A Color and Consistency Guide to Dog Vomit
Not a fun topic to talk or write about but it’s an important one. Dogs vomit for various reasons and we are asked often in our Facebook group what it can be from and what needs to be done. Whenever a dog vomits we need to inspect it to figure out what’s going on. And while it's always important to do this, it's even more important with diabetic dogs since we inject insulin.
Today's blog is all about color and consistency of dog vomit and some possibilities of why your dog is vomiting. Grab a cup of your favorite caffeinated beverage and let's jump right in.
Dog vomit colors
Vomit can be different colors depending on why the dog is vomiting. Let's go over colors and possible reasons for those colors.
Clear - excess saliva or drank water too fast. This normally resolves itself by slowing down drinking time. Usually there is no need for a vet visit unless this happens often.
Yellow or orange - can be due to bile and vomiting on an empty stomach. A snack can be given to resolve this. Diabetic dogs should eat snacks that are carbohydrate free to help with blood glucose levels. Feeding a diabetic dog carbohydrates raises blood glucose levels and is only suggested to feed during regular mealtimes.
Green – grass or other plant matter can be seen. Fido may have an upset stomach or enjoys eating grass/plant matter.
If vomit is a kelly or teal green dog could have ingested rat poison and getting to vet immediately is crucial!
Brown – dog could have eaten something brown like chocolate or feces. It can also be a sign of liver or gallbladder issues, or partially digested food.
If your dog has vomited chocolate you need to contact your vet as chocolate is toxic to dogs due to the chemicals theobromine and caffeine in chocolate.
Ongoing issues need to be addressed by a vet to rule out gallbladder and/or liver issues.
Specks of blood – can be due to stomach ulcers, inflammation, cancer or other serious issues. Requires a vet visit ASAP.
Bloody or bright red – inflammation, internal bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract, non-food items or poison ingested. Vet intervention required ASAP!
Black – could be partially digested blood due to trauma, ulcers or other serious issues and requires vet intervention as soon as possible.
Here is a printable chart for future reference.
Dog vomit consistency
Consistency is also as important as color when it comes to vomiting. Let’s go over consistency and some possibilities.
Foamy – mild stomach upset, acid reflux, indigestion, pancreatitis or bowel obstruction.
Multiple vomits require a vet visit is on order to rule out illness or a disorder.
Slimy – over-salivation due to stomach upset, nausea, irritation, inflammation, parasites or pancreatitis.
If your dog is vomiting up slime multiple times a vet visit is in order.
Liquid – empty stomach, drinking water while nauseated, dehydration, pancreatitis, IBD are all possibilities and multiple vomits require vet intervention.
Chunky – some possibilities are vomiting undigested food due to eating too fast, something eaten doesn’t agree with dog or slow digestion.
If your dog continues to vomit like this please contact your vet for an appointment.
Diabetic dogs should be allowed to re-eat it (I know it sounds gross) or another meal should be fed. If your dog will not eat, blood glucose levels need to be monitored, especially if insulin was already given.
Tip: for speed eaters – slow feeder bowls work great!
Coffee grounds – could be internal bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract and requires a vet ASAP.
Below is a chart on dog vomit consistency.
I want to quickly mention a new product that PetTest is offering and should be in everyone’s household…whether you have a diabetic dog or not. Gastro Comfort is a fabulous product that can be used whenever your dog or cat has any gastrointestinal issues. Once water is added to Gastro Comfort it turns into a gel-like substance and coats the GI tract. I have used it multiple times and it works well. It is a powder and has a lengthy expiration date. Below are links to Gastro Comfort.
USA links
Small dogs and cats: https://shoppettest.com/gastro-comfort-for-small-dogs-cats/
Large dogs: https://shoppettest.com/gastro-comfort-for-large-dogs/
Canada links
Small dogs and cats: https://pettest.ca/gastro-comfort-for-small-dogs-cats/
Large dogs: https://pettest.ca/gastro-comfort-for-large-dogs/
I hope this week’s blog has been informative and will help you and your pup if you must deal with dog vomit!
If you have any questions, comments or suggestions, please start a conversation below.
For a printable version of this blog click herehere.
Until next week stay comfy, don’t stress and you got this!
Michelle Miller-Matlock
AAHA Certified Diabetes Educator
Founder/Administrator of DDO: Diabetic Dog Owners University
Administrator of Diabetic Dog Owners on Facebook
Want to learn all you can in a simple and easy to follow format? Please join DDO-U: Diabetic Dog Owners University , graciously sponsored by PetTest.
Be sure to join the PetTest family on Facebook and Instagram. PetTest has fun, interactive posts AND they have fabulous giveaways every week!
Do you need a blood glucose meter kit for your diabetes arsenal? There are two meters you can choose from, the PetTest Classic and the PetLink+ meter that has wireless technology and works seamlessly with the Digital Companion App.
USA links:
PetTest Classic Meter Kit: https://shoppettest.com/pettest-meter-kit/
PetLink+ Meter Kit: https://shoppettest.com/petlink-plus-meter-kit-includes-25-test-strips/
PetTest link: https://shoppettest.com/
Canada links:
PetTest Classic Meter Kit: https://pettest.ca/pettest-meter-kit/
PetLink+ Meter Kit: https://pettest.ca/pettest-petlink-meter-kit-includes-25-test-strips/
PetTest link: https://pettest.ca/
If you live in Australia, Wantsa Medical offers PetTest products.
UK residents can purchase PetTest Supplies from Home Health UK.
New Zealand now has PetTest products through VetPost.
Don’t forget to check your email for the latest PetTest promo codes and if you aren’t subscribed to receive PetTest emails sign up now. You can also go to PetTest on Facebook or Instagram for current promo code info.