It’s early and you’ve just hit snooze – it's too cosy to get up. But then you hear it: the distinctive sound of your dog heaving and you leap into action! Nothing moves faster than a dog parent when it comes to vomit.
Seeing your dog throw up is never fun, especially when their vomit is a bright yellow, watery or foamy liquid — it can feel serious.
Yellow vomit doesn’t automatically mean an emergency trip to the vet, but assessing the signs is always wise.
Like us, vomiting helps dogs quickly get rid of something that’s upset their system, and it’s often a one-off episode. Yellow vomit means bile is present, which often happens when their stomach’s empty, or it could be a sign of something more.
Let’s gain a deeper understanding of what might be going on, so you can make an informed decision about the next steps for your pup.
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What does yellow vomit mean in dogs?
If your dog has an upset tummy, they will throw up the contents of their stomach, so you’ll normally see what they’ve recently eaten. Bile is usually vomited when the stomach is empty, making the bright yellow or greenish fluid more obvious.
Bile is an alkaline fluid that’s released in the intestines to neutralise stomach acid and help digest fats. But if bile enters the stomach, the body will react by regurgitating the bile before it impacts the pH level.
🐶 Read more: Lyka's no-nonsense guide to dog vomit (with colour charts)
Causes of yellow vomit in dogs
Throwing up bright yellow liquid (bile) can be caused by several different illnesses or conditions; some you can monitor at home, and some will require support from your vet.
Bilious vomiting syndrome (BVS)
The period of fasting overnight can cause bile to enter your dog’s stomach, leading to a bout of vomiting in the morning. You may see or hear signs of nausea before your dog throws up, like lip-smacking, drooling, or panting.
A single episode can be monitored at home, but if you notice more frequent bouts of sickness in the morning, speak to your vet about BVS. They may suggest a later evening meal or a healthy snack before bed to counter a long fasting period.
Food sensitivity
Foamy or watery yellow vomit may be a sign of an adverse food reaction. Food allergies or intolerances are usually a reaction to an ingredient like beef, chicken, lamb, wheat, soy, corn, or dairy.
Removing the trigger food is the best way to treat sensitivity, and the best approach is to conduct an elimination diet to identify the problematic ingredient.
If you’re looking for a solution to your dog’s food sensitivity, or they’re struggling with gut or skin conditions, Lyka’s Hypoallergenic Pro may be the perfect fit. This therapeutic diet is specifically designed for elimination diets and long-term allergy management.
Formulated with goat, a unique single novel protein that dogs are unlikely to have tried, making it ideal for food-sensitive pups.
🐶 Read more: Dog food allergies vs intolerances: our experts explain the difference
🐶 Read more: What is hypoallergenic dog food? A vet expert's guide
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Gastrointestinal issues
If your dog has a gastrointestinal issue, frequent vomiting is unlikely to be the only sign of illness, so watch out for other key symptoms like diarrhoea, weight loss, and lethargy.
More specifically, monitor your pup for these additional signs:
Chronic enteropathy: mood change, foul flatulence, fussiness or inappetence.
Liver disease: inappetence, increased thirst and urination (dark in colour), pale gums, jaundice, neurological signs (seizures, disorientation).
Infections (viral or bacterial): blood in stools, dehydration, fever, inappetence, abdominal discomfort or pain.
Parasites: blood in stools, itchy bottom, worms in stools.
Cancer: blood in stools or dark coloured poo, pale gums and sclera (whites of eyes), inappetence.
Always make an appointment with your vet if you’re concerned about your dog’s health.
🐶 Read more: Sensitive stomachs in dogs: how to relieve your pup's discomfort
Obstruction or intestinal blockages
Dogs are curious creatures, and we love them for it – unless it means dumpster diving or chewing on your smelly gym socks. Foreign objects consumed by accident or dietary indiscretion (pica) can obstruct their gastrointestinal tract. Vomiting may be a sign that your dog’s body is attempting to rid itself of the blockage.
Any kind of obstruction is a serious issue requiring urgent attention from your vet.
Endocrine disorders
A sign of endocrine (hormone-related) disorders like Addison’s disease or pancreatitis, is vomiting, which will be yellow if their stomach is empty. Watch out for these other symptoms too:
Addison’s disease: diarrhoea, weight loss, lethargy, inappetence, increased thirst and urination, trembling.
Pancreatitis: diarrhoea, dehydration, lethargy, fever, inappetence, a tender abdomen and hunched posture.
🐶 Read more: Dog pancreatitis: a holistic guide to pain-free prevention and care
When should you speak to a vet?
If your dog has vomited once, but otherwise appears to be in good health, you can monitor them at home. But if your dog vomits more than once in 24 hours, or you notice other symptoms like blood in their stools, it’s time to reach out to your vet. It’s always better to be cautious when it comes to your pup’s health.
Yellow vomit FAQs
What home remedies can help my dog after vomiting?
After vomiting, your pup might feel a little off, just like we do when we’re ill. Give them some extra love and comfort — they’ll appreciate it!
If your dog has vomited once, they may bounce back soon after, or they may need time to let their stomach settle. If that’s the case, a period of fasting may aid their recovery.
Hydration is always more important than food after a bout of sickness, so ensure they have access to fresh, clean water. If they’re not drinking, speak to your vet straight away.
Dog-friendly bone broth can be a fantastic way to replenish some lost nutrients and keep your pup hydrated. Just make sure it’s not loaded with salt, sugar, or other additives.
What should I feed my dog after vomiting yellow bile?
Once your pup is feeling better, ease them back into eating with small, highly digestible meals made from real ingredients, like Lyka. There’s nothing like a nourishing meal to help them recover.
🐶 Read more: Nourishing your sick dog naturally (it's not chicken and rice!)
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What are other causes of vomiting in dogs?
There’s a lot you can tell about your dog’s health from the colour and consistency of your pup’s vomit. We’ve created a guide to help you decipher the clues: Lyka’s no-nonsense guide to dog vomit
What should I do if my puppy is vomiting yellow?
If your puppy is vomiting bile, it could be a sign of any of the issues detailed above. Monitor their symptoms, provide them with clean water, and check their vaccinations are up to date. If you’re concerned about your puppy, it’s always best to make an appointment with your veterinarian.
What should I do if my senior dog is vomiting yellow and not eating?
If your senior dog has vomited once and not eaten straight after, that’s normal. You can observe a short period of fasting until their stomach has settled and they’ve got their appetite back. But if your golden oldie has vomited more than once or they’ve not eaten for over 24 hours, speak to your vet.
Hydration is vital in this situation. Dogs show signs of dehydration if they go without water for 24 hours, so monitor this closely and seek professional advice if they’re not eating or drinking.
Why real food is the secret to good guts
Real food is central to good gut health, offering benefits that extend to your dog’s overall well-being. A diet rich in fresh, highly digestible ingredients fuels a balanced microbiome, which is key to maintaining a robust immune system and preventing digestive discomfort.
Gently cooked, nutrient-dense meals are not just a solution for digestive issues — they’re a form of preventative care. With Lyka, you're not just feeding your dog; you're investing in a healthier, happier future.
Ready to start your pup on a real food journey?
