When your dog is throwing up bile and drooling excessively, it can be alarming to witness.
While occasional bile vomiting may not always be an emergency, when combined with drooling it signals discomfort that shouldn’t be ignored.
We outline the common causes of throwing up bile and drooling in dogs, what you can do at home, and when to seek veterinary help.
Dog Throwing Up Bile and Drooling — Why It Happens
A dog throwing up bile and drooling often points to irritation or illness in the digestive system. Bile is a digestive fluid released from the gallbladder, and when it appears in vomit along with excessive drooling, it may signal conditions like gastritis, acid reflux, pancreatitis, toxins, or even blockages.
Drooling occurs because nausea increases saliva production, making it a visible sign that something is wrong.
These symptoms may range from mild to serious, so paying attention to frequency and severity is key.
Dog Throwing Up Bile and Drooling: Common Causes
Gastritis
Gastritis, or inflammation of the stomach lining, is one of the most common reasons a dog may vomit bile and drool. This irritation can develop from eating spoiled food, foreign objects, or from an infection.
As the stomach becomes inflamed, it produces excess acid, which triggers nausea, vomiting, and excessive saliva. Dogs may also refuse food, act lethargic, or have diarrhea.
Mild cases sometimes improve with a bland diet, but ongoing gastritis needs medical treatment to prevent dehydration or weight loss.
Read more: Dog Throwing Up Bile and Undigested Food (What it could mean)
Acid Reflux
When stomach acid flows backward into the esophagus, it causes discomfort, nausea, and vomiting of bile.
Acid reflux often occurs after long fasting periods, which is why dogs may vomit bile early in the morning.
Drooling is a clear sign of nausea, and you might also notice lip licking or difficulty swallowing. Small breeds and older dogs tend to be more prone to reflux, which can worsen over time if untreated.
Chronic reflux may damage the esophagus, making veterinary care important if symptoms recur.
Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas and often leads to vomiting, bile in the stomach contents, and hypersalivation.
This condition may be triggered by a fatty meal, exposure to toxins, or even genetic predisposition.
Dogs with pancreatitis often hunch over in pain, avoid food, and may show signs of severe nausea like drooling and repeated vomiting.
Because pancreatitis can be life-threatening without treatment, dogs showing these symptoms need urgent veterinary care.
Poisoning or Toxin Exposure
Drooling paired with vomiting bile can also be caused by ingesting a toxic substance, such as plants, chemicals, medications, or human food that is dangerous to dogs. Many toxins cause immediate nausea, leading to hypersalivation and vomiting.
Additional signs may include trembling, seizures, or weakness. Poisoning is a medical emergency, and you should seek immediate veterinary assistance if they suspect your dog has consumed something harmful.
Intestinal Blockage
An obstruction in the digestive tract can prevent food from moving normally, leading to vomiting of bile and excessive drooling from nausea.
Dogs with blockages often swallow foreign objects like toys, bones, or socks. Along with vomiting and drooling, you may notice abdominal swelling, repeated attempts to vomit with little success, and pain when the belly is touched.
An intestinal blockage is life-threatening and requires emergency veterinary care, often surgery.
Liver or Kidney Disease
When vital organs such as the liver or kidneys are not functioning properly, toxins build up in the body, leading to nausea, bile vomiting, and hypersalivation.
These diseases often progress slowly, so owners may notice weight loss, increased thirst, and lethargy alongside vomiting and drooling.
Because organ dysfunction can become severe without treatment, veterinary evaluation with bloodwork and imaging is essential to manage the condition.
Read more: Dog Throwing Up Bile and Diarrhea (What it means for your pup)
What to Do If Your Dog Is Throwing Up Bile and Drooling
If your dog vomits bile once and drools but otherwise seems normal, you can withhold food for 8–12 hours, then reintroduce a bland diet in small portions.
Always provide clean, fresh water to prevent dehydration. Feeding smaller, more frequent meals may reduce the chance of bile buildup and help ease reflux.
Avoid giving fatty foods, table scraps, or sudden diet changes, as these can aggravate nausea.
If your dog is prone to reflux, try giving a small snack before bedtime to keep the stomach from being empty overnight. Keep all household toxins, plants, and garbage out of reach to prevent accidental poisoning.
However, if vomiting and drooling continue, your dog appears weak, or additional symptoms appear, it’s best not to wait. Veterinary care is necessary to rule out serious conditions like pancreatitis, poisoning, or obstruction.
When to Call or Visit Your Vet
You should contact your vet promptly if your dog:
Vomits multiple times in 24 hours
Has blood in vomit or stool
Appears lethargic, weak, or collapses
Shows abdominal pain or bloating
Drools excessively and cannot keep food or water down
These are warning signs of conditions that require immediate treatment. Your vet may run diagnostic tests such as blood panels, X-rays, or ultrasound to identify the underlying issue and provide appropriate care.
Read more: Dog Throwing Up Bile and Foam (Causes explained)
Key Takeaway
A dog throwing up bile and drooling may simply be reacting to an empty stomach, but it can also point to more serious conditions like pancreatitis, toxins, or an intestinal blockage.
While occasional, mild episodes may improve with rest and a bland diet, persistent vomiting and drooling require veterinary attention.
Acting quickly and seeking help when needed ensures your dog gets the care and relief they deserve.