My Shih Tzu Vomiting Yellow Foam: What to Do Now? (Podcast)
Seeing your Shih Tzu vomiting yellow foam can trigger a wave of concern and uncertainty.
Yet, you’re not alone. Countless Shih Tzu owners asked the same question on the internet each day, “My Shih Tzu vomited yellow liquid this morning. What to do now?”
With my own Shih Tzu, Billy, experiencing frequent bouts of bile vomiting during his first six months of life, I intimately understand the pain of witnessing your fur baby experience such discomfort.
The helplessness, the worry—it’s all too familiar.
My mission is to empower fellow Shih Tzu owners through shared experiences and knowledge to alleviate your dog’s discomfort naturally and effectively. By choosing gentler, holistic solutions, your dog can heal better.
Personal Experience: My Shih Tzu Vomiting Yellow Foam (VIDEO)
When it comes to dealing with vomiting, I’ve had my fair share of experiences. Billy started struggling with acid reflux at a very young age. From the time he was just 5 months old, he began having frequent episodes of vomiting, sometimes with undigested food and sometimes just yellow foam.
Despite visiting multiple vets, none could provide a clear explanation or effective solution. They offered various suggestions and medications like Apoquel, but nothing seemed to alleviate his symptoms.
This experience prompted me to dive deeper into holistic dog care, ultimately leading to the creation of this blog.
And what REALLY helped? It was all about fixing his gut with the right food and herbal therapy. Now, Billy’s acid reflux episodes and bile vomiting have become few and far between.
Bonus: Download FREE Shih Tzu Herbal Tea Handbook ➔
What to Do If Your Dog is Vomiting Yellow Bile
The following is my go-to protocol if my dog is throwing up yellow bile:
STEP 1: Don’t Panic.
I know, it can be distressing to witness, but it’s essential to remain calm. Take a picture of the vomit if it’s possible. Take note of any other symptoms your dog may be experiencing, such as lethargy or diarrhea, in case you need to provide information to your vet.
STEP 2: Offer honey.
Vomiting bile can be irritating to your dog’s throat. A small spoon of honey can be given to your dog to help alleviate discomfort. Raw, unpasteurized honey is best. But If you don’t have raw honey, grocery-bought honey is also fine to give at this point.
STEP 3: Hold Off Food for a While.
Avoid feeding food to your dog immediately after vomiting. Let their stomach settle for a while before offering any food. This can help prevent further irritation and vomiting. But make sure your dog has access to clean water to prevent dehydration.
STEP 4: Give slippery elm 10 minutes before meal.
Slippery elm is a natural remedy known for its soothing properties on the digestive tract.1 Give your dog slippery elm about 10 minutes before their meal to help coat and protect the stomach and reduce inflammation.
STEP 5: (Optional) Feed easy digestible Doggy Congee.
If your dog’s stomach is still sensitive, consider feeding them easy-to-digest food like our Doggy Congee. This meal can help ease their stomach without causing further irritation.
STEP 6: Monitor your dog for a day or two. Limit any treats.
Keep a close eye on your dog for the next day or two. Limit any treats or rich foods that could exacerbate their stomach issues. Make sure they have access to fresh water at all times.
STEP 7: If the vomiting persists, go to the vet.
If vomiting persists or if they show signs of dehydration, weakness, or severe discomfort, it’s time to consult your veterinarian. They can assess your dog’s condition and provide appropriate treatment to address the underlying cause of the vomiting.
6 Other Home Remedies To Help Your Dog Before Seeing a Vet
1. Chamomile Tea
Chamomile is my favorite herb to give Billy. It is known to calm upset stomachs and reduce inflammation.2 Beside gut issues, there are more ways how chamomile can benefit dogs…
Dosage: Brew one chamomile tea bag in 1 cup (240ml) of hot water for 20 minutes. Let it cool, then offer it to your dog in about 1-2 tablespoons per 20 pounds of body weight.
TIP: Below is how I give Chamomile tea to Billy…
2. Peppermint Tea
Peppermint tea is great for improving digestion and freshening your dog’s breath.
Dosage: Steep one peppermint tea bag in 1 cup (240ml) of hot water for 20 minutes. After it cools down, offer it to your dog to drink in around 1-2 tablespoons per 20 pounds of body weight. You can also sprinkle dry peppermint onto your dog’s meal for similar benefits.
3. Slippery Elm
Slippery Elm may be the most frequently used herb at my home. It is a natural remedy that can help coat and soothe your dog’s digestive tract.
Dosage: Mix 1/4 teaspoon of slippery elm powder with a little bit of water to form a gel-like consistency. Let your dog lick it 10 – 15 minutes before meals.
TIP: Below is how I give Slippery Elm to Billy…
4. Ginger
Ginger is known for its anti-nausea properties4, which can help relieve vomiting and stomach upset in dogs.
Dosage: Grate a small amount of fresh ginger and mix it into their food, or prepare ginger tea by steeping it in hot water.
For grated ginger, give 1/4 teaspoon per 20 pounds of body weight daily.
For ginger tea, infuse 1/2 teaspoon of grated ginger in 1 cup of hot water. You can offer a maximum of 1/4 cup per 20 pounds of body weight.
5. Feed a Novel Protein
One reason dogs may vomit is due to food allergies or sensitivities. If you’ve been feeding the same food for a while and suspect this might be the cause, consider trying a novel protein. This typically refers to a protein your dog hasn’t been exposed to before, such as rabbit, venison, or pork.
I personally prefer to implement a rotation diet for Billy. I rotate between three different proteins: beef, fish, and pork. By varying the protein daily, the gut is less likely to react or develop sensitivities to a specific protein.
6. CBD
CBD oil may help alleviate symptoms of nausea.5 Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for dosage as each product has a different concentration.
Besides CBD, medicinal mushrooms have gained popularity for their potential benefits in supporting dog gut health. Many studies have highlighted the positive effects of mushrooms on dogs’ digestive systems.
Bonus: Download FREE Shih Tzu Herbal Tea Handbook ➔
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Perspective on Dog Vomiting Bile
According to the Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM), vomiting in dogs is often linked to imbalances in the spleen and stomach.6
Poor diet can also trigger dogs to vomit. Consuming cold and stomach-weakening foods disrupts the balance of the digestive system, potentially leading to episodes of vomiting.
Unhealthy eating habits like overeating and regular consumption of raw, cold, fatty, and unclean foods can harm the stomach lining and slow its natural movements. This can result in indigestion and the stagnation of stomach qi flow.
To help alleviate vomiting episodes, consider feeding your dog more energetically warming foods to maintain a warm stomach environment and keep the qi flowing smoothly.
What is Yellow Bile?
Bile7 (yellow in color) is a crucial component of the digestive process in dogs, produced in the liver and stored in the gallbladder until it’s required for digestion. Bile plays a vital role in emulsifying fats and aiding in their absorption in the small intestine.
During digestion, bile is released into the small intestine, where it acts as a powerful detergent, breaking down fats into smaller droplets to further facilitate their digestion.
Beyond fat digestion, bile also aids in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, including vitamins A, D, E, and K, and helps eliminate waste products. Additionally, bile serves as a natural antimicrobial agent, helping to control bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine.
What Does It Mean When Dogs Vomit Yellow Bile?
It usually means irritation or inflammation in the stomach. There are in general these few reasons why your dog vomits:
6 Possible Causes of Vomiting in Dogs
1. Empty Stomach
When a dog’s stomach is empty for an extended period, bile from the small intestine can accumulate in the stomach, leading to irritation and subsequent vomiting. This usually is what happens first thing in the morning.
This condition, known as bilious vomiting syndrome (BVS), is a common cause of dogs throwing up yellow bile, particularly occurring overnight or early in the morning.8
To address BVS, consider splitting the food into multiple smaller meals throughout the day instead of providing one or two large meals.
Offering a light meal or snacks before bedtime can help manage the chance of vomiting due to an empty stomach during the night.
TIP: It’s also important to vary your feeding schedule to prevent the body from becoming accustomed to specific meal times, which can further trigger the empty stomach syndrome.
2. Acid Reflux
Acid reflux is a common condition in dogs where stomach or intestinal fluids flow back into the esophagus due to the relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter.
This reverse flow, also known as acid reflux9, can cause inflammation of the esophagus, known as esophagitis.
While the exact cause of acid reflux in dogs is often unknown, it can occur spontaneously.
My Experience: Billy has had a history of acid reflux for a while when I first had him. I was very worried. The triggers included high histamine, sour, fermented, dairy, and icy foods. I witnessed a remarkable improvement in his condition through diligent efforts to detoxify and support his gut health. Today, episodes of acid reflux are minimal, a testament to the effectiveness of addressing underlying issues and nurturing his gut health.
3. Food Stagnation / Indigestion
Food stagnation or indigestion can be another reason for dogs vomiting bile (with food in it).10 It occurs when food remains undigested in the stomach for an extended period. This can lead to discomfort, bloating, and vomiting. Dogs with food stagnation may exhibit signs of abdominal discomfort and restlessness.
From the perspective of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM), food stagnation is seen as a sluggish flow of Qi, or vital energy, within the digestive system. This can potentially result from overeating, food allergies, or imbalances in the Spleen and Stomach.
To address food stagnation, you can try feeding easily digestible foods, adding warming herbs to the bowl, and encouraging more exercise to boost the movement of stomach qi.
Other possible actions include adjusting feeding practices, providing appropriate portion sizes, and ensuring a balanced diet with easily digested ingredients.
If food stagnation persists or is accompanied by concerning symptoms, it’s time to consult with a veterinarian for proper evaluation and treatment.
4. Food Allergies / Food Sensitivity
Food allergies occur when a dog’s immune system reacts abnormally to specific proteins or other ingredients in their diet.
The allergic reaction can manifest as gastrointestinal symptoms, skin issues, or respiratory problems. And vomiting bile is one form of symptom of food allergies.
While true food allergies are relatively rare in dogs, your dog may have food sensitivities. Food sensitivities can cause similar symptoms resulting in vomiting bile.
TIP: The main difference between food allergies and food sensitivities lies in the immune system’s response to certain ingredients in your dog’s diet.
Food allergies involve the immune system11 mistakenly identifying certain food ingredients as harmful invaders and launching an immune response against them.
On the other hand, food sensitivities do not involve the immune system’s response.12 Instead, they occur when the digestive system has difficulty tolerating certain foods. This intolerance can lead to similar symptoms as allergies, including vomiting bile, gastrointestinal discomfort, and skin problems, but it does not involve an immune response.
Common food allergens for dogs include proteins such as beef, chicken, dairy, and grains like wheat, corn, and soy. However, dogs can develop allergies to any ingredient in their diet, including fruits, vegetables, and other natural ingredients.
Holistically, dealing with food allergies or sensitivities in dogs means starting with an elimination diet and switching to a hypoallergenic diet. You might also want to think about food therapy to support their gut health.
5. Ingestion of Toxins
Toxic substances can cause vomiting.
This could include anything from household chemicals and plants to certain human foods that are toxic to dogs, such as chocolate, grapes, and onions. When a dog consumes these toxins, it can irritate the stomach lining and lead to vomiting, often accompanied by yellow bile.
It’s essential to keep potentially toxic substances out of your dog’s reach and to be vigilant about what they may encounter, especially when outdoors.
If you suspect your dog has ingested something harmful, contact your veterinarian immediately for the appropriate steps to take.
6. Other Possible Illnesses
Apart from the common causes mentioned earlier, other potential illnesses could lead to yellow vomit.
These may include gastrointestinal infections, pancreatitis, liver disease, kidney disease, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), gallbladder issues, intestinal blockage, and even certain types of cancer.
If your Shih Tzu is consistently vomiting yellow bile or if the vomiting is accompanied by other concerning symptoms such as lethargy, loss of appetite, or diarrhea, it’s important to consult with a veterinarian for a thorough evaluation and proper diagnosis.
Bonus: Download FREE Shih Tzu Herbal Tea Handbook ➔
When Is the Time to Visit a Vet?
While occasional vomiting may not always warrant an immediate trip to the vet, certain signs indicate it’s time to seek professional help for your dog.
Here are some situations where veterinary attention may be necessary:
1. Persistent or Frequent Vomiting: If your dog is vomiting frequently or continuously over a short time, it’s important to consult a vet. Persistent vomiting can lead to dehydration and may indicate an underlying health issue that requires medical attention.
2. Blood in Vomit: If you notice blood in your dog’s vomit, it could be a sign of a more serious medical condition such as gastrointestinal bleeding or stomach ulcers. Veterinary care is essential to determine the cause and provide appropriate treatment.
3. Lethargy or Weakness: If your dog is vomiting and also appears lethargic, weak, or unusually tired, it could indicate a more serious underlying problem. These symptoms should be evaluated by a veterinarian.
4. Other Symptoms: Additional symptoms such as diarrhea, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, fever, or difficulty breathing along with vomiting may indicate a more serious health issue. A thorough examination by a vet can help identify the cause of these symptoms and provide appropriate treatment.
5. Changes in Behavior or Routine: If your dog’s vomiting is accompanied by changes in behavior, such as increased agitation, restlessness, or discomfort, it’s important to seek veterinary advice. Changes in routine or behavior may indicate pain or distress that requires medical attention.
If you’re unsure or concerned about your dog’s health, it’s best to be cautious and consult a veterinarian. They can provide expert opinions and treatment to ensure your fur baby’s health.
NOTE: This article is intended to inform, not to replace any veterinarian medical advice. If you are in doubt, be sure to do a lot of research and consult with experts to find out what will work best for your dog.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Should I Feed My Dog after Vomiting Yellow Bile?
After your dog has vomited, it’s advisable to wait a short while before giving them any food. This gives their stomach a chance to settle. You can provide a small amount of honey to soothe their throat or a teaspoon of slippery elm gel.
Should I be Worried If My Dog Throws Up Yellow?
Occasional vomiting of yellow bile may not be cause for immediate concern, especially if it happens infrequently and your dog otherwise seems healthy. However, if your dog is vomiting frequently or if the vomiting is accompanied by other symptoms such as lethargy, weakness, or blood in the vomit, it’s best to consult a veterinarian for further evaluation.
What Can I Give My Dog to Stop Vomiting?
If your dog is experiencing vomiting, it’s important to find out the underlying cause in order to help stop the vomiting. However, if vomiting persists or is severe, it’s best to consult a vet for guidance. They may recommend medications or other treatments based on the underlying cause of the vomiting.
Why is My Dog Vomiting Yellow But Acting Normal?
Vomiting yellow may occur for various reasons, such as an empty stomach, acid reflux, or food intolerance. If your dog is otherwise acting normal and the vomiting is infrequent, it may not be cause for immediate concern. However, if the vomiting persists or is accompanied by other symptoms, it’s best to consult a veterinarian.
What Color Throw-Up Is Bad For Dogs?
Any abnormal color in your dog’s vomit, such as red (indicating blood), black or dark brown (indicating digested blood), or green, may indicate a more serious health issue and should be evaluated by a veterinarian.
