Dog Not Eating and Throwing Up Bile: What You Need to Know

1. Empty Stomach Syndrome (Bilious Vomiting Syndrome)

One common cause of bile vomiting in dogs who are not eating is Empty Stomach Syndrome or Bilious Vomiting Syndrome.

This occurs when the stomach is empty for too long, causing bile to irritate the stomach lining.

Dogs with this condition often vomit early in the morning before breakfast or late at night.

This might happen because their digestive system is overly sensitive to bile reflux when the stomach is empty for extended periods.

Related: Dog not eating and hiding (Explained) 

2. Gastrointestinal Disorders

Various gastrointestinal problems can cause dogs to stop eating and throw up bile, including:

• Gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining)

• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

• Pancreatitis

These conditions cause nausea, reduce appetite, and increase the likelihood of bile vomiting.

3. Dietary Issues and Food Intolerance

A sudden change in diet or feeding your dog something inappropriate or spoiled can upset their stomach, resulting in vomiting bile and loss of appetite.

Sometimes dogs develop food intolerances or allergies that lead to stomach irritation.

This can cause repeated vomiting of bile, especially if the dog’s digestive system struggles to process certain ingredients.

4. Stress and Anxiety

Stress can impact your dog’s digestive system significantly.

Dogs under stress or anxiety may lose their appetite and vomit bile due to increased stomach acid production or changes in eating behavior.

Situations like moving homes, loud noises, the arrival of new pets, or separation anxiety can all cause this reaction.

Related: Dog not eating and losing weight (Explained) 

5. Illness and Infection

Underlying illnesses, such as infections (bacterial, viral, or parasitic), can cause loss of appetite and vomiting bile.

Serious infections can disrupt the normal functioning of the digestive tract, causing nausea and vomiting even when the dog’s stomach is empty.

6. Medication Side Effects

Certain medications can irritate your dog’s stomach or increase acid production, causing vomiting bile.

Drugs like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), steroids, or antibiotics sometimes cause gastrointestinal upset as a side effect.

If your dog recently started a new medication and then began not eating and throwing up bile, consult your vet immediately.

7. More Serious Underlying Conditions

Occasionally, persistent vomiting of bile and refusal to eat may signal a more serious medical problem, such as:

• Liver or kidney disease

• Pancreatic insufficiency

• Intestinal blockage or foreign body ingestion

• Cancer

If symptoms persist or worsen, these possibilities must be ruled out by a veterinary professional.

Signs and Symptoms to Watch For Alongside Not Eating and Vomiting Bile

If your dog is not eating and throwing up bile, look out for accompanying signs that indicate the severity of the condition:

• Lethargy or weakness

• Excessive drooling

• Dehydration (dry gums, sunken eyes)

• Weight loss

• Diarrhea or constipation

• Changes in behavior or mood

• Abdominal pain or bloating

• Excessive thirst or urination

• Pale gums

The presence of these signs alongside bile vomiting requires urgent veterinary attention.

Puppy not eating and throwing up bile

When a puppy isn’t eating and throws up bile, it’s often due to an empty stomach causing acid buildup, which irritates the gut.

However, in puppies, this can also be a warning sign of more serious issues like intestinal parasites, infections (like parvovirus), food intolerance, or a sudden diet change.

Puppies have sensitive digestive systems and weaker immunity, so skipping meals or vomiting bile should never be ignored.

Prompt veterinary attention is important to prevent dehydration and uncover any hidden health problems.

Senior dog not eating and throwing up bile

This often occurs due to an empty stomach, where bile builds up and irritates the stomach lining, especially in older dogs with slowed digestion.

However, in senior dogs, it can also signal more serious issues like liver or kidney disease, pancreatitis, gastrointestinal ulcers, or even cancer.

Age-related health decline can reduce appetite and disrupt normal digestive function, leading to vomiting bile.

If your senior dog consistently avoids food and vomits yellow or green bile, a vet check is crucial to identify and treat the underlying condition early.

What to Do If Your Dog Is Not Eating and Throwing Up Bile

Monitor Closely and Adjust Feeding Schedule

If your dog throws up bile occasionally but is otherwise active, try feeding smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day.

This can help prevent the stomach from being empty for long periods, reducing bile reflux.

Offering a bland diet, such as boiled chicken and rice, can also soothe the stomach.

Keep Your Dog Hydrated

Vomiting can quickly lead to dehydration.

Make sure your dog has access to fresh water at all times, but encourage small sips rather than large gulps, which may trigger more vomiting.

Avoid Stressful Situations

Minimize stressors in your dog’s environment.

Maintain a consistent routine, provide comfort, and ensure a calm space for your dog to relax.

Check Medications and Diet

If you suspect medication side effects, contact your vet for advice on alternatives or adjustments.

Similarly, avoid sudden diet changes and feed high-quality dog food suitable for your dog’s age and health status.

When to See a Veterinarian 

You should seek veterinary care immediately if your dog is not eating and throwing up bile along with any of these conditions:

• Vomiting lasts more than 24 hours

• Vomiting contains blood or looks like coffee grounds

• Your dog is lethargic, weak, or unresponsive

• Signs of dehydration appear (sunken eyes, dry gums, sticky mouth)

• Your dog has a distended or painful abdomen

• Vomiting is accompanied by diarrhea or difficulty breathing

• Your dog is a puppy, senior, or has other health issues

• Your dog ingested something toxic or potentially harmful

Early veterinary diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications like severe dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and worsening of underlying diseases.

How This Is  Diagnosed 

At the vet, the diagnosis will often include:

• Physical examination

• Blood tests to check organ function and infections

• Fecal exams to rule out parasites

• Imaging tests like X-rays or ultrasound to check for blockages or abnormalities

• Endoscopy for detailed stomach examination (in some cases)

Treatment depends on the underlying cause but may involve:

• Fluid therapy to treat dehydration

• Medications to reduce stomach acid and protect the stomach lining

• Antibiotics or antiparasitic drugs if infection is detected

• Dietary changes or prescription diets

• Surgery if a foreign object or tumor is present

Key Takeaway

Dog not eating and throwing up bile is a symptom that should never be ignored.

While it can sometimes be due to minor issues like an empty stomach or mild stress, it can also signal more serious health problems requiring professional care.

Prompt action can help your dog recover quickly and avoid complications such as dehydration, malnutrition, or worsening illness.

Monitoring your dog’s symptoms, making simple adjustments at home, and seeking veterinary advice when necessary will ensure your dog stays happy and healthy.