When your dog is throwing up white mucus and refusing food, it can be distressing and alarming. This combination of symptoms can signal a range of issues from mild gastrointestinal upset to more serious underlying conditions.
We outline the common causes of a dog throwing up white mucus and not eating, what you can do at home, and when to seek veterinary help.
Dog Throwing Up White Mucus and Not Eating — Why It Happens
When your dog is throwing up white mucus and refusing food, this combination of symptoms may point to gastrointestinal irritation, respiratory infections, or chronic illness.
When a dog vomits white or foamy mucus, it often indicates an empty stomach or stomach acid buildup, but if paired with a lack of appetite, it may point to infections, digestive blockages, or inflammatory conditions.
Dogs may also vomit mucus due to kennel cough, reflux, or even serious concerns like pancreatitis or organ dysfunction.
Common Causes of Dog Throwing Up White Mucus and Not Eating
Gastritis or Stomach Irritation
When a dog vomits white mucus, especially on an empty stomach, it’s often due to gastritis. This inflammation of the stomach lining can be caused by eating something irritating, such as grass, spoiled food, or garbage.
Other signs may include drooling, pacing, or licking lips. The vomiting typically occurs in the morning or after fasting, and the dog may avoid food due to nausea.
Left untreated, chronic gastritis can lead to dehydration or more serious complications.
Read more: Dog Diarrhea and Not Eating (Causes and when to worry)
Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis, or inflammation of the pancreas, is a serious and painful condition that can cause vomiting of mucus, bile, or foam. Dogs with pancreatitis often become lethargic and lose their appetite.
Additional signs can include abdominal pain, hunched posture, or diarrhea. This condition may be triggered by eating fatty foods or as a result of an underlying metabolic disorder.
Pancreatitis requires urgent veterinary care and supportive treatment.
Kennel Cough or Respiratory Infections
Sometimes, what looks like vomiting may actually be retching or coughing up white mucus from the respiratory tract. Dogs with kennel cough often expel foamy mucus and may stop eating due to throat discomfort.
Coughing, nasal discharge, or sneezing are common additional symptoms. While mild cases may resolve with rest, more severe infections can lead to pneumonia.
Appetite loss and persistent vomiting-like symptoms should not be ignored.
Gastrointestinal Obstruction
A blockage in the digestive tract—such as from swallowing a toy, bone fragment, or piece of fabric—can cause vomiting of white or clear mucus as the dog tries to expel stomach contents.
The dog may also show signs of abdominal pain, bloating, or straining without results. Appetite loss is common as the stomach is unable to process food.
Obstructions are medical emergencies and can become life-threatening quickly.
Bilious Vomiting Syndrome
This occurs when dogs vomit white or yellow foam due to bile irritation, typically after fasting overnight. Dogs with bilious vomiting may avoid food in the morning but eat normally later in the day.
The vomiting is often mild but recurrent, and it may accompany lip-licking or grass eating.
Feeding smaller, more frequent meals and avoiding long fasting periods may help manage this condition.
Kidney or Liver Disease
Chronic conditions like kidney or liver disease may cause dogs to vomit white mucus and avoid food due to nausea and toxin buildup in the body.
These dogs may also drink more water, appear weak, or have changes in urination patterns. Bad breath and weight loss can also develop over time.
Bloodwork is usually needed to confirm the diagnosis and begin treatment.
What to Do If Your Dog Is Throwing Up White Mucus and Not Eating
If your dog vomits once or twice and then stops but still seems off, begin by withholding food for 6–12 hours to rest their stomach. Offer small amounts of water or ice cubes to prevent dehydration.
After the fast, try feeding a bland diet like plain boiled chicken and white rice in small portions. Avoid treats or fatty foods.
Monitor closely—if vomiting returns, or if your dog refuses food for more than 24 hours, seek veterinary care.
Ensure your dog is not exposed to garbage, spoiled food, or foreign objects that could be swallowed. Keep household toxins, medications, and plants out of reach.
Also note any other changes—like coughing, diarrhea, or lethargy—as these help your vet make a more accurate diagnosis.
When to Call or Visit Your Vet
Contact your vet if your dog:
Continues to vomit for more than 24 hours
Refuses all food and water
Shows signs of abdominal pain, swelling, or distress
Vomits material that looks like coffee grounds or blood
Has concurrent symptoms like diarrhea, coughing, or lethargy
White mucus may seem harmless, but if it’s persistent or combined with appetite loss, it often reflects an underlying problem that needs medical attention.
Don’t delay seeking help, especially in puppies, senior dogs, or those with known health issues.
Read more: Dog Vomiting Yellow and Not Eating (What it really means)
Key Takeaway
Vomiting white mucus and not eating may signal anything from mild irritation to serious illness. Watch your dog closely and try bland food if symptoms are mild.
But if your dog continues vomiting, shows signs of distress, or avoids food and water, call your vet without delay.
Early action can prevent complications and help your dog recover safely and quickly.