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My dog is throwing up white foam and has diarrhea. What should I do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Chihuahua | Male | neutered | 7 years and 10 months old

My dog is throwing up white foam and has diarrhea. Should I be concerned?

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4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Published on March 29th, 2016

If he is also lethargic, feverish, unresponsive or has a wobbly gait then there is cause for concern. If it is "simple" GI upset and he is acting normal otherwise, try withholding food for 12-24 hours. Allow small amounts of water or unflavored PediaLyte. Resume feeding a bland diet (boiled boneless / skinless chicken and plain white rice) in small, frequent amounts. If the vomiting stops, continue feeding until the stool is normal then transition slowly to the regular diet. If the vomiting or diarrhea don't resolve, see your veterinarian.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Dr. Leigh, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on August 10th, 2017

    If he is otherwise acting ok, you could withhold food for the day. If the vomiting resolves then you could try a small amount of a bland diet, like boiled chicken and rice, tonight. Continue feeding that for a couple of days and then gradually transition back to his normal food. If he continues to vomit or becomes lethargic then he needs to be examined and treated by a vet. He may need an anti-vomiting medication, antacid, and a gastrointestinal protectant.

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on December 29th, 2016

    Poor Papi! He sounds quite ill, and he may have a severe GI illness, may have eaten something rotten, could have a foreign body, pancreatitis, or could have parvovirus if he isn't fully vaccinated. Given that he hasn't been eating for a couple of days, and that he is still throwing up, I would take him into a vet right away. The vet can diagnose what is causing the vomiting, and can treat him for it.

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    Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on June 27th, 2017

    She might have eaten something spoiled that is causing this. withhold food for 12 hours then offer her boiled boneless chicken and rice every 6 hours in small portions. if she is eating and not vomiting, continue with this diet for 2 days. After 2 days, you can put her back gradually on her normal food. If she continues vomiting or is not eating, take her to the vet to get treatment.

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