It is never easy to deal with the loss of a cherished pet, and as the owner, it can be challenging to mourn appropriately while trying to understand what could have led to his/her death. Several factors could cause a dog to pass away after vomiting white foam, but some of the more prevalent ones are poisonous substance consumption, poisoning, an underlying medical condition, or a combination of these.
Let’s look at some of the possible causes of a dog throwing up white foam and what steps to take.
Why Did My Dog Die After Vomiting White Foam?
Without doing a post-mortem examination, it is impossible to tell for sure what caused your dog’s death. Although a delayed diagnosis of an illness may have played a role, other potential contributing factors include a quick deterioration in health or an unexpected organ failure. In the end, talking to your vet can help you clarify what happened and offer closure. It’s also crucial to remember that medical disorders can sometimes go undiagnosed, even in otherwise healthy pets, and that some illnesses call for sophisticated diagnostic procedures to be able to be found.
12 Causes of Dogs Vomiting White Foam
1. Canine infectious respiratory disease (CIRD)
This is a highly prevalent group of illnesses that cause a violent hacking cough and white froth. You’ve probably heard of its more common name, kennel cough. Close contact between dogs, particularly young pups, is an easy way for CIRD to spread. It is frequently self-limiting or responds well to anti-inflammatory medications. Vaccination protects many of the pathogenic pathogens that cause CIRD.
2. He Ate Grass
Dogs frequently eat grass, especially when they feel stomach problems. In reality, many dogs use grass-eating habits in an attempt to ease their suffering.
This is because grass causes vomiting by physically and chemically irritating the stomach lining.
A dog that consumes grass may have gastrointestinal (GI) tract problems, and depending on the underlying cause of the upset may require water, a bland diet, probiotics, or even antibiotics.
3. Parvovirus
This well-known and extremely dangerous condition is most usually found in pups. It typically produces severe bloody diarrhea, however, it can also induce bubbly vomiting. Young pups infected with parvovirus become dehydrated and anemic, and may collapse. Treatment is tough and not usually successful, even with veterinarian hospitalization. Fortunately, immunization can protect against infection. Please consult your veterinarian if your puppy has blood in their diarrhea, especially if they appear ill.
4. Consumed a Toxin
Many common everyday items and chemicals are hazardous to dogs. Toxins can be found in the kitchen (Nutella, raw rice), the bathroom (bleach, toilet water, cleaning products), the garage (antifreeze, paints, varnish), and the garden (plants, herbicides, and fertilizers).
When these toxins are consumed, they cause vomiting as well as a variety of toxin-specific signs and symptoms.
5. GIT obstruction
If your dog continues to produce white foamy vomit, is irritable, curls up on the floor, and appears to be in severe agony, he or she may have a gut obstruction.
A blockage in the GIT at any point can prevent food from passing normally. Food begins to assemble behind the obstruction.
Your dog may vomit explosively, or in a projectile fashion, once enough pressure has been built up.
Any dog experiencing repeated episodes of projectile vomiting should be taken immediately to the local veterinarian since GIT blockages are a medical emergency.
6. Consumption of Human Food
While chocolate, xylitol-containing meals, and grapes are all immediately poisonous to dogs, many human foods are not. They can, however, be harmful if ingested in high quantities or regularly.
Consuming these items causes a digestive disturbance, which is followed by bouts of vomiting, diarrhea, and tummy aches. Supportive treatment and a bland diet for dogs with upset stomachs are crucial for a quick and painless recovery.
7. Bilious Vomiting Syndrome
Bilious vomiting syndrome affects dogs the same way acid reflux does humans. The real root cause of bile backing up in the digestive system is unknown, however, the problem is more common in dogs with Giardiasis and inflammatory bowel disease.
Dogs who suffer from this biliary vomiting syndrome vomit bile or white froth after going for a few hours without any food—typically in the morning, before the first meal of the day.
8. Heartworms and Lungworms
These are parasites that live in the respiratory tract and usually cause coughing, breathing difficulties, exercise intolerance, and even heart disease. Some are passed on when dogs consume snails or other intermediary hosts, while others are passed on directly by eating the worm’s larvae. Diagnosis can be complex, requiring feces or blood samples, imaging of the respiratory system, and lung samples. Regular parasite control is essential for protecting against all lung- and heartworms.
9. Fungal infections
Dogs enjoy eating other animals’ droppings. While some varieties of excrement are safe, others pose hidden dangers.
For example, bird and bat droppings frequently contain fungal pathogens that, when swallowed, can cause fungal diseases.
The clinical expression of a fungal infection is identical to that of any other digestive issue. The treatment is also similar—a lot of intravenous fluids, a bland diet, supportive therapy, and a combination of antibiotics and antifungals.
10. Kidney problems
Kidney issues may be the cause of a dog vomiting up white foam, difficulty urinating, lethargy, and disorientation. Dog kidney disease can be acute or chronic.
The common cause of acute kidney disease is eating a toxin, and it frequently calls for prompt and vigorous medical care. Chronic kidney disease progresses over months to years and is treated with a combination of diet and drugs.
If you observe any of the aforementioned symptoms, take your dog to the vet, who will do blood tests and other tests to check your dog’s kidney condition.
11. Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis is when the pancreas, an organ necessary for healthy digestion in animals, becomes inflamed. Dogs suffering from pancreatitis regularly vomit, and this vomit may contain white foam.
Other signs include stomach pain, diarrhea, loss of appetite, weakness, and dehydration. If you observe any of these signs, take your dog to the vet for a further checkup.
12. Rabies
One of the most prevalent signs of rabies is an animal with excessive salivation and vomiting foam. Other signs of rabies in your dog could include fever and paralysis. Unfortunately, by the time symptoms appear, the infection is already advanced, and the majority of canine rabies victims die.
The Difference Between Vomiting and Regurgitation
It is important to know the difference between regurgitation and vomiting so you can know how to handle your dog. Even though they may seem similar, these two distinct behaviors have separate origins, and many dogs who appear to be vomiting are actually regurgitating.
Mostly, white, frothy material is frequently the result of vomiting rather than regurgitation.
While a regurgitating dog spits up food or liquid that has just been consumed, your dog vomits food or substances that have made their way deep within the digestive tract. Additionally, while regurgitation entails the comparatively smooth release of food, vomiting often involves vigorous retching.
You’ll also notice a difference in the spit-up material, which has a food-like appearance and occasionally contains whole kibble bits because it hasn’t yet been digested. In addition to producing a clear liquid, regurgitation can also cause your dog to appear to be vomiting up water. This might occur if your dog recently drank too much water all at once.
The vomit may still resemble food in some ways, but it usually has a mushy or watery quality and comes in a variety of colors, ranging from white to green or even black.
Dog Vomit Color Guide
This dog vomit color chart can help you identify everything from the relatively frequent yellow liquid vomit to more uncommon colors like red or black. No matter the color of the vomit, consulting a vet is always advisable.
Dog Vomiting Yellow Liquid
Bile Vomiting might occur when your dog has had too many irregular meals or has eaten grass.
Bile, a digestive fluid produced in the liver to break down lipids into smaller fatty acids, is the yellow liquid that is most frequently seen.
Bright Red Vomit
Vomit that is bright red is quite potentially hazardous, especially if there is a lot of it. Keep your cool and rush your dog to the vet as soon as possible.
Red vomit can result from bleeding that starts in the mouth, food pipe, or stomach.
Stomach ulcers, hemorrhagic gastroenteritis, and coagulation abnormalities are among the potential reasons for red vomit.
White Liquid/Foam
White watery vomit is typically present when your dog’s stomach is empty of food. Typically, the liquid is saliva diluted with some bile or food.
When traveling, this kind of vomiting can happen. This is related to the fact that stressed dogs frequently drool and foam.
Dogs frequently bring up little puddles of foamy liquid whenever their stomach is totally empty.
Green Juice
It is not unusual for a dog to vomit up green fluids after eating grass. Dogs consume grass for a variety of reasons, one of which is to relieve nausea.
Some dogs enjoy the taste of grass, particularly during the springtime when it is at its most flavorful.
Importantly, bile can occasionally cause green vomit. This would be the next most likely explanation if you haven’t observed your dog eating grass and their vomit is green.
Vomit which is an abnormally intense green indicates that your dog consumed rat poison. In that case, visit the veterinarian immediately.
Black vomit
Ingestion of toxic substances and intestinal blockages are two potential reasons for black dog vomit.
Vomiting a dark black color is a sign of intestinal bleeding further in the intestines GIT.
When there is internal bleeding, the body breaks down the blood, which gives it a dark color.
What should I do if my dog is vomiting white foam?
If your dog is vomiting white foam, it is critical to remain calm and carefully assess the situation. You must ascertain whether your dog is displaying any other concerning symptoms or if the vomiting is a singular symptom.
The next step is to give your vet a call and explain the situation. The veterinarian will make recommendations based on the details you provide, such as waiting to see how the problem unfolds or taking your dog to the clinic.
It is necessary to heed the veterinarian’s instructions and suggestions in both instances. Never try to treat your dog yourself at home since you can make matters worse.
Prevention of Vomiting Foam
The easiest approach to prevent vomiting in puppies is to get regular checkups to make sure they don’t have any parasites and to limit the amount of grass or other foreign materials they might eat. Try to encourage dogs to drink water slowly after exercise, and give them plenty of time to settle down before feeding.
You shouldn’t give your dog more food if they are throwing up because they are hungry. Simply attempt to offer them smaller meals more frequently throughout the day to spread out their food intake.
To rule out underlying disorders such as kidney disease or bowel inflammation, older dogs should be examined by a veterinarian if vomiting occurs.
What Is The Best Way To Clean Up After My Dog Has Vomited White Foam?
It’s crucial to safeguard yourself and your home from any potential bacteria or viruses that may be present when cleaning up after your dog has vomited white foam. To clean up the vomit, use a pet-safe disinfectant or a solution of water and white vinegar, while wearing gloves and paper towels or disposable rags to collect the waste. After handling the vomit, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before throwing away any contaminated items in a sealed plastic bag.
Can Certain Breeds Of Dogs Be More Prone To Vomiting White Foam?
While any dog may vomit white foam, several breeds may be more prone to particular health conditions that may result in this symptom. For instance, large breed dogs with deep chests are more likely to experience bloat, which can result in white foam being vomited. It’s crucial to understand the particular health concerns connected to your dog’s breed and get advice from your vet on prevention and treatment.
Conclusion
Even if your dog vomited white foam for a pretty simple reason, such as overeating, you’ll need to take good care of him after barfing to ensure he feels better.
There is no immediate need for emergency assistance if your dog has only ever vomited once, does not appear ill, is playful and active, and has no other symptoms.
Simply remember to stop feeding your pet for the time being and check for any other symptoms like lethargy, weakness, diarrhea, shaking, blood in the vomit, or a lack of appetite.
Make sure to take your dog to the closest vet immediately if they vomit repeatedly or exhibits any of the symptoms mentioned above. Remember that the earlier a sickness or disorder is diagnosed and treated, the better your dog’s prognosis and the lower the cost of treatment.