If your dog is throwing up yellow bile, refusing food, and shaking, it’s a concerning combination of symptoms.
Yellow bile, a digestive fluid from the liver, is usually vomited when a dog’s stomach is empty or irritated. When this is paired with shaking and a lack of appetite, it can signal a variety of issues.
Understanding what’s happening can help you take the right action quickly.
Dog Throwing Up Yellow Bile, Not Eating, and Shaking: Why It Happens
When your dog is throwing up yellow bile, refusing food, and shaking, this combination often points to digestive inflammation, pancreatitis, anxiety, bile reflux, or systemic illness. The yellow bile indicates that the stomach is empty, while shaking may signal pain, weakness, or nervous system distress.
Refusing to eat adds to the urgency, as it suggests your dog feels unwell enough to avoid food entirely.
Dog Throwing Up Yellow Bile, Not Eating, and Shaking: Common Causes
1. Bile Reflux or Empty Stomach (Bilious Vomiting Syndrome)
When a dog’s stomach remains empty for too long, bile can accumulate and irritate the stomach lining, leading to vomiting yellow foam or fluid.
This is common in the early morning or late at night. While some dogs recover quickly, others may shake due to nausea or discomfort and avoid food until the irritation resolves.
Feeding smaller, more frequent meals can help prevent this in the future—but if symptoms continue or your dog seems lethargic or in pain, a vet check is necessary.
2. Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis is a serious condition where the pancreas becomes inflamed, often after eating fatty foods.
It’s one of the most common causes of bile vomiting, loss of appetite, and shaking due to abdominal pain.
Dogs may also appear bloated, hunched over, or reluctant to move.
This is a veterinary emergency that requires IV fluids, anti-nausea medication, pain relief, and dietary adjustments.
Related: Dog vomiting and not eating (Causes and when to worry)
3. Gastrointestinal Irritation or Gastritis
If your dog ate something irritating—like garbage, spoiled food, or non-food items—it may cause gastritis.
This inflammation leads to yellow bile vomiting, and the resulting discomfort can cause shaking and avoidance of food.
Mild cases may resolve on their own, but persistent symptoms or worsening signs (like blood in vomit or stool) require immediate veterinary attention.
4. Anxiety or Stress-Induced Nausea
Dogs may vomit yellow bile, shake, and refuse food due to stress or anxiety, especially during thunderstorms, vet visits, travel, or major changes at home.
While behavioral, these signs can still affect your dog’s physical health.
If you suspect anxiety is the trigger and your dog is otherwise healthy, create a calm environment and monitor their response.
If symptoms persist beyond a few hours or recur frequently, consult your vet to rule out physical causes.
5. Toxin Ingestion
If your dog has eaten something toxic—such as chocolate, household chemicals, xylitol, or grapes—they may show early signs like vomiting yellow bile, trembling, and appetite loss.
The yellow color could indicate bile expelled as the stomach tries to rid itself of toxins.
This is a medical emergency. Call your vet or pet poison hotline immediately, especially if vomiting continues or other symptoms like diarrhea, disorientation, or collapse appear.
6. Liver or Gallbladder Issues
The liver and gallbladder help produce and regulate bile. When these organs are inflamed or diseased, bile vomiting, inappetence, and shaking from weakness or nausea may follow.
Blood tests and imaging can diagnose liver-related issues. Many conditions can be managed successfully with medication and diet changes if caught early.
What to Do If Your Dog Is Throwing Up Yellow Bile, Not Eating, and Shaking
If your dog is still alert and symptoms are mild, you can take these immediate steps at home—while preparing to consult your vet:
Withhold food for 8–12 hours, but allow access to small sips of water.
Offer ice cubes or tiny amounts of water if vomiting continues.
After the fasting period, try a bland meal (like plain boiled chicken and rice).
Keep your dog warm, calm, and resting in a quiet space.
Do not give medications unless prescribed by your vet.
If symptoms persist or worsen—such as vomiting water, more frequent bile episodes, or increasing shaking—seek veterinary attention right away.
When to Call or Visit Your Vet
Contact your vet immediately if your dog is throwing up yellow bile, not eating, and shaking, especially if:
Vomiting continues for more than 12–24 hours
Shaking becomes constant or is paired with panting, weakness, or collapse
Your dog refuses water
There’s blood in the vomit or stool
Your dog is a puppy, senior, or has pre-existing health conditions
Toxin ingestion is suspected
Your vet may run blood tests, x-rays, and other diagnostics to determine the cause and begin appropriate treatment.
Read more: Dog Vomiting Yellow Bile and Not Eating: What to Do (Here’s why)
Key Takeaway
When your dog throws up yellow bile, refuses to eat, and starts shaking, they’re telling you something’s wrong—whether it’s stomach upset, stress, or something more serious.
Early signs like these are often your best chance to catch and treat underlying issues before they escalate.
If symptoms continue or your gut tells you something isn’t right, trust your instincts and contact your vet.
Your quick action could make all the difference in your dog’s recovery.