Seeing your dog throw up yellow bile is alarming, and it’s a situation many dog owners face. While sometimes it’s nothing to worry about, vomiting bile can also signal a more serious problem.
That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you understand why your dog might be throwing up bile. We’ll cover the common causes, tell you when it’s time to see a vet, and what you can do in the meantime.
Specifically, we’ll explore what bile is, common reasons for bile in vomit, emergency situations that require immediate vet care, steps to take before your vet appointment, treatment options, and some preventative measures you can take.
What is bile, and why is my dog throwing it up?
Bile is a fluid made in the liver that helps digest fats. It’s stored in the gallbladder and squirted into the small intestine after your dog eats.
So, why is it in your dog’s vomit? Typically, it means your dog’s stomach is empty, and they’re bringing up fluids from their small intestine. This often happens if their stomach has been empty for too long. Think of it as their digestive system running on empty.
While an empty stomach is a common reason for dogs to vomit bile, it’s important to remember that it can also be a sign of something more serious.
Common causes of bile vomiting in dogs
If your dog has vomited yellow bile, there are a few possible reasons why.
Empty stomach and bilious vomiting syndrome (BVS)
If a dog’s stomach is empty for too long, bile can irritate the stomach lining, which can trigger vomiting. This is especially common in the morning or late at night, when your dog has gone many hours without eating.
Bilious vomiting syndrome (BVS) is diagnosed when dogs regularly vomit bile because their stomachs are irritated from being empty too long. BVS tends to occur in cycles, often related to a dog’s feeding schedule.
Dietary indiscretion
Sometimes, dogs eat things they shouldn’t, like garbage, spoiled food, or even a small toy. This “dietary indiscretion” can cause gastrointestinal upset and vomiting, which may include bile.
Gastrointestinal inflammation or disease
Various gastrointestinal (GI) issues can cause vomiting. Gastritis, pancreatitis, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can cause inflammation and vomiting. Inflammation can disrupt normal digestion and lead to the regurgitation of bile.
Blockages or obstructions
If a dog swallows a small toy or piece of bone, it can cause a dangerous gastrointestinal blockage, which can lead to severe vomiting. If something is preventing food from passing through the digestive system, bile can accumulate and trigger vomiting.
When to call your emergency veterinarian
Although occasional vomiting of bile isn’t necessarily a cause for alarm, there are times when you should seek immediate veterinary care. If your dog is showing any of the symptoms below, it’s best to err on the side of caution and head to the animal emergency room.
Signs that warrant immediate veterinary care
- Severe or frequent vomiting
- Weakness or lethargy
- Diarrhea, especially if there’s blood in it
- Blood in the vomit
- Signs of abdominal pain or distension
- Refusal to eat or drink
- Signs of dehydration, such as sunken eyes or dry gums
These symptoms can indicate serious underlying conditions that require immediate veterinary intervention.
What to expect at the veterinary clinic
The veterinarian will likely begin with a physical exam to assess your dog’s overall condition. They may also order blood work to evaluate organ function and check for underlying diseases. Imaging tests such as X-rays or ultrasound may be used to visualize the GI tract and identify any obstructions or other abnormalities.
What to do before the vet appointment
If your dog throws up bile, you should probably take them to the vet. In the meantime, there are a few things you can do to help:
- Keep your dog calm and comfortable. Create a quiet space and minimize stress.
- Note the time, frequency, and appearance of the vomit. Also, document any other symptoms your dog is exhibiting.
- Unless your vet tells you otherwise, don’t give your dog food for a few hours. This can help settle their stomach.
How Bile Vomiting is Treated in Dogs
If your dog is throwing up bile, your vet will likely recommend one or more of the following treatments:
- Feeding Adjustments: Feeding your dog smaller meals, more often, can help keep their stomach from being empty for too long. You may also need to switch to a bland, easily digestible food.
- Medications: Your vet may prescribe anti-emetics to control the vomiting. They might also suggest acid reducers to lower stomach acid production.
- Managing Underlying Conditions: The specific treatment will depend on what’s causing the vomiting. If it’s an infection, they’ll use antibiotics. For inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), they might use anti-inflammatory drugs. If there’s a blockage, surgery might be necessary.
Tips to prevent future episodes
The best way to prevent bilious vomiting is to determine the underlying cause and address it.
You can also:
- Feed your dog on a regular schedule. Consistent meal times can prevent long stretches without food.
- Keep a close eye on what your dog eats. Make sure that your dog cannot access trash, toxins, and other dangerous items.
- Take your dog to the vet for regular checkups. Vets can spot and treat underlying health problems.
In Closing
If your dog is vomiting bile, it’s important to find out why so you can treat the underlying cause.
Keep a close eye on your dog’s symptoms, and consult with your veterinarian about what you’re seeing. Then, follow your vet’s instructions for treatment and prevention, so your dog can get back to being their happy, healthy self.