It is alarming to see your dog having diarrhea and vomiting yellow foam or liquid. While mild diarrhea is common and usually harmless in dogs, its frequency, intensity, and occurrence alongside other symptoms raise concern.
The yellow vomit has a frothy and bubbly appearance and light yellow in color. It may look similar in texture to whipped egg whites or shaving cream and may be accompanied by other contents of a dog’s stomach depending on the cause of the vomiting.
So, what causes dog diarrhea and vomiting of yellow? Should you panic? And what can you do about it?
We outline the potential causes of dog diarrhea and vomiting yellow foam or liquid, along with the associated symptoms and when to seek help.
Dog Diarrhea and Vomiting Yellow Foam — Why It Happens
A dog vomiting yellow foam and having diarrhea is usually a sign of stomach irritation or an underlying gastrointestinal problem. The yellow foam often comes from bile, a digestive fluid that leaks into an empty stomach and causes nausea or vomiting.
When diarrhea occurs alongside it, it can signal conditions like gastritis, intestinal infections, pancreatitis, or even food intolerance.
Some cases are mild and resolve with rest and hydration, while others point to deeper issues like liver disease or blockages that need prompt veterinary care.
Common Causes of Dog Diarrhea and Vomiting Yellow Foam
1. Bilious Vomiting Syndrome
This condition happens when a dog’s stomach remains empty for too long, allowing bile to irritate the stomach lining.
The bile appears yellow and foamy when vomited, and diarrhea may follow if the digestive tract becomes upset.
It’s most common in dogs that go long hours between meals or eat irregularly. Small breeds and dogs with sensitive stomachs tend to experience it more often.
Feeding smaller, more frequent meals or a bedtime snack often helps prevent this problem.
Read more: Dog Diarrhea No Other Symptoms (What it means and when to worry)
2. Dietary Indiscretion (Eating Something They Shouldn’t)
Many dogs are notorious scavengers—raiding the trash, eating spoiled food, or chewing on yard debris.
This “dietary indiscretion” can lead to acute vomiting and diarrhea as the stomach and intestines react to toxins or indigestible materials.
The yellow foam can appear as bile mixes with stomach acids during repeated vomiting. Dogs may also seem lethargic, drool excessively, or refuse food.
If your dog’s diarrhea persists beyond 24 hours or you notice blood, veterinary attention is essential to prevent dehydration or toxicity.
3. Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis, or inflammation of the pancreas, is a painful condition that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and bile-filled foam.
It often develops after a dog eats fatty foods like bacon, sausages, or table scraps. The inflamed pancreas releases digestive enzymes prematurely, damaging nearby tissues and leading to severe abdominal pain.
Dogs with pancreatitis may hunch their backs, tremble, refuse food, and have greasy or foul-smelling diarrhea.
This condition requires immediate veterinary care, as untreated pancreatitis can cause dehydration, organ damage, or even death.
4. Intestinal Parasites
Worms such as roundworms, hookworms, or giardia can trigger both diarrhea and vomiting, often mixed with mucus or bile.
Puppies are especially vulnerable, but adult dogs can also pick up parasites from contaminated soil, water, or other animals.
Aside from the yellow foam, you might see bloating, weight loss, or visible worms in the stool.
A fecal exam from your vet can confirm the diagnosis, and proper deworming treatment typically resolves the issue quickly.
5. Liver or Gallbladder Disease
If your dog’s vomiting and diarrhea persist for more than a couple of days, underlying liver or gallbladder disease could be to blame.
These organs play vital roles in bile production and fat digestion. When they malfunction, bile can build up or leak into the stomach, causing yellow vomit.
Other symptoms may include yellowing of the eyes or gums (jaundice), dark urine, and loss of appetite.
Because liver conditions can worsen quietly over time, early diagnosis through bloodwork and imaging is key.
6. Food Intolerance or Allergies
Dogs can react poorly to certain proteins or ingredients, especially in low-quality or grain-heavy diets.
This sensitivity irritates the digestive tract, leading to loose stool, bloating, and bile-like vomiting.
Common triggers include chicken, beef, dairy, and wheat. Transitioning your dog to a limited-ingredient or hypoallergenic diet under vet supervision often helps identify and eliminate the culprit.
A gradual diet change is essential—sudden switches can worsen diarrhea and stomach upset.
Read more: Dog Diarrhea and Prednisone (Understanding the causes)
What to Do If Your Dog Is Vomiting Yellow Foam and Has Diarrhea
If your dog is otherwise alert and only mildly ill, you can start with gentle home care before calling your vet.
Withhold food for 8–12 hours to let the stomach rest, but continue offering small amounts of water or ice cubes to prevent dehydration.
After the fasting period, introduce a bland diet of boiled chicken and plain rice or pumpkin for a day or two. Feed small, frequent portions rather than one large meal.
Monitor closely for improvement—if the vomiting and diarrhea subside within 24–36 hours, you can slowly reintroduce your dog’s regular food.
You can also add a veterinary-approved probiotic to help restore healthy gut bacteria after an upset stomach.
However, avoid giving over-the-counter medications unless prescribed by your veterinarian, as many human drugs can worsen the problem or mask serious illness.
When to Call or Visit Your Vet
Because vomiting and diarrhea can quickly dehydrate a dog, it’s important to know when to seek professional help.
Call your vet immediately if your dog is vomiting yellow foam and has diarrhea that lasts more than 24 hours, or if the symptoms are accompanied by any of the following:
Blood in vomit or stool
Weakness, shaking, or collapse
Refusal to drink water
Swollen or painful abdomen
Persistent retching with no vomit
Signs of jaundice (yellow eyes or gums)
Puppies, senior dogs, and those with chronic health issues are especially vulnerable to fluid loss and electrolyte imbalance, so don’t wait too long to get veterinary care.
If your vet suspects something serious like pancreatitis or organ dysfunction, they may perform blood tests, X-rays, or an ultrasound to pinpoint the cause and begin proper treatment.
Read more: Dog Diarrhea and Shaking (Here’s why it happens)
Key Takeaway
When your dog has diarrhea and vomits yellow foam, it’s a clear sign that the digestive system is under stress.
Sometimes it’s just mild stomach irritation, but it can also indicate pancreatitis, parasites, or organ disease.
You can try simple at-home care—hydration, rest, and a bland diet—for short-term relief. But if your dog’s symptoms last longer than a day or worsen, prompt veterinary attention is essential to rule out serious causes and ensure a safe recovery.
Staying alert, acting early, and feeding a balanced diet will help your dog’s tummy get back on track and prevent future flare-ups.
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