Dog Vomiting Yellow Bile

Dog vomiting is relatively common and usually doesn't indicate a larger problem. Some simple dietary changes will often reduce the vomiting, though you may want to consult your veterinarian if the problem persists.

Vomiting on Empty Stomach

When your dog vomits yellow bile first thing in the morning, it is usually caused by a buildup of stomach acid that may have accumulated since the last meal and can no longer be contained. This will usually be relatively clear, like saliva or mucous, and frothy. It may have a brownish tint as well.

This is caused by irritation in the stomach lining caused by the excess stomach acid and results in inflammation and discomfort.

Vomiting After Eating

Though not as common, this may also occurs shortly after your dog eats a meal. The color and consistency of the bile is similar, but it will usually also have food mixed in.

This is caused by the same problem (an excess of bile and stomach acid), but it's triggered by food, which causes the stomach acid to become even more active. The stomach acid is still usually building up when your dog is hungry.

Serious Causes

Though most causes of vomiting yellow bile are mild, it can be caused by a more serious illness in the digestive system. Stomach ulcers, which are also caused by excess stomach acid, can lead to chronic vomiting, which could occur both before and after your dog has eaten. It may also be an indicator of a tumor in the digestive system.

If not treated, excess stomach acid may lead to stomach ulcers, even if your dog doesn't have one yet, so consider changing your dog's diet to reduce the vomiting.

Medication

Excess stomach acid can often be cured by giving your dog a pill with meals, such as Pepcid AC. However, many over-the-counter drugs are not appropriate for dogs, and doses usually vary, so consult your veterinarian before giving your dog your heartburn pill.

More effective, dog-specific medication may be available through your veterinarian.

Dietary Changes

Make sure you are feeding your dog a high-quality kibble or homecooked diet, which is free of corn, wheat, meat byproducts, dyes and preservatives.

Consider feeding several small meals rather than one or two large ones. This will reduce the amount of time the stomach acid has to accumulate between meals and the amount required to digest each meals. If your dog is vomiting in the morning, feed a meal later at night.

Many times, the bile is a result of your dog's kibble expanding after entering the stomach as the stomach struggles to digest it. To reduce this, add wet food to your dog's food or wet the kibble with warm water and let it sit for 10 minutes. This causes it to expand before entering the stomach, reducing the work your dog's body has to do.

Additional Solutions

If you have more than one dog, your dog may be stressed during mealtimes. Be sure to provide your dog with a calm, quiet place away from other dogs where he feels comfortable eating. This will reduce stress and allow him to eat more slowly.

Reduce your dog's activity after eating. Don't exercise directly afterward, which can cause additional problems as well, including bloat.

By changing your dog's eating habits just a little you may be able to reduce the excess stomach acid being produced.

 

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