Seeing your dog throw up white foam while trembling can be a frightening sight.
These symptoms can indicate anything from mild stomach upset to serious health emergencies requiring immediate care.
We outline the common reasons why a dog may throw up white foam and shake, what you can do at home, and when to seek veterinary help.
Dog Throwing Up White Foam and Shaking — Why It Happens
A dog throwing up white foam and shaking may be experiencing gastrointestinal distress, pain, toxin exposure, or even a life-threatening emergency such as bloat or pancreatitis.
While an upset stomach can sometimes cause both symptoms, the combination of vomiting and tremors often means your dog is in significant discomfort — and needs your attention quickly.
Dog Throwing Up White Foam and Shaking: Common Causes
Gastroenteritis (Stomach and Intestinal Inflammation)
One of the most common causes of vomiting white foam combined with shaking is gastroenteritis — inflammation of the stomach and intestines. This can happen when a dog eats spoiled food, garbage, or something indigestible like grass or plastic.
When the stomach becomes irritated, it fills with air and fluid, leading to foamy vomit. The shaking may occur due to abdominal cramps or dehydration. Dogs with gastroenteritis might also have diarrhea, loss of appetite, or a hunched posture.
Most mild cases resolve with rest and hydration, but persistent vomiting or lethargy can quickly become dangerous, especially in small or senior dogs.
Read more: Dog throwing up white foam after drinking water (Here’s what it means)
Bloat (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus)
Bloat is a medical emergency where the dog’s stomach fills with gas and may twist on itself. This can begin with attempts to vomit white foam and progress to severe shaking, restlessness, and collapse.
Large, deep-chested breeds such as Great Danes, Weimaraners, and Standard Poodles are especially at risk. The shaking is often from pain and internal distress as the twisted stomach blocks blood flow.
If your dog’s abdomen looks swollen or they seem panicked, pacing, or unable to vomit properly — go to an emergency vet immediately. Without treatment, bloat can be fatal within hours.
Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis occurs when the pancreas becomes inflamed, often triggered by high-fat foods or certain medications. It causes vomiting, white or yellow foam, abdominal pain, shaking, and sometimes fever.
Dogs with pancreatitis may appear hunched, reluctant to eat, or whimper when picked up. Shaking in this case is a sign of pain or nausea.
This condition requires prompt veterinary care with fluids, rest, and a bland, low-fat diet afterward. Delaying treatment can lead to dehydration or severe complications affecting the liver and intestines.
Poisoning or Toxin Exposure
If your dog suddenly starts throwing up white foam and shaking, poisoning is a serious possibility. Ingesting substances like cleaning chemicals, pesticides, chocolate, grapes, or certain plants can trigger violent vomiting, tremors, drooling, and even seizures.
The white foam often results from frothing saliva and stomach irritation as the body tries to eliminate the toxin. Shaking occurs due to neurological distress or shock.
If you suspect your dog ingested something toxic, do not try to induce vomiting unless instructed by a veterinarian or poison control. Seek emergency care right away — early intervention can save your dog’s life.
Heatstroke
Heatstroke can cause both vomiting white foam and shaking when a dog overheats and their body temperature rises dangerously high. This happens quickly in hot weather or after strenuous exercise, especially in brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds like Bulldogs or Pugs.
The foamy vomit occurs from dehydration and distress, while shaking is a sign that the dog’s body is struggling to cool down. You may also notice excessive panting, drooling, or weakness.
Move your dog to a cool area immediately and offer small amounts of water, but never ice-cold water. Contact your vet right away, as heatstroke can cause organ failure if not treated promptly.
Pain, Anxiety, or Fear
Sometimes, shaking and vomiting aren’t caused by illness — but by pain or emotional distress. Dogs in pain from injuries, arthritis, or internal discomfort may tremble as a physical response. Stress, thunder, fireworks, or travel can also trigger shaking and stomach upset in anxious dogs.
If your dog trembles during stressful events and occasionally vomits foam, the symptoms may be linked to anxiety rather than a medical condition. However, frequent or unexplained trembling should still be checked by your vet to rule out pain or neurological problems.
Read more: Old dog vomiting white foam (What it means)
What to Do If Your Dog Is Throwing Up White Foam and Shaking
If your dog only vomits once and then seems normal, start by removing food and water for 1–2 hours to rest the stomach. After this short fasting period, offer small sips of water. If your dog keeps it down, gradually reintroduce a bland meal such as boiled chicken and rice in small portions.
Keep your dog calm and comfortable in a quiet, temperature-controlled environment. Trembling can worsen with stress or exertion. Avoid giving treats, table scraps, or fatty foods — these can worsen stomach irritation.
If your dog’s shaking persists, or if they vomit multiple times within a few hours, it’s best to call your vet. Continuous vomiting can lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and worsening nausea.
For dogs with a history of fast eating or bloating, feed smaller, frequent meals and avoid heavy activity after eating or drinking. Always provide fresh, clean water but monitor how quickly your dog drinks.
When to Call Your Vet
You should seek immediate veterinary attention if your dog:
Vomits white foam multiple times or can’t keep water down
Shakes uncontrollably or seems disoriented
Has a swollen abdomen, rapid breathing, or restlessness
Appears weak, lethargic, or unresponsive
May have ingested toxins or human medications
These signs may indicate serious conditions like bloat, poisoning, or pancreatitis that require emergency treatment. The combination of vomiting and shaking rarely improves on its own — even mild cases benefit from professional evaluation.
If your dog is a puppy, senior, or has chronic health problems, dehydration and electrolyte loss can set in very quickly. Early treatment with IV fluids and anti-nausea medication can prevent complications and speed recovery.
Read more: Dog Throwing Up and Diarrhea (Here’s what it means)
Key Takeaway
When your dog is throwing up white foam and shaking, it’s often a sign that something serious is wrong — even if it starts suddenly.
While mild stomach upset can cause both symptoms, persistent vomiting, visible pain, or trembling can point to conditions like pancreatitis, heatstroke, poisoning, or bloat.
If symptoms are ongoing or severe, don’t wait it out — call your vet or go to an emergency clinic. A calm, prompt response can make all the difference between a simple recovery and a life-threatening emergency.
Your dog depends on you to notice the warning signs — and acting quickly ensures they get the care and comfort they need.