Dog Spitting Up White Foam? Here’s What It Really Means

Dogs are loving and full of energy so when we see something unusual happening with them, it makes us very worried. One of the most common things dog owners notice is their pup spitting up white foam and at first this can look scary. But before you panic it is important to know what this might mean and when you should ask the vet for help.

Spitting up white foam does not always mean danger. Sometimes it is just a simple upset stomach or the dog swallowing air while playing but sometimes it can show a health problem like kennel cough, gastritis or even a more serious issue like bloat.
Not every breed shows illness in the same way. Some breeds get stomach problems often while others have breathing issues that can cause foamy spit and if you notice this happening more than once to your dog, you should pay close attention.

White foam is usually saliva mixed with air and this happens when the stomach has nothing else to bring up. A dog may spit foam if it is hungry or has eaten something bad or is stressed. Small dogs may show it when their empty stomach burns with acid while big dogs may expel foam if they run or play too soon after eating.

Kennel cough which spreads like a cold can also lead to a foamy cough. Breeds with flat faces like Pugs and Bulldogs may spit foam because their airways are short and tight and older dogs sometimes spit foam when their throat or stomach lining is sore.
The time and way the foam appears can help you understand the cause. If your pet spits foam after a meal it may be digestion trouble. If it happens early in the morning then it may be acid build-up and if coughing happens along with foam then the problem may be in the lungs or throat.

• Pugs and Bulldogs

Flat faced breeds like Pugs and Bulldogs often spit white foam because of their short breathing passages as these dogs struggle with air flow so saliva builds up more. When their throat gets blocked even a little foam comes out. Long walks in heat can make this worse so owners of these breeds should be careful about exercise and keep them cool.

• Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers

Large and active breeds like Labradors and Goldens often get upset stomachs in case if they eat too fast or play too soon after a meal they may spit foam. Bloat is also a real danger for them as it happens when the stomach twists and fills with gas and white foam is often the first sign. If you see foam along with a swollen belly and restlessness rush them to the vet.

• Small Breeds like Chihuahuas and Toy Poodles

Tiny breeds have sensitive stomachs so they spit white foam when their belly is empty for a long time. This is called bilious vomiting syndrome. Feeding them small meals through the day can help prevent it. Foam in small breeds usually looks less scary but should not be ignored if it happens often.
Stress and anxiety may cause foamy spit as well. Dogs who get nervous when left alone or around loud sounds can gulp air. This makes bubbles in their spit. Travel sickness can also bring out foam, especially in puppies who are new to riding in cars.
Infections like kennel cough or even pneumonia can show up as white foam. Dogs may cough so hard that foam comes out. If the dog is weak, has a fever or breathes fast then this is not normal. Dehydration can also bring thicker foam so make sure your dog drinks enough water.
Sometimes dogs eat grass or strange objects outside. This irritates their stomach and brings white foam soon after. If foam has blood or if the dog seems to be in pain, that is a red flag. Such cases need a vet right away.

If your dog spits white foam once and looks fine after then it's not always serious but if it happens many times in a day or comes with other signs then you must visit the vet. Warning signs to look out for are loss of appetite, coughing all day, swollen belly, weakness or yellow-green vomit. A vet can run simple tests and tell you the right medicine or diet.
Catching the cause early will help your dog heal faster and as every breed has different risks, knowing your pet’s breed matters. While some dogs may just need rest or food change, others may need quick medical care.

Watching your dog spit white foam can be worrying. But not every case is dangerous as it may be from an empty stomach, heat or excitement. Still some breeds are more prone to health issues that lead to foamy spit. The main thing is to keep a close eye on when and how often it happens and this way you give your dog the happy and healthy life it deserves.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can one give curd to their dog after vomiting?
   No, one should not give your dog curd immediately after vomiting as it's best to let their stomach settle first and then feed them plain curd in small amounts.
2. How many times should a dog throw up before going to the vet?
   It is best to call your vet if vomiting persists for more than a few hours.
3. How to tell if a dog has a fever?
   Chances that your dog may have a fever could be seen by looking out for these signs such as red eyes, warm ears, runny nose, constant shivering and panting.