Dog Vomit Colors: What They Mean and When to Worry

If you’re a dog parent, you’ve probably experienced the panic of waking up to the sound of your pup gagging or finding an unpleasant surprise on the floor. While it’s never fun, vomit can tell you a lot about your dog’s health.

The color and consistency of vomit can provide essential clues, ranging from simple dietary issues to more serious conditions. Below, we’ll go over what different vomit colors mean, when it’s okay to monitor, and when to call the vet.

Pale Yellow or Foamy Bile

What it usually means:

• Your dog has an empty stomach (familiar if they go a long time without food).

• Mild stomach irritation.

This often looks like yellow froth or foam. If it happens occasionally, it’s usually not a concern. Offering smaller, more frequent meals can help. Call your vet if it’s daily or paired with lethargy or appetite loss.

Green Vomit

Possible reasons:

• Eating grass (most common).

• Bile mixed with stomach contents.

• Less commonly, exposure to toxins.

If your dog seems otherwise happy and playful, grass is likely the culprit. But it's best to consult your vet if your dog vomits green multiple times in a row, especially without eating grass.

White Foam

Possible reasons:

• Stomach acid buildup.

• Mild GI upset.

• In some cases, kennel cough or respiratory irritation.

Occasional white foam isn’t alarming, but if it’s frequent or paired with coughing or breathing issues, get your pup checked out.

Brown Vomit

Possible reasons:

• Eating something they shouldn’t (dirt, sticks, or poop).

• Partially digested food.

• In severe cases, blood from the digestive tract.

It could be digested blood if it smells foul or looks like coffee grounds. That’s a red flag and requires immediate vet attention.

Red or Pink Vomit

Possible reasons:

• Streaks of blood from irritation in the esophagus or stomach lining.

• More serious bleeding in the digestive tract.

Small red streaks may happen if your dog vomits repeatedly and irritates its throat. Large amounts of red or pink fluid should never be ignored. Call your vet right away.

Black Vomit

Possible reasons:

• Digested blood (serious concern).

• Eating something dark, like dirt, charcoal, or certain foods.

Black vomit is considered an emergency if your dog hasn’t eaten anything dark. Call your vet immediately.

Clear Liquid

Possible reasons:

• Regurgitation of water or saliva.

• Upset stomach or overhydration.

Occasional clear vomit is usually not concerning, but repeated episodes can signal underlying GI issues.

When to Watch vs. When to Call the Vet

Wait and Watch:

• Vomiting only once, and your dog is otherwise acting normal.

• Clear cause (like grass eating).

• Appetite and energy remain good.

Call the Vet:

• Vomiting multiple times in a day.

• Vomit contains blood, looks like coffee grounds, or is black.

• Paired with diarrhea, lethargy, or appetite loss.

• Puppy or senior dog vomiting (they dehydrate quickly).

Tips to Help Prevent Vomiting

• Feed consistent meals (avoid long gaps without food).

• Keep trash, toxic foods, and foreign objects out of reach.

• Introduce new foods gradually.

• Provide plenty of fresh water.

The Bottom Line

Dog vomit is unpleasant, but paying attention to its color can help you decide whether it’s a minor stomach upset or urgent care. Many cases are harmless and temporary, but trust your instincts. When in doubt, snap a photo and call your vet.

Being a caring pet parent also means staying alert to the messy moments. After all, keeping your pup healthy (and your floors clean) is part of the journey. 🐾