Dog Throwing Up Green Bile and Not Eating (Here’s Why)

Dog Throwing Up Green Bile and Not Eating: Common Causes 

1. Empty Stomach Syndrome (Bilious Vomiting Syndrome)

When a dog goes too long without food, bile can build up in the stomach, causing irritation. This condition—known as bilious vomiting syndrome—commonly causes green or yellow bile to be vomited, especially in the early morning.

Symptoms include:

• Vomiting green/yellow fluid on an empty stomach

• Not eating breakfast or showing reluctance to start eating

• Lip licking or swallowing frequently

• Acting otherwise normal between vomiting episodes

Feeding your dog smaller, more frequent meals—especially before bed—can help reduce bile buildup and soothe the stomach lining.

2. Dietary Indiscretion

Dogs love to sniff and eat things they shouldn’t—spoiled food, grass, garbage, or non-food items. This “dietary indiscretion” often irritates the stomach, leading to nausea and bile vomiting.

Signs include:

• Green bile with bits of grass or unknown materials

• Refusal to eat meals after vomiting

• Mild or moderate lethargy

• Slight gurgling in the belly or burping

Most cases resolve within 24–48 hours with rest and bland food, but frequent or severe vomiting warrants veterinary attention, especially if dehydration is suspected.

Related: Dog vomiting and not eating (Causes and when to worry)

3. Bile Reflux or Gastritis

When bile backs up from the intestine into the stomach, it causes bile reflux gastritis—an inflamed stomach lining due to excess bile exposure. This irritation can lead to:

• Recurrent vomiting of bile (especially green or yellow)

• Poor appetite or food avoidance

• Signs of discomfort (restlessness, lip licking, pacing)

• Drooling or signs of nausea without vomiting

This is more common in dogs with irregular eating schedules or those who skip meals frequently. Long-term cases may need medication to control bile production and inflammation.

4. Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas that interferes with digestion and can be very painful. One of the hallmark signs is vomiting—often of bile—paired with complete disinterest in food.

Look for signs like:

• Green/yellow bile vomit

• Hunched back or “prayer position”

• Tender abdomen or reluctance to move

• Weakness, shaking, or whining

Pancreatitis can be triggered by fatty foods, table scraps, or underlying conditions. It requires immediate veterinary care and sometimes hospitalization.

5. Intestinal Blockage or Obstruction

If your dog has eaten a foreign object (toys, bones, socks), it can cause a blockage in the digestive tract. With nowhere for food to go, bile is often the only thing that comes up.

Symptoms include:

• Repeated vomiting of green/yellow bile

• Refusal to eat or drink

• Abdominal bloating or pain

• Lethargy and dehydration

Obstructions are serious medical emergencies. If vomiting continues and there’s no bowel movement or gas passed, get to a vet urgently.

6. Liver or Gallbladder Issues

Green bile in vomit can sometimes indicate liver dysfunction or gallbladder problems. These organs help process bile, and when they aren’t working properly, bile may accumulate or leak.

Possible signs include:

• Green bile vomit with chronic appetite loss

• Yellowing of gums, skin, or eyes (jaundice)

• Distended belly or fluid retention

• Changes in urination or stool color

Liver-related symptoms require bloodwork and imaging to diagnose. The sooner treatment starts, the better the long-term outcome.

7. Intestinal Parasites

Worms like roundworms or hookworms can inflame the stomach and intestines, causing vomiting—sometimes of bile—and a drop in appetite.

Clues include:

• Worms in vomit or stool

• Green or foamy bile

• Poor weight gain or pot-bellied appearance

• Dull coat or excessive itching

A fecal exam and deworming treatment can resolve the issue quickly if parasites are the root cause.

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

If your dog seems stable (not in pain or dehydrated):

• Withhold food for 8–12 hours to let the stomach rest

• Offer small amounts of water or ice cubes

• Reintroduce a bland diet (boiled chicken and rice) in small portions

• Feed smaller, more frequent meals going forward

• Avoid fatty foods, treats, or table scraps

If vomiting stops and your dog starts eating within 12–24 hours, it was likely a mild stomach upset. Keep a close eye on stool, energy levels, and hydration.

When to Call or Visit Your Vet

Get veterinary help if your dog:

• Vomits bile more than once or twice

• Refuses to eat for over 24 hours

• Shows signs of pain, bloating, or restlessness

• Is lethargic, dehydrated, or trembling

• Is a puppy, senior, or has a chronic health issue

Bile vomiting is often treatable, but serious conditions like pancreatitis, blockage, or liver disease must be caught early for the best chance of recovery.

Related Blogs

For more information on connected digestive concerns, check out these:

• Related: [Dog Vomiting Yellow and Not Eating]

• Read more: [Dog Vomiting Bile and Not Eating]

• Related: [Dog Belly Gurgling and Not Eating]

• Read more: [Dog Constipated and Not Eating]

• Related: [Dog Lethargic and Not Eating and Vomiting]

These blogs offer support for overlapping symptoms and scenarios.

Final Thoughts

Seeing your dog throw up green bile and refuse to eat is never easy. Whether it’s mild irritation or something more serious, it’s your dog’s way of saying something isn’t right inside. Trust your instincts, monitor your dog closely, and don’t hesitate to get professional help if symptoms persist.

Your attention and care make a world of difference—and with the right support, your dog will be back to tail wags and mealtimes before you know it.