marshmallow glycerite. Follow the chamomile infusion dosage schedule for administration.

Blend For Yellow Vomiting

Here's another blend of goldenseal root, dandelion root, chamomile.
Blend 1 ounce of water with 10 drops of goldenseal, 5 drops each of dandelion root and chamomile tincture. Administer 1/2 dropper for small dogs, 1-2 droppers for medium dogs, and 2-3 droppers for large dogs, 2-3 times a day.

Dietary Adjustments For Prevention And Care

You can also use simple dietary adjustments to support your pup's digestive health.

Since the root of the issue could be related to digestion, this approach can help reduce the likelihood of bile irritation.

Here are a few strategies:

Timing Your Dog's Meals: Lack of food can cause bile to build up and irritate your dog’s stomach lining, leading to yellow vomiting. To prevent this, feed your dog smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day.

Providing a small snack at bedtime can also help, especially if your dog tends to vomit bile in the early morning.

Sensitivities To Food: Food sensitivities can develop over time and are usually a sign of an unhealthy gut. Common reactive foods like soy, corn, and wheat should be avoided, but any type of food can potentially cause a reaction.

To identify sensitivities, introduce new foods one at a time and observe your dog for any signs of gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea.

Avoiding Irritants: Some dogs may react to certain ingredients or additives in their food. To minimize the risk of irritation, choose high-quality, natural dog foods without artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.

If your dog has a sensitive stomach, consider a limited-ingredient diet to reduce the likelihood of triggering digestive issues.

Monitoring Treats And Human Food: Treats and human food can sometimes disrupt your dog’s digestive system.

Avoid giving your dog fatty, spicy, or rich foods that could cause gastrointestinal irritation. Stick to healthy, dog-friendly treats and avoid feeding table scraps.

Recognizing More Serious Symptoms

While occasional yellow vomiting can be managed with dietary adjustments and home remedies, persistent or severe symptoms may indicate a more serious underlying issue.

Here are some signs that it’s time to seek veterinary care:

Intestinal Blockage

If your dog vomits yellow bile and also shows signs of constipation or an inability to keep fluids down, it could indicate an intestinal blockage caused by ingesting non-food items like toys or fabric. Immediate veterinary attention is crucial in these cases to prevent severe complications.

Bloat or GDV

Repeated vomiting of yellow or white foam, attempts to vomit with nothing coming out, pale gums, a tight stomach, and signs of distress can indicate bloat or gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV). This condition is life-threatening and requires urgent veterinary care.

Giardia

Giardia is a parasite that can cause yellow vomiting, along with symptoms like diarrhea and lethargy. If you suspect giardia, take a fecal sample to your vet for analysis and appropriate treatment.

Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis can cause symptoms such as lethargy, abdominal pain, decreased appetite, and diarrhea. If your dog exhibits these signs along with yellow vomiting, consult your vet for a diagnosis and treatment plan.

Severe Gastrointestinal Upset

Chronic yellow vomiting can be a symptom of more serious gastrointestinal issues like ulcers. Look for additional symptoms such as loss of appetite, dehydration, fever, and weight loss. Persistent vomiting should always be evaluated by a veterinarian to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment.

FAQ

Should I be worried if my dog throws up yellow? If your dog occasionally vomits yellow bile, it might be due to an empty stomach or minor stomach irritation, which can be managed with dietary adjustments. However, persistent vomiting yellow foam can be a sign of bilious vomiting syndrome or more serious issues like liver disease, so pet parents should consult a vet if symptoms persist.

What should I feed my dog after vomiting yellow bile? After your dog vomits yellow bile, feeding them a bland diet like boiled chicken and rice can help soothe their upset stomach and reduce stomach acid. Avoid fatty foods and introduce small, frequent meals to help your dog’s body absorb nutrients better and prevent further stomach irritation.

Is throwing up yellow bile bad? Throwing up yellow bile occasionally can be normal due to an empty stomach, but frequent episodes may indicate underlying issues like bilious vomiting syndrome or a food allergy. It's important to monitor other symptoms and consult a vet if the vomiting persists or if severe dehydration occurs.

Why is my dog throwing up yellow bile and not eating or drinking and shaking? If your dog is vomiting yellow bile, not eating or drinking, and shaking, it could be a sign of a severe health issue such as kidney or liver disease, severe stomach irritation, or another serious condition. Immediate veterinary attention is crucial to diagnose the cause and provide appropriate treatment.