What are the Common Causes of Bile Vomiting in Dogs and How to Manage it

Does your dog vomit bile on a regular basis? It can be a distressing sight and a cause for concern. But before you panic, it’s essential to understand the common causes of bile vomiting in dogs and how to manage it.

Bile vomiting in dogs can be caused by a variety of factors, including an empty stomach, gastrointestinal issues, or even a more serious underlying condition.

By identifying the root cause, you can take the necessary steps to alleviate your dog’s discomfort and prevent future episodes.

In this article, we will explore the common causes of bile vomiting in dogs and provide you with effective strategies to manage this condition.

By understanding the causes and implementing the right management techniques, you can help your furry friend feel better and maintain their overall health.

Production of Acid in the Stomach

One of the most common causes of bile vomiting in dogs is due to hunger and excess acid production.

This commonly takes place when the dog is left on an empty stomach for too long and is often seen in dogs fed once a day.

Typically, the dog will vomit bile in the late night or early morning hours.

Owners will wake up and find one or more puddles of yellow bile or brown fluid on the floor.

Pet parents may also see their dog vomiting white foam which could be simple indigestion or acid reflux.

Normally, the dog seems bright and alert after the episode and remains in good health for the rest of the day.

The solution to early morning bile vomiting is to simply give the dog a late bedtime snack or a small amount of food before going to bed.

This may prevent the stomach from secreting excess acid in the night which leads to the vomiting of bile.

According to Vetinfo, cases that do not respond to a late-time snack may benefit from a veterinarian prescription for Tagamet, Zantac, or Pepcid AC.

These are medications that inhibit the production of acid in the stomach. It also helps to give more frequent meals during the day.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Some dogs have sensitive stomachs in the first place.

Dogs suffering from inflammatory bowel disease, tend to develop chronic irritation in their intestines which makes them prone to episodes of vomiting and diarrhea, explains Eric Barchas, a veterinarian who lives and works in San Francisco.

Such dogs may benefit from a dietary change involving the use of digestible dog foods specially crafted for sensitive stomachs.

Cleaning up bile from carpets and upholstery may not be an easy task.

Using a good commercial stain remover for pet accidents or covering the fresh stain with baking soda until completely dry can help.

Afterward, vacuuming the baking soda, blotting the area with club soda, and cleaning up with a disinfectant spray should do the trick.

Vomiting bile can be an annoying event.

In most cases, dogs will do fine for the rest of the day and some dogs will even spontaneously outgrow the problem.

However, it is best to consult a veterinarian to properly assess and diagnose any underlying problems.