Dog Vomiting Yellow Bile – Causes, Home Remedies & When to See a Vet
It’s always confronting to see your dog vomit — especially if the liquid is a bright yellow, foamy substance. Is it normal? Is it dangerous?
Yellow bile is often a sign of an empty stomach, acid reflux, or digestive irritation, but it can also indicate more serious issues.
This guide covers:
- Why dogs vomit yellow bile
- When to worry
- Long-tail symptom questions owners ask
- Safe remedies you can try at home
- When to speak to a vet
🟡 What Is Yellow Bile?
Bile is a digestive fluid made by the liver and stored in the gallbladder. It’s released into the small intestine to help break down fats.
When your dog vomits yellow liquid, it's often bile mixed with stomach acid — especially when the stomach is empty.
This often happens in the early morning or late evening when your dog hasn’t eaten in several hours.
🧠 Long-tail questions owners often Google:
- “Why does my dog throw up yellow bile in the morning?”
- “Is it bad if my dog vomits yellow bile but acts normal?”
- “Dog throwing up yellow foam on empty stomach”
- “How to stop my dog from vomiting bile”
⚠️ Common Causes of Yellow Bile Vomiting
1. Empty Stomach (Bilious Vomiting Syndrome)
Dogs that go too long without eating can develop Bilious Vomiting Syndrome (BVS).
Signs include:
- Vomiting yellow fluid first thing in the morning
- Otherwise normal behaviour
- Improved condition after eating small meals
🐶 Try feeding a small meal before bed and early morning to manage this.
2. Acid Reflux
Like humans, dogs can suffer from acid reflux, where stomach acid backs up into the oesophagus.
This can be caused by:
- Eating fatty foods
- Lying down after eating
- Certain medications
🩺 Symptoms:
- Vomiting yellow liquid
- Lip licking
- Swallowing repeatedly (see Dog keeps swallowing repeatedly)
- Mild discomfort after meals
3. Dietary Indiscretion (Ate Something Bad)
If your dog ate:
- Garbage
- Human food
- Foreign objects
…they may vomit bile while their body tries to clear it.
👉 Related:
4. Pancreatitis or Gastroenteritis
These conditions cause stomach and intestinal inflammation, leading to:
- Yellow or foamy vomit
- Lethargy
- Painful abdomen
- Diarrhoea
- Refusal to eat
Search terms we’re targeting here:
- “Dog vomiting yellow bile and not eating”
- “Dog vomits yellow liquid and has diarrhoea”
If these symptoms last more than 24 hours — get a vet involved.
5. Parasitic Infection or Underlying Illness
Yellow vomiting can sometimes signal:
- Intestinal worms
- Liver or kidney issues
- Food intolerances
- Cancer in older dogs
Watch for:
- Weight loss
- Excessive drinking
- Dog won’t eat but drinks water
- Yellowing of the eyes or skin
✅ What to Try at Home (If It’s Mild)
If your dog vomits yellow bile once and seems otherwise fine:
- 🥩 Feed small, frequent meals – helps reduce stomach acid buildup
- 🚰 Keep them hydrated – offer fresh water in small sips
- 🚫 Avoid fatty or rich food
- 🛏 Let them rest and monitor
- 🍚 Try a bland diet – boiled chicken and rice
If symptoms return or worsen, speak to a vet.
🚨 When to See a Vet Immediately
Book a consult if your dog:
- Vomits yellow bile more than once a day
- Refuses to eat or drink
- Has blood in vomit or stool
- Shows signs of pain or bloating
- Has concurrent diarrhoea, shaking, or fever
Book a vet at Dial A Vet — $49 consults available daily.
🧠 What Will an Online Vet Do?
Your vet can:
- Ask about diet, behaviour, and other symptoms
- Help rule out emergencies
- Recommend feeding or medication options
- Refer you to a clinic if necessary
We’ve helped pet owners every day with issues like:
🐾 Final Thoughts: Yellow Vomit Isn’t Always Minor
A single episode may not be serious — but repeated yellow vomiting in dogs can signal deeper issues. Don’t ignore it.
🩺 Speak to a licensed vet via Dial A Vet — fast, online, and just $49.
Citations:
- VetCompass Australia. (2024). Gastrointestinal Issues in Dogs.
- Australian Veterinary Association. (2023). Canine Digestive Disorders.
- RSPCA Knowledgebase. (2024). Vomiting in Dogs – Causes and Treatment.
