It’s always unsettling to see your dog vomit yellow fluid, especially when it looks foamy or bright yellow. This yellow or greenish fluid is known as bile, a digestive substance produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder. Bile helps break down fats during digestion. However, if your dog is throwing up yellow bile, it usually indicates a natural response.
Dogs usually get fed at certain times of the day, so their stomach starts to expect to eat at a certain time. I’m sure your dog reminds you of their dinner at precisely the right time. I know my dog does! As their feeding times approach, bile starts to back up from the small intestine into their stomach. This agitates their stomach lining, causing your dog to throw up bile.
Occasional bile vomiting is common, but frequent episodes can signal an underlying health problem that shouldn’t be ignored. Always see your veterinarian if you suspect your dog isn’t feeling well.
Common Reasons Dogs Vomit Yellow Bile
One of the most common reasons for a dog throwing up yellow bile is an empty stomach. When a dog goes too long without eating, bile can accumulate in the stomach and irritate its lining, leading to bilious vomiting syndrome (BVS). This often occurs in the early morning or late at night, when the stomach has been empty for several hours.
Throwing up yellow bile has been an ongoing issue for our dog, Cali. She used to vomit bile several times per day before our vet told us about BVS. It turns out she was right. We started feeding Cali three times per day, and it really helped. Feeding smaller, more frequent meals can prevent bile buildup and ease nausea.
Getting the feeding schedule just right will be tricky. You don’t really know how long your dog can go without eating before getting nauseated. It’s a bit of trial and error in the beginning. The night time feeding is most important, as it has a direct effect on when morning nausea sets in.
There are a few signs of nausea you may notice in your dog, first thing in the morning. Salivating and licking or not wanting to eat first thing in the morning are general signs. Just think about how you feel when you’re nauseated. It’s very similar for dogs.
Another frequent cause of throwing up yellow bile is dietary indiscretion—when dogs eat something they shouldn’t, like garbage, grass, or table scraps. Both of my dogs crave grass, and can irritate the digestive tract and cause vomiting. Similarly, food allergies or sensitivities can trigger recurring stomach upset and bile vomiting. If your dog tends to vomit after certain foods, a veterinarian may recommend a limited-ingredient or hypoallergenic diet.
Sometimes, persistent bile vomiting can indicate gastrointestinal inflammation or disease, such as gastritis, pancreatitis, or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). These conditions cause chronic irritation of the digestive tract and require a vet’s diagnosis and treatment plan. Additionally, parasites or bacterial infections can lead to vomiting yellow bile, especially when paired with diarrhea, lethargy, or weight loss.
When Throwing up Yellow Bile Is an Emergency
While an occasional bout of bile vomiting isn’t unusual, ongoing or severe episodes can point to a serious medical issue. However, Cali was throwing up 3-4 times a day and it still pointed to timing of her feedings. You should contact your veterinarian immediately if your dog vomits repeatedly, shows blood in the vomit or stool, refuses food or water, or seems weak, dehydrated, or lethargic.
Continuous vomiting can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, or may signal intestinal blockages, pancreatitis, or liver disease. In these cases, prompt veterinary care is critical, in case of an emergency.
How to Treat & Prevent Bile Vomiting in Dogs
For dogs who occasionally vomit yellow bile but otherwise seem healthy, you can often manage the issue at home. Feed your dog smaller, more frequent meals to prevent an empty stomach, and choose easily digestible foods such as boiled chicken and rice during recovery. Always provide plenty of fresh water and avoid fatty or greasy treats that could worsen stomach irritation. If your veterinarian prescribes anti-nausea or stomach-protectant medications, follow their guidance carefully.
To prevent future episodes, stick to a consistent feeding schedule, and avoid long fasting periods, and keep your dog from eating grass or scavenging in the trash. Feeding a balanced, high-quality diet and maintaining regular vet checkups will help support your dog’s digestive health and reduce the risk of bile vomiting.
Seeing your throwing up yellow bile can be distressing, but in many cases, it’s due to simple hunger or mild stomach irritation. However, persistent or severe vomiting is never normal and should always be checked by a veterinarian. With the right care, feeding routine, and attention to your dog’s diet, you can help prevent future bile vomiting and keep your furry friend’s stomach happy and healthy.
Have you had this happen with your dog? Please share in the comment section below.
