When your dog is vomiting white foam and gagging, it’s a strong signal that something is irritating their throat or upper digestive tract. These symptoms can be mild and temporary, but they can also point to more serious issues that need quick attention.
We outline the common causes of dog vomiting white foam and gagging, what you can do at home, and when to seek veterinary help.
Dog Vomiting White Foam and Gagging — Why It Happens
Vomiting white foam paired with gagging often means your dog’s airway or throat is irritated, or their stomach is reacting to inflammation, infection, or a foreign object.
Gagging is the body’s way of trying to clear the throat or upper airway, and when combined with vomiting, it can signal discomfort, blockage, or disease.
Common Causes of Dog Vomiting White Foam and Gagging
Kennel Cough or Respiratory Infection
Kennel cough is a highly contagious respiratory illness that causes dogs to have persistent, dry, hacking coughs that can lead to gagging and vomiting white foam.
Dogs may also show nasal discharge, sneezing, or mild lethargy.
While most cases are mild, some can progress to pneumonia—especially in puppies or older dogs—so veterinary evaluation is recommended if it persists.
Read more: Dog Vomiting White Foam and Diarrhea (Here’s why)
Throat or Esophageal Irritation
Irritation from swallowing rough food, grass, or even mild acid reflux can cause your dog to gag and vomit foam.
You may notice your dog repeatedly swallowing, licking their lips, or gagging after eating.
Most cases are temporary, but repeated episodes may need treatment to reduce inflammation and rule out ulcers or damage.
Foreign Object in the Throat
If your dog has swallowed a small toy, bone shard, or stick, it may become lodged in the throat or esophagus.
This can cause gagging, retching, and the production of white foam as your dog tries to dislodge it.
This is a medical emergency. If gagging is persistent and your dog shows distress, get to a vet immediately.
Related: Dog vomiting and not eating (Causes and what to do)
Gastroesophageal Reflux or Acid Build-Up
Excess stomach acid can rise into the esophagus, causing irritation, nausea, and vomiting white foam.
This can also trigger gagging, especially when your dog lies down after eating or during early morning hours.
Feeding smaller meals and avoiding rich foods can help, but persistent reflux may require medication.
Bloat (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus)
In the early stages of bloat, dogs may gag, retch without producing food, and vomit white foam.
Panting, pacing, and a swollen abdomen may also be present. This is a medical emergency.
Immediate surgical intervention is required. Do not wait—bloat can be fatal within hours.
What to Do If Your Dog Is Vomiting White Foam and Gagging
Keep your dog calm and watch for changes in breathing, swallowing, or posture. Avoid food for 12–24 hours unless otherwise advised by a vet.
If you suspect your dog swallowed something it shouldn’t have, do not try to remove it yourself—seek veterinary care immediately.
Offer small sips of water if your dog is alert and not actively vomiting or gagging.
Record how often the gagging and vomiting occur and whether any patterns emerge—this helps your vet diagnose the issue faster.
Do not give cough suppressants or other medications without your vet’s approval.
When to Call or Visit Your Vet
Contact your veterinarian right away if your dog:
Gags or retches repeatedly without producing anything
Vomits white foam more than once within 12 hours
Has trouble swallowing, breathing, or opens their mouth wide repeatedly
Has signs of bloating or abdominal swelling
Shows signs of choking or distress
Veterinary tests like x-rays, endoscopy, or bloodwork may be necessary to rule out serious causes.
Read more: Dog Vomiting White Foam but Acting Normal (Is it okay to wait?)
Key Takeaway
Gagging and vomiting white foam together can result from something as simple as mild irritation—or something as dangerous as a blocked airway or bloat.
Always take these symptoms seriously. Monitor closely, keep your dog comfortable, and reach out to your vet if symptoms persist or worsen.