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Why does my dog vomit yellow bile occasionally but acts normal?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Shih Tzu | Male | neutered | 1 year and 3 months old | 12 lbs

Barkley will randomly vomit foamy yellow bile. It’s a fairly small amount and doesn’t happen very frequently but I’m not sure why it’s happening. He is acting normal otherwise. Happy, eating, drinking, normal potties, etc

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Dayna, DVM, CVA

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

Published on March 15th, 2018

If it seems to happen in the early morning when he hasn’t eaten in a while then it could be bilious vomiting syndrome. Feeding a late night snack could be beneficial. If this happens other times then I would consider discussing a broad spectrum dewormer with your veterinarian. If it continues then an abdominal x-ray may be an appropriate next step. Best of luck and I hope he improves soon. Thank you for using Pet Coach.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Dr. Leigh, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on December 24th, 2016

    Since he is otherwise acting normal, you could withhold food for the day and then try a bland diet of chicken and white rice. If the vomiting continues and/or he becomes lethargic than he needs to be examined by a vet to determine the cause. He could have an infection, parasite, metabolic/endocrine disease, pancreatitis, obstruction, etc. Your vet can run lab work and take x-rays, if needed, to help diagnose and then determine the best way to treat. He may need medications to control the vomiting and fluids to prevent dehydration. If your vet is not open than you will need to find an emergency clinic to treat him. Hope he feels better soon.

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    Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on June 29th, 2019

    As a first approach, given that most of these episodes are dietary related, I would suggest to withhold food for the next 8-12 hours and then start feeding with a bland diet based on boiled chicken and rice in small portion every 6 hours for the following 48hours. Then gradually reintroduce the normal diet over 5 days. I would definitively recommend a veterinary check up if the signs persist or you notice diarrhoea, more vomiting, lethargy or inappetence. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!

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