Clear liquid vomit generally consists of saliva or water. It may or may not have some foamy parts to it as well. One simple explanation for vomiting clear liquid is that the dog drank too much water or drank the water too quickly.
Most commonly, clear vomit is because the dog drank an excessive amount of water or drank it too fast. However, don't always assume that it's nothing. Clear vomit could signal a more serious issue if it happens frequently.
Hyperthyroidism, pancreatitis, or parasites could cause your dog to throw up clear fluid. These issues need to be identified by a veterinarian as soon as possible to prevent further health problems.
Dog throwing up water can happen after an intense play on hot days. In most cases, this is normal and nothing to be worried about. But if your dog continues vomiting water, it might indicate serious health issues demanding prompt treatment. Chronic vomiting should not be ignored.
Dogs will sometimes throw clear liquid up if they have an empty, rumbling tummy. You may even see a twinge of yellow (bile) or some foam. This could be a sign for your vet that he's not eaten because he's nauseated, but it also could just be a situational condition.
If your dog has only had a single episode of throwing up white foam, it might not be that concerning. However, you might need to rush your dog to the nearest vet if your dog vomits white foam frequently, or has had multiple episodes in a single day! Here are some of the most common reasons why dogs vomit white foam.
If your dog is throwing up, but still acting otherwise normal, it's possible that your pet has either chronic gastritis (inflammation of the stomach) or food indiscretion. Food indiscretion in dogs is very common when they get so excited about eating that they eat too fast or too much, and some of it comes back out.
However, if your dog vomits more than once within 24 hours, it could be a more serious issue that needs medical attention. Look for other symptoms that are cause for concern, including signs that they feel down, not eating or drinking for long periods of time, or having diarrhea.
What are the clinical signs of pancreatitis? The most common clinical signs include nausea, vomiting, fever, lethargy, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and decreased appetite. During an attack, dogs may take a 'praying position', with their rear end up in the air and their front legs and head lowered onto the floor.
The color of parvo vomit can vary, so you can't diagnose a dog based on this alone. Dogs with this virus can vomit anything from yellow vomit through to dark brown, and you may even see some streaks of blood in it. Blood can be seen due to the inflammation in the digestive tract, caused by repeated vomiting.
Pancreatitis: Pancreatitis can cause yellow vomiting after dogs consume an oily meal. Fats in food can cause inflammation in the pancreas that causes vomiting, stomach pain, and diarrhea. Allergies: Some dogs vomit bile after eating food they're intolerant or allergic to.
As we noted previously, if your dog is throwing up white foam, it's important to take them to the vet to rule out any underlying medical conditions. Once you have a diagnosis, you can start working on a treatment plan that will help your dog feel better and get back to their normal self.
Some of the signs of parvovirus include lethargy; loss of appetite; abdominal pain and bloating; fever or low body temperature (hypothermia); vomiting; and severe, often bloody, diarrhea. Persistent vomiting and diarrhea can cause rapid dehydration, and damage to the intestines and immune system can cause septic shock.
Pancreatitis can occur in any dog, but some breeds are more susceptible to this disease. They include the miniature schnauzer, miniature poodle, and cocker spaniel. Additionally, pancreatitis is more common in middle-age to older dogs, overweight dogs, and females.
The most common cause of pancreatitis for our pets is eating fatty foods. Around the holidays this includes turkey (especially the skin), fat scraps, gravy, bacon, or items with lots of butter.
The enzymes begin to digest the pancreas. There are a few risk factors that can affect a dog's chances of developing pancreatitis. Dogs that eat a high-fat meal or who get into the garbage often can be more prone to pancreatitis. However, the true cause or causes of pancreatitis in dogs is unknown.
If when your dog vomits that one time, they are bringing up blood, dark brown/black vomit, it smells like poo or you know they have eaten something potentially toxic, then contact your vet immediately for further advice. The same goes if your dog appears unwell or in pain at all.
In this case, it's likely that your dog simply ate too quickly, played too soon after eating, ate something they didn't like, or ate too much grass. In these cases, where your dog is behaving normally, it's a safe bet that there isn't a more sinister reason behind their vomit.
Vomiting or Diarrhea
It is not as concerning for your dog to vomit 2-3 times within 10 minutes and then be fine. If your dog vomits three or more times over a period of eight hours, you should be worried. If there is any blood in either, you should take your dog to the vet immediately.
Call the vet if it happens over a long period of time, extending into hours of vomiting. Your pet might have a bacterial infection, virus, intestinal blockage, or disease that needs a vet's diagnosis. They could also become severely dehydrated if they can't keep water down.
Help your dog stay comfortable.
Try placing a heating pad on its bed or using a humidifier. You can also give sick dogs soft, easy-to-digest foods and break meals into smaller, more frequent feedings. Additionally, if your dog is in pain, consult your veterinarian about providing pain medication.