If your dog is having diarrhea and is also throwing up bile, it can be alarming and confusing. These two symptoms often occur together and may signal a serious underlying issue.
We explain the potential causes of dog diarrhea and vomiting bile, what these symptoms mean, and when it’s time to take your dog to the vet.
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Here’s Why Dog Diarrhea and Throwing Up Bile Happens
Dog diarrhea and throwing up bile often indicate gastrointestinal distress caused by issues such as dietary indiscretion, infections, an empty stomach, or more serious conditions like pancreatitis or liver disease.
Bile is a yellowish fluid from the liver that aids digestion, and when a dog vomits bile alongside diarrhea, it usually points to irritation in the stomach or intestines.
These symptoms may also result from stress, sudden dietary changes, or ingesting harmful substances.
While occasional incidents might not be alarming, persistent or severe cases require prompt veterinary attention to prevent dehydration and address any underlying health problems.
Possible Causes of Dog Diarrhea and Throwing Up Bile
There are several reasons why your dog may experience diarrhea and bile vomiting at the same time:
1. Gastrointestinal Infections
Gastrointestinal infections are one of the most common causes of diarrhea and throwing up bile in dogs. These infections may be caused by:
Bacteria (like Salmonella or E. coli)
Viruses (such as parvovirus or coronavirus)
Intestinal parasites (like Giardia or roundworms)
These pathogens irritate the lining of your dog’s stomach and intestines, leading to inflammation, vomiting bile, and diarrhea.
Your dog may also show symptoms such as fever, loss of appetite, and lethargy.
Prompt veterinary treatment is crucial, especially in puppies or elderly dogs, to avoid dehydration and complications.
Related: Dog diarrhea and gas (Explained)
2. Empty Stomach and Bile Build-Up
A very common reason for dog throwing up bile and having diarrhea is an empty stomach.
If your dog hasn’t eaten in a while, bile can accumulate and irritate the stomach lining, leading to vomiting.
This vomiting can, in turn, trigger diarrhea due to stress on the gastrointestinal tract.
This condition is often referred to as bilious vomiting syndrome and is more likely to occur in the morning or late at night.
To prevent this, feeding your dog small, frequent meals throughout the day can help regulate bile flow and reduce irritation.
3. Dietary Indiscretion
Dog diarrhea and throwing up bile can also result from eating something inappropriate—this is known as dietary indiscretion.
Dogs are naturally curious and may ingest:
Spoiled food
Garbage
Table scraps
Non-food objects like socks, toys, or plastic
When a dog consumes something their digestive system can’t handle, it may cause acute gastroenteritis, leading to vomiting bile and diarrhea.
Mild cases may resolve on their own, but ingestion of toxic or indigestible substances requires urgent veterinary care.
4. Sudden Change in Diet
If you’ve recently changed your dog’s food, this may be the reason for dog diarrhea and bile vomiting.
A sudden switch can disrupt the delicate balance of gut bacteria, leading to gastrointestinal upset.
Some dogs may also develop food sensitivities or allergies, especially to common ingredients like chicken, beef, or grains.
This can cause chronic diarrhea and intermittent vomiting of bile.
To avoid this, always transition to new food gradually over 7–10 days by mixing increasing amounts of the new food with the old one.
5. Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis in dogs—inflammation of the pancreas—can cause severe symptoms, including:
Vomiting bile
Diarrhea
Abdominal pain
Lethargy
Loss of appetite
This condition often develops after a dog consumes fatty or greasy food.
The pancreas becomes inflamed and releases digestive enzymes that damage surrounding tissue.
Pancreatitis is a serious medical emergency.
If you suspect it, take your dog to a vet immediately for diagnosis and treatment.
6. Intestinal Blockages
Dogs that swallow foreign objects may develop intestinal obstructions, which can cause vomiting bile and diarrhea.
Common culprits include:
Bones
Toys
Hairballs
Rocks
A blocked intestine prevents food and liquid from passing, leading to severe gastrointestinal symptoms.
Along with vomiting and diarrhea, your dog may have a bloated abdomen, cry in pain, or be unable to defecate.
Surgery may be needed to remove the blockage, so prompt veterinary care is critical.
Related: Dog diarrhea and straining (Explained)
7. Liver or Gallbladder Disease
Liver dysfunction or gallbladder problems can affect how bile is processed in your dog’s body.
This may result in:
Yellow or green bile vomiting
Soft or runny stools
Jaundice (yellowing of eyes or gums)
Weakness
When the liver doesn’t function properly, it can’t filter toxins or regulate digestion effectively.
This causes gastrointestinal distress, leading to both dog diarrhea and throwing up bile.
Diagnosis may require blood work, ultrasounds, or biopsies.
8. Stress or Anxiety
Stress is another overlooked factor that can lead to dog diarrhea and bile vomiting.
Events like moving to a new home, separation anxiety, loud noises (like fireworks), or boarding can trigger gastrointestinal upset in sensitive dogs.
Stress can cause increased gastric acid production and gut motility, leading to nausea, vomiting bile, and loose stools.
If you notice these symptoms during stressful events, it may be beneficial to use calming aids or consult your vet about behavior training.
9. Side Effects of Medication
Some medications can irritate your dog’s digestive system and lead to diarrhea and vomiting bile.
Common culprits include:
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Antibiotics
Chemotherapy drugs
Steroids
These drugs may cause inflammation or ulcers in the gastrointestinal lining, resulting in symptoms.
If you suspect your dog’s medication is causing problems, consult your vet—do not stop medications abruptly without professional advice.
Related: Dog diarrhea and scooting (Explained)
What To Do If Your Dog Has Diarrhea and Is Throwing Up Bile
If your dog shows both symptoms once and seems fine afterward, it may be a minor issue.
However, if the diarrhea and vomiting bile persist or worsen, it’s important to take action quickly.
Here’s what you can do:
Step 1: Withhold Food (Temporarily)
Avoid feeding your dog for 12–24 hours to let the gastrointestinal tract rest.
Always provide fresh water to avoid dehydration.
Step 2: Introduce a Bland Diet
After fasting, offer a bland diet like boiled chicken and white rice in small portions.
Gradually reintroduce their regular food over a few days if symptoms improve.
Step 3: Hydration is Key
Encourage water intake. Use electrolyte solutions if advised by a vet.
Watch for signs of dehydration like dry gums, lethargy, or sunken eyes.
When to See a Vet for Dog Diarrhea and Throwing Up Bile
Seek veterinary care immediately if:
Diarrhea or vomiting lasts more than 24 hours
Vomit contains blood or appears coffee-ground
Diarrhea is bloody or black (tarry)
Your dog is lethargic or shows signs of pain
Your dog refuses food and water
Symptoms occur in a puppy, senior dog, or dog with chronic illness.
Early intervention can make a significant difference, especially if the cause is a serious condition like pancreatitis or poisoning.
Key Takeaway: Dog Diarrhea and Throwing Up Bile
Dog diarrhea and vomiting bile are symptoms that shouldn’t be ignored.
While mild cases can result from an empty stomach or minor dietary issues, persistent or severe symptoms may indicate serious conditions such as infections, pancreatitis, or liver disease.
Understanding the underlying causes is key to ensuring proper treatment and recovery.
When in doubt, it’s always best to consult your veterinarian for a thorough evaluation.
By addressing the root cause, managing your dog’s diet, and monitoring for red flags, you can help ensure your dog stays healthy and comfortable.