Dog owners are very familiar with the sight of their dog vomiting, and it can be a very concerning sight, especially if you see white foam in their vomit.
So, should you call the vet if this happens?
Maybe, it depends on a number of other things. White foam in your dog’s vomit can mean a lot of things. Commonly, it’s just saliva or gastric juices that got mixed up when they vomited. Other times, it can be a sign of something more serious if it’s accompanied by other symptoms.
In this guide, we’ll explain what to do if you notice your dog throwing up white foam, whether or not you need to call the vet, and what can cause it in the first place.
Read on to learn more.
Why Is My Dog Vomiting White Foam?
Dogs can vomit for a number of reasons. It could mean that they ate too much, ate something they shouldn’t have, or they could be sick. And at times, the vomit can come with some white foam that can cause a lot of concern.
Most of the time, white foam in your dog’s vomit is just saliva or gastric juices. When your dog vomits, other things come up with it, including saliva. So, most of the time it’s no cause for concern. On top of that, if your dog has eaten a lot of grass and played around in the garden, this could also cause them to vomit up white foam.
If your dog vomits white foam frequently and it’s accompanied by other symptoms, that’s when you have to take a closer look. If your dog is vomiting a lot, feeling lethargic, or experiencing diarrhea, then that could mean they are sick and need veterinary attention.
What To Do When Your Dog Vomits White Foam
Here’s a quick step-by-step guide with everything you need to do if you see white foam in your dog’s vomit.
Don’t Panic!
The first thing you have to remember to do is not to panic. When you panic, your thinking gets clouded and it can cause you and your dog to stress out. Remember, a lot of the time, white foam in your dog’s vomit is simply saliva and is nothing major to worry about.
Before you go ahead with the other steps, make sure to take a deep breath and relax.
Examine the Vomit
If your dog vomits, regardless of the color, you need to take a look at it before cleaning it up. Try and see what other colors are present or if there’s any food or foreign substance in your dog’s vomit. The color, texture, and contents of your dog’s vomit can paint a clear picture of why they are vomiting in the first place and could be crucial information if they need veterinary attention.
Watch Your Dog
After taking notes on the color and consistency of the vomit and cleaning it up, all you have to do is watch your dog. It might also help if you retrace their steps and figure out what they were doing throughout the day and whether they had an opportunity to eat something they shouldn’t.
There are many reasons dogs vomit, and a lot of the time, it’s unavoidable. So, if your dog vomits, make sure to keep an eye on them for the next 24 hours. Try to see if they vomit again, if they do, take note of the consistency and color. Figure out if they’re exhibiting other symptoms like diarrhea or lethargy, as that could indicate that they’re sick.
If the symptoms disappear after a couple of hours, your dog should be fine. You won’t need to call a vet or do anything else. However, if your dog is exhibiting other symptoms or vomiting frequently, that’s when you need to proceed to the next step.
Call the Vet
If your dog is vomiting a lot or exhibiting other symptoms, that’s when you need to call the vet. Since your vet is familiar with your dog’s medical history and previous conditions, they will be able to draw up an accurate and fair diagnosis. They will also be able to administer the appropriate treatment for your dog and have them feeling better again in no time at all!
Conclusion
You can’t fully stop your dog from getting sick, but you can decrease the chances. If you make sure they are eating healthy, getting exercise, and staying away from things they shouldn’t eat, the chances of your dog getting sick and vomiting white foam are significantly reduced. Treats for dogs are a great way to show your pet that you care. They can be used as rewards for good behavior, or just as a way to show your dog some love.
However, remember that vomiting is pretty common and normal for dogs. So, don’t panic if you see white foam in your dog’s vomit and remember to follow all the tips in this helpful guide!
