Seeing your dog vomit a mixture of white foam and slime can be alarming. This type of vomit often looks mucousy or sticky and may indicate inflammation or infection in the digestive tract. While some causes are mild, others require urgent veterinary care.
We outline the common causes of dog vomiting white foam and slime, what you can do at home, and when to seek veterinary help.
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Dog Vomiting White Foam and Slime — Why It Happens
White foam mixed with slime in a dog’s vomit usually indicates an irritated stomach lining, excess mucus production, or a gastrointestinal response to an infection or toxin. The slime is typically mucus from the digestive tract, combined with air and stomach fluid to form foam.
Common Causes of Dog Vomiting White Foam and Slime
Gastritis (Stomach Inflammation)
Gastritis causes irritation of the stomach lining and leads to excessive mucus and acid production.
Dogs with gastritis often vomit a mix of foam, slime, and sometimes bile. They may also act restless, refuse food, or drool excessively.
Gastritis can be caused by dietary indiscretion, infections, or chronic illnesses, and should be evaluated if it persists.
Dietary Indiscretion or Toxin Exposure
Eating garbage, spoiled food, or toxic substances can irritate the stomach and trigger vomiting of mucus and white foam.
Your dog may also have diarrhea, tremors, or signs of abdominal pain.
If you suspect your dog ingested something toxic, do not wait—seek veterinary care immediately.
Related: Dog vomiting and not eating (Causes and what to do)
Gastrointestinal Parasites
Worms or other intestinal parasites can inflame the digestive tract, leading to excessive mucus production and vomiting.
The vomit may include mucus (slime), white foam, and sometimes visible parasites.
Regular deworming and fecal exams can help prevent these infections and keep your dog’s GI tract healthy.
Respiratory Illness or Postnasal Drip
Some dogs vomit or gag up white foam and mucus as a result of respiratory issues.
This can happen when mucus from the sinuses or lungs drips into the throat and triggers gagging or vomiting.
Look for coughing, nasal discharge, or difficulty breathing as accompanying signs.
Read more: Dog Vomiting White Foam and Mucus (What it means)
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
IBD causes chronic inflammation in the stomach or intestines and can lead to slimy vomit mixed with foam.
Dogs may also show weight loss, changes in appetite, or intermittent diarrhea.
Diagnosis usually involves blood tests, imaging, and sometimes biopsies. Treatment typically includes diet changes and medication.
What to Do If Your Dog Is Vomiting White Foam and Slime
Keep your dog calm and remove access to food for 12–24 hours to rest the stomach.
Offer small amounts of water or ice cubes to keep them hydrated without overloading the stomach.
After the rest period, slowly reintroduce a bland diet of boiled chicken and rice in small servings.
Monitor your dog’s behavior and note the frequency and appearance of vomit to share with your vet.
Avoid giving over-the-counter medications unless recommended by a veterinarian.
When to Call or Visit Your Vet
Call your vet if your dog:
Vomits multiple times in a day or continues for more than 24 hours
Has mucus or blood in vomit
Shows signs of abdominal pain, lethargy, or dehydration
Has accompanying diarrhea, fever, or loss of appetite
Is a young puppy, senior dog, or has other medical conditions
Your vet may recommend diagnostics such as blood tests, x-rays, or stool analysis to identify the cause.
Read more: Dog Vomiting White Foam and Licking (Should you be worried?)
Key Takeaway
Vomiting white foam with slime can be a sign of stomach inflammation, dietary issues, or an underlying disease.
If vomiting is frequent or your dog seems unwell, consult your veterinarian for a thorough evaluation and treatment plan.