When your puppy throws up bile and refuses to eat, it’s easy to go from mildly concerned to fully panicked.
Bile is a yellow or greenish fluid that aids digestion, and while one episode of vomiting bile might not be alarming, frequent or repeated bile vomiting combined with appetite loss is a cause for concern—especially in puppies.
We outline why your puppy may be throwing up bile and not eating, what you can do at home, and when it’s time to head to the vet.
Puppy Throwing Up Bile and Not Eating: Why It Happens
A puppy throwing up bile and not eating may be experiencing digestive upset, hunger-related vomiting, intestinal parasites, dietary intolerance, infection, or a more serious condition like parvovirus.
Puppies are more prone to rapid dehydration and blood sugar drops, so this symptom combination must never be taken lightly.
The refusal to eat is often tied to nausea, discomfort, or systemic illness.
Puppy Throwing Up Bile and Not Eating: Common Causes
1. Bilious Vomiting Syndrome (Empty Stomach)
Puppies who go too long without food may vomit yellow or greenish bile. This is known as bilious vomiting syndrome.
It often occurs in the morning or late at night when the puppy’s stomach is empty.
The bile irritates the stomach lining, leading to vomiting and subsequent loss of appetite.
Feeding smaller, more frequent meals can often resolve this issue, but if it persists, it’s time to investigate deeper.
2. Dietary Indiscretion or Sudden Food Change
Puppies often chew and swallow things they shouldn’t—grass, paper, old food, etc.—which can irritate the stomach and cause bile vomiting.
Sudden changes in diet or feeding a food that’s too rich can also trigger gastrointestinal upset.
If your puppy refuses food after vomiting bile, it could be their way of avoiding what made them sick.
Mild cases may pass, but repeated symptoms require a vet’s input.
Related: Dog vomiting and not eating (Causes and when to worry)
3. Intestinal Parasites
Roundworms, hookworms, giardia, and other parasites are extremely common in puppies and can lead to bile vomiting, appetite loss, and diarrhea.
A puppy may seem generally unwell, with bloating, visible worms in the stool, or weight loss despite eating normally earlier.
Untreated, parasites can weaken a puppy quickly and impair development.
A fecal exam and deworming may be necessary to correct the issue.
4. Viral or Bacterial Infections
Infections such as canine parvovirus or bacterial gastroenteritis can be life-threatening if not addressed early.
Puppies with parvo often vomit bile and refuse food and water. Diarrhea, fever, and lethargy typically follow.
Other viral or bacterial illnesses may present more subtly but still lead to vomiting and anorexia.
Early detection is critical, especially in unvaccinated puppies or those recently adopted from shelters.
5. Foreign Object Ingestion
Puppies explore with their mouths, and it’s not uncommon for them to swallow small toys, fabric, or other non-digestible items.
If an object becomes stuck in the digestive tract, it can block food and water from passing, causing the puppy to vomit bile.
They’ll often refuse food, appear lethargic, or strain to defecate. This is a serious emergency and often requires surgery.
6. Stress or Anxiety
New environments, separation anxiety, loud noises, or changes in routine can all cause puppies to vomit bile and refuse meals.
Stress-induced gastrointestinal upset tends to resolve quickly once the stressor is removed, but persistent symptoms may indicate something more serious.
Related: Dog throwing up yellow and not eating (What it means)
7. Liver or Pancreatic Issues
Though rarer in puppies, congenital issues with the liver or pancreas can manifest early in life.
Vomiting bile and skipping meals may be early signs. Other symptoms might include stunted growth, neurological signs, or increased thirst and urination.
These conditions typically require imaging and blood work to diagnose properly.
What to Do If Your Puppy Is Throwing Up Bile and Not Eating
If your puppy has only vomited once or twice, is otherwise active, and seems mildly off, try these steps for the next few hours:
Offer small amounts of water or ice chips to prevent dehydration.
Withhold food for 6–12 hours, then offer a bland diet of boiled chicken and rice in tiny portions.
Feed small, frequent meals going forward to avoid bile build-up.
Use a slow-feeder bowl if your puppy eats or drinks too fast.
Keep your puppy calm and rested, especially after vomiting.
However, because puppies are more fragile than adult dogs, you should not wait longer than 12–24 hours if vomiting persists or food and water are refused.
When to Call or Visit Your Vet
You should seek veterinary help urgently if:
Your puppy vomits bile multiple times in 24 hours.
They refuse both food and water.
You notice diarrhea, lethargy, or signs of dehydration (dry gums, skin that doesn’t snap back).
There is blood in the vomit or stool.
Your puppy was recently adopted, is unvaccinated, or came from a shelter.
You suspect your puppy swallowed something foreign or toxic.
The vet may recommend a fecal exam, bloodwork, X-rays, or ultrasound to determine the cause.
IV fluids, anti-nausea medication, and supportive care may be necessary to prevent complications like hypoglycemia or severe dehydration.
Key Takeaway
A puppy throwing up bile and not eating could be facing anything from a mild stomach upset to a life-threatening illness.
The key is watching closely, acting quickly, and never dismissing vomiting as “normal” in puppies—especially when paired with food refusal.
Puppies are resilient, but their small size and developing immune systems make them vulnerable to rapid health declines.
When in doubt, trust your instincts and reach out to your vet. Early intervention can make all the difference for your growing pup.