Dog Throwing Up Yellow? Causes, Treatment, When To Worry

Published by the McDuffy Nutrition Team • The Bowl by McDuffy

It is 5 a.m. You are half asleep, and then you hear it—that unmistakable retching sound. You rush over and find a puddle of bright yellow liquid on the floor. No food in it. Just yellow foam or frothy liquid. Your dog looks up at you with those guilty, slightly miserable eyes, and your mind immediately races. Bakit siya nagsusuka? May sakit ba siya?

If your dog is throwing up yellow, you are looking at bile—a digestive fluid produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder. And while the sight of it can be alarming, the good news is that in many cases, yellow vomiting has a straightforward cause and a manageable solution. The bad news is that sometimes it signals something more serious that needs veterinary attention right away.

In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know: what bile actually is, the most common reasons dogs vomit yellow, a complete vomit color chart so you know what different colors mean, home remedies you can try, when you absolutely must see a vet, and how the right diet can prevent this from happening in the first place. Written for pet parents in the Philippines, because our dogs deal with unique challenges—tropical heat, different food environments, and local dietary habits that affect their stomachs.

What Is That Yellow Stuff? Understanding Bile

Before we get into causes, let us understand what you are actually seeing when your dog throws up yellow.

Bile is a greenish-yellow digestive fluid produced continuously by the liver. It is stored in the gallbladder and released into the small intestine after your dog eats, where it helps break down fats and absorb nutrients. Think of it as your dog's built-in dish soap—it emulsifies fats so the body can actually use them.

When your dog's stomach is empty and bile refluxes (flows backward) from the small intestine into the stomach, it irritates the stomach lining. The stomach responds by trying to expel the irritant, and what comes up is that distinctive yellow or yellowish-green liquid, sometimes foamy, sometimes more watery. There is usually little to no food in it because—that is precisely the problem—the stomach is empty.

The color can range from pale yellow to bright yellow to greenish-yellow, depending on the concentration and how much stomach acid is mixed in. Sometimes it appears as yellow foam, other times as a thin yellow liquid. Both are bile.

7 Common Causes of Yellow Vomiting in Dogs

Let us walk through each cause in detail, from the most common and least concerning to the most serious.

1. Bilious Vomiting Syndrome (BVS) — The Most Common Cause

This is the number one reason dogs throw up yellow, and it is far more common than most pet parents realize. Bilious Vomiting Syndrome occurs when bile irritates an empty stomach, triggering vomiting. It is not technically a disease—it is a functional issue related to timing and stomach emptiness.

The pattern is distinctive:

• Vomiting happens on an empty stomach, usually early in the morning or late at night
• The vomit is yellow or yellowish-green, foamy or liquid, with no food in it
• Your dog seems perfectly fine after vomiting—happy, energetic, ready to eat
• It happens occasionally (once or twice a week) rather than suddenly and repeatedly
• Your dog eats normally once food is offered

Why it happens: When there is a long gap between meals—typically more than 12 hours—the stomach empties completely. Bile continues to be produced and flows into the empty stomach, where it has nothing to work on except the stomach lining itself. The irritation triggers the vomiting reflex. This is why it commonly happens first thing in the morning: the gap between dinner and the next meal is the longest period without food.

Which dogs are prone to it: Any dog can develop BVS, but it is more common in smaller breeds (Shih Tzus, Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, Toy Poodles—all hugely popular here in the Philippines), dogs fed only once a day, and dogs with naturally higher bile production.

The fix is often simple: Feed a small meal or snack before bed to shorten the overnight fasting period. We will cover this in detail in the home remedies section below.

2. Empty Stomach Vomiting From Irregular Feeding

Related to BVS but slightly different in cause, this happens when feeding schedules are inconsistent. Kung minsan kumakain ng 7 AM, minsan 10 AM—if your dog eats at 7 a.m. some days and 10 a.m. on others, their digestive system cannot establish a rhythm. The stomach prepares for food at certain times by increasing acid and bile production. When food does not arrive on schedule, that bile has nowhere to go except back up.

This is particularly common in households where different family members feed the dog at different times, or where the feeding schedule changes on weekends versus weekdays. Dogs thrive on consistency, and their digestive systems are no exception.

3. Dietary Indiscretion — "Kinain Niya Yung Hindi Dapat"

Dogs eat things they should not. This is not a bug in their programming—it is a feature. Their scavenging instinct is strong, and in the Philippines, where outdoor dogs are common and kitchen scraps are freely shared, dietary indiscretion is a frequent cause of vomiting.

Common culprits:

• Table scraps that are too fatty or heavily seasoned (adobo, sisig, lechon skin, chicharon)
• Garbage raiding—especially in areas where trash is accessible
• Eating grass (dogs sometimes eat grass deliberately to induce vomiting when their stomach feels off)
• Spoiled food—a bigger risk in the Philippine heat, where food left out can go bad quickly
• Ingesting non-food items: plastic wrappers, socks, small toys, tsinelas (slippers)
• Sudden food changes without a gradual transition period

When the stomach is irritated by something it cannot process properly, it may vomit up bile along with whatever remnants of the offending substance remain. If the stomach has already emptied the problematic food, you may see only bile.

4. Food Allergies and Sensitivities

Food allergies and intolerances can cause chronic, recurring bile vomiting that is easy to mistake for BVS. The difference is that food-related vomiting is caused by an immune or digestive reaction to specific ingredients, not just an empty stomach.

The most common food allergens for dogs are:

• Chicken (ironically, the most common protein in commercial dog food)
• Beef
• Dairy products
• Wheat and corn (both heavily used as fillers in many kibble brands sold in the Philippines)
• Soy
• Eggs

Signs that yellow vomiting may be food-related:

• Vomiting happens shortly after eating, not just on an empty stomach
• Accompanied by other signs: itchy skin, ear infections, chronic diarrhea, excessive gas
• Pattern correlates with specific foods or ingredients
• Does not improve with meal timing changes alone

If you suspect food allergies, an elimination diet under veterinary guidance is the gold standard for diagnosis. This involves feeding a limited-ingredient diet with a novel protein your dog has never eaten before, then reintroducing ingredients one at a time to identify the trigger. Fresh food with clearly labeled, whole ingredients makes elimination diets much easier to manage than kibble, which often contains dozens of processed ingredients.

5. Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis—inflammation of the pancreas—is a serious condition that frequently causes yellow vomiting, and it is one of the conditions where getting to the vet quickly matters. The pancreas sits near the stomach and plays a critical role in digestion. When it becomes inflamed, digestive enzymes activate prematurely and essentially start digesting the organ itself. It is extremely painful.

Pancreatitis warning signs:

• Repeated vomiting (yellow bile, sometimes with food)
• Severe abdominal pain—your dog may adopt a "prayer position" (front legs down, rear end up) to try to relieve pressure on the abdomen
• Loss of appetite (complete refusal to eat)
• Diarrhea, sometimes greasy or unusually foul-smelling
• Lethargy, fever, dehydration
• Hunched posture, reluctance to be touched on the belly

What causes it: The most common trigger is a high-fat meal or sudden dietary change. This is especially relevant during fiestas, holidays, and celebrations in the Philippines when well-meaning family members share fatty human food—lechon, crispy pata, kare-kare with thick peanut sauce. One plate of pulutan can be enough to trigger acute pancreatitis in a susceptible dog. Other risk factors include obesity, certain medications, and some metabolic disorders. Miniature Schnauzers, Cocker Spaniels, and Yorkshire Terriers are genetically predisposed.

This is a veterinary emergency. If your dog is vomiting repeatedly, appears to be in pain, and is refusing food, do not wait. Pancreatitis can range from mild to life-threatening, and severe cases require hospitalization, IV fluids, pain management, and careful monitoring. Treatment costs at Philippine veterinary clinics typically range from ₱5,000 to ₱25,000 or more depending on severity and duration of hospitalization.

6. Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV) — Bloat

Ito ang pinaka-delikado. This is the most dangerous condition on this list, and it can kill a dog within hours if not treated.

GDV occurs when the stomach fills with gas and then twists on itself, trapping the gas inside. The twisted stomach cuts off blood supply to itself and to the spleen, puts pressure on major blood vessels, and can rapidly send the dog into shock. It is a true surgical emergency.

GDV warning signs:

• Non-productive retching: Your dog is trying to vomit but nothing (or only small amounts of yellow foam) comes up. This is the hallmark sign.
• Rapidly distending (swelling) abdomen—the belly looks bloated and feels tight like a drum
• Extreme restlessness, pacing, unable to get comfortable
• Drooling excessively
• Pale gums, rapid heartbeat
• Weakness, collapse

Which dogs are at risk: GDV primarily affects large and giant breeds with deep chests—Great Danes, German Shepherds, Standard Poodles, Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, Dobermans. It is less common in small breeds but not impossible. Risk factors include eating one large meal per day, eating rapidly, exercise immediately after eating, and stress.

If you suspect GDV, this is a "drop everything and go to the emergency vet NOW" situation. Do not wait to see if it gets better. Do not try home remedies. Every minute counts. In Metro Manila, emergency veterinary hospitals include the Animal Emergency Center in Makati and VSG Veterinary Specialists Group. Know where your nearest 24-hour vet is before you need one.

7. Foreign Body Obstruction

If your dog swallowed something that is now stuck in the stomach or intestines, it can cause persistent vomiting—including bile vomiting—as the body tries to clear the blockage. This is more common than many owners realize, especially in puppies and young dogs who chew and swallow indiscriminately.

Common foreign bodies in the Philippine context:

• Chicken and pork bones (commonly given as treats, but cooked bones can splinter and cause obstructions or perforations)
• Corn cobs
• Mango seeds (buto ng mangga)
• Socks, underwear, and other fabric items
• Rubber or plastic toy pieces
• String, rope, or thread (linear foreign bodies are particularly dangerous)

Signs of a foreign body obstruction:

• Repeated vomiting that does not stop, even when the stomach is empty
• Complete loss of appetite
• Abdominal pain and tenseness
• Inability to keep water down
• Lethargy, depression
• Constipation or straining to defecate (if the blockage is lower in the intestines)
• Progressively worsening symptoms over 12 to 48 hours

Diagnosis typically requires X-rays or ultrasound, and treatment often involves surgery to remove the obstruction. This is another situation where early veterinary intervention is critical—a partial obstruction is much easier (and less expensive) to treat than a complete obstruction with intestinal tissue death.

Vomit Color Chart: What Different Colors Mean

Hindi lahat ng suka pareho. Not all vomit is created equal. The color of your dog's vomit can give you important clues about what is happening inside. Use this chart as a quick reference, but remember—when in doubt, see your vet.

Color	What It Usually Means	Urgency Level	What to Do
Yellow / Yellowish-Green	Bile from an empty stomach. Most commonly bilious vomiting syndrome. Could also indicate nausea from other causes.	Low to Moderate	If occasional and dog is otherwise fine, try feeding smaller, more frequent meals. If persistent or accompanied by other symptoms, see your vet.
White / White Foam	Stomach acid and saliva mixture. Can indicate gastritis, indigestion, kennel cough, or bloat (GDV) if accompanied by non-productive retching.	Low to High	Occasional white foam is usually not serious. Repeated foamy vomiting with a distended belly—rush to the vet immediately for possible GDV.
Brown	Partially digested food (normal if it looks like regurgitated kibble or food). Could also indicate eating feces (coprophagia) or, in darker brown, possible old blood.	Low to Moderate	If it is clearly food, monitor. If it is dark brown with a foul or coffee-ground appearance, see your vet—this can indicate upper GI bleeding.
Red / Bloody	Fresh blood in the vomit. Causes include stomach ulcers, ingested sharp objects (bone fragments), severe gastritis, poisoning, clotting disorders, or tumors.	High	See your vet immediately. Fresh blood in vomit always warrants urgent veterinary evaluation. Note the amount and color for your vet.
Green	May indicate bile (which can appear greenish), grass consumption, or ingestion of something green-colored. In rare cases, could indicate rat poison ingestion.	Low to High	If your dog ate grass and vomited once, monitor. If the green vomit is unexplained, persistent, or your dog could have accessed poison bait, go to the vet immediately.
Black / Dark “Coffee Ground”	Digested blood from the upper gastrointestinal tract. Indicates internal bleeding—possibly from ulcers, tumors, or NSAID toxicity.	High — Emergency	Rush to the vet immediately. Black or coffee-ground vomit indicates active internal bleeding and requires urgent treatment.

Pro tip: Take a photo of the vomit before you clean it up. Alam namin, kadiri. We know it is gross. But showing your vet a photo is far more useful than trying to describe the color and consistency from memory. Snap a photo with your phone, clean up, and you will have a valuable diagnostic tool ready if you need it.

When to Rush to the Vet: Red Flags You Cannot Ignore

Kailangan ba ng vet? This is the question every pet parent asks. Here is your definitive checklist. If your dog is vomiting yellow AND showing any of the following signs, do not wait—get to a veterinarian as soon as possible:

• Vomiting repeatedly—more than 2 to 3 times in a few hours, or unable to keep water down
• Non-productive retching—trying to vomit but nothing comes up (possible GDV/bloat)
• Blood in the vomit—red, pink, or dark brown/black "coffee ground" material
• Distended or hard abdomen—belly looks swollen or feels rigid to the touch
• Lethargy or collapse—your dog is unusually weak, unresponsive, or cannot stand
• Complete refusal of food AND water for more than 12 to 24 hours
• Signs of dehydration—dry, tacky gums, skin that does not snap back when gently pulled (skin tent test), sunken eyes
• Diarrhea (especially bloody diarrhea) along with vomiting
• Pale, white, blue, or bright red gums—indicates shock or circulatory problems
• Known or suspected ingestion of poison, toxin, or foreign object
• Fever—above 39.5°C rectally
• Your dog is a puppy under 6 months old—puppies dehydrate quickly and are more vulnerable to serious infections like parvo
• Your dog has a pre-existing condition—diabetes, kidney disease, liver disease, or is on medications
• Your gut says something is wrong—you know your dog best. If they just do not seem right, trust your instinct. Mas mabuting mag-ingat kaysa magsisi.

For puppies: The threshold for seeking veterinary care is much lower. A puppy who vomits more than twice in 24 hours, shows any lethargy, or refuses food should be seen by a vet promptly. Parvovirus is prevalent in the Philippines, especially in areas where vaccination rates are inconsistent, and it presents with vomiting, bloody diarrhea, and rapid decline. Early treatment saves lives.

Home Remedies and Management: What You Can Do at Home

If your dog is vomiting yellow occasionally, seems otherwise healthy (eating, drinking, energetic, normal stool), and none of the red flags above apply, here are evidence-based home management strategies you can try. Huwag mag-panic—most cases of occasional bile vomiting are manageable.

1. Adjust Meal Timing and Frequency

This is the single most effective intervention for bilious vomiting syndrome. The goal is to reduce the time your dog's stomach is empty.

• Feed a small meal or snack before bedtime. If your dog typically eats dinner at 6 p.m. and breakfast at 7 a.m., that is a 13-hour gap. Give a small portion (about 15 to 20% of their daily food) right before bed to bridge the gap. This alone resolves the problem for many dogs.
• Split meals into 3 to 4 smaller portions throughout the day instead of 1 or 2 large meals. For example, feed at 7 a.m., 12 noon, 5 p.m., and 10 p.m. This keeps bile working on actual food rather than sitting idle in an empty stomach.
• Keep the schedule consistent. Feed at the same times every day, including weekends. Your dog's digestive system runs on a clock.

Use a feeding calculator to determine the right total daily amount for your dog's weight and age, then simply divide that amount across more meals.

2. The Bland Diet Protocol

If your dog has just had a vomiting episode and you want to ease their stomach back to normal, the bland diet is a time-tested approach recommended by veterinarians worldwide.

The classic bland diet for dogs:

• Boiled white rice (well-cooked, soft) mixed with plain, boiled chicken breast (no skin, no bones, no seasoning)
• Ratio: approximately 75% rice to 25% chicken
• Serve in small portions at room temperature or slightly warm
• Feed 4 to 6 small meals throughout the day instead of 1 to 2 large ones

Important notes:

• The bland diet is a temporary measure—use it for 2 to 3 days to let the stomach settle, then gradually transition back to regular food over 3 to 5 days
• It is nutritionally incomplete and should not be fed long-term
• If your dog cannot keep even bland food down, or if vomiting returns when you reintroduce regular food, see your vet
• Some dogs are allergic to chicken—if you suspect this, use boiled fish or lean pork instead

3. Manage Water Intake After Vomiting

After a vomiting episode, many dogs want to drink large amounts of water immediately. Gulping water on an irritated stomach often triggers more vomiting, creating a cycle that leads to dehydration.

• After vomiting, wait 1 to 2 hours before offering water
• Offer small amounts at a time—a few tablespoons every 15 to 20 minutes
• Ice cubes or ice chips can be a good way to control intake while keeping your dog hydrated
• Once they are keeping water down for 2 to 3 hours, gradually increase the amount available

4. Probiotics

A dog-specific probiotic can help restore gut flora balance and reduce stomach irritation. Look for products containing Lactobacillus acidophilus, Enterococcus faecium, or Bifidobacterium animalis. These are available at most veterinary clinics in the Philippines. Do not use human probiotic supplements without consulting your vet, as the strains and dosages differ.

5. Avoid Known Triggers

• No fatty table scraps—this means saying no to tito and tita who want to share their pulutan with your dog
• No sudden food changes—always transition gradually over 7 to 10 days
• Secure your trash so your dog cannot raid it
• Keep human medications, cleaning products, and toxic plants out of reach
• Do not let your dog eat cooked bones, especially chicken and pork bones

6. Elevate the Food Bowl

For some dogs—particularly larger breeds and seniors with arthritis—eating from a bowl on the floor causes them to gulp air along with their food, which can contribute to nausea and vomiting. A slightly elevated food bowl (not too high—roughly chest height) allows for a more natural eating position and may reduce air ingestion. Note: for breeds prone to GDV, consult your vet about optimal bowl height, as the research on elevated feeding and bloat risk is mixed.

How Fresh Food Helps Prevent Bilious Vomiting

If your dog is dealing with recurring bile vomiting, the solution may not just be about when you feed, but what you feed. Diet plays a much bigger role in digestive health than many pet parents realize, and switching from heavily processed food to fresh, whole-ingredient meals can make a significant difference.

Higher Digestibility Means Less Stomach Irritation

Fresh, gently cooked food is significantly more digestible than ultra-processed kibble. Studies show that dogs absorb more nutrients from minimally processed food, which means less undigested material sitting in the gut, less gas production, and less digestive stress. When the stomach can process food efficiently, there is less opportunity for bile to accumulate and cause irritation.

Kibble, by contrast, undergoes extreme heat processing (extrusion at temperatures above 150°C) that denatures proteins, destroys natural enzymes, and creates a product that is harder for the canine digestive system to break down. Many dogs on kibble-only diets experience chronic low-grade digestive inflammation that makes them more susceptible to bile vomiting.

No Fillers, No Artificial Additives

Many commercial kibble brands sold in the Philippines contain corn, wheat, soy, and various artificial preservatives, flavors, and colors. These ingredients serve the manufacturer (they are cheap and extend shelf life) but do not serve your dog's stomach. Fillers are harder to digest, can trigger food sensitivities, and contribute to the chronic gut inflammation that makes bile vomiting worse.

Fresh food like McDuffy uses whole, recognizable ingredients—real meat, vegetables, and healthy fats—without the fillers, by-products, or chemical additives that can irritate sensitive stomachs.

Higher Moisture Content

Kibble contains only about 8 to 12% moisture. Fresh food contains 60 to 75% moisture. This built-in hydration supports gastric function, helps buffer stomach acid, and reduces the concentration of bile that contacts the stomach lining. For dogs prone to bile vomiting, the difference in moisture content alone can be transformative.

Easier Meal Splitting

Because fresh food is calorie-dense relative to its volume, it is easy to split into smaller, more frequent meals without your dog feeling like they are getting less food. A bag of McDuffy's fresh food can be portioned into 3 or 4 daily meals effortlessly, keeping the stomach consistently occupied and bile actively working on food rather than irritating an empty stomach.

Supporting Gut Microbiome Health

Emerging research on the canine gut microbiome shows that diet is the single biggest factor in determining the composition and diversity of gut bacteria. Fresh, whole-food diets promote a more diverse and stable microbiome compared to ultra-processed diets. A healthy microbiome supports normal digestive function, reduces inflammation, and helps regulate motility—all of which can reduce the frequency and severity of bile vomiting.

What Your Vet May Do

If home management does not resolve the yellow vomiting, or if your vet determines that the cause is more than simple BVS, here is what you can expect during a veterinary visit:

Diagnostic workup may include:

• Physical examination: Checking hydration status, abdominal palpation, temperature, gum color, and overall condition
• Blood work: Complete blood count (CBC) and chemistry panel to check organ function, white blood cell count, and signs of infection or inflammation. Typical cost in the Philippines: ₱1,500 to ₱3,500.
• X-rays (radiographs): To look for foreign objects, intestinal blockages, or signs of bloat. Cost: ₱800 to ₱2,500.
• Ultrasound: Provides a more detailed view of internal organs and is better for evaluating soft tissue abnormalities like pancreatitis. Cost: ₱1,500 to ₱4,000.
• Fecal examination: To check for intestinal parasites, which are common in the tropical Philippine climate. Cost: ₱300 to ₱800.

Treatment options depending on diagnosis:

• Anti-nausea medication: Maropitant (Cerenia) is the gold standard anti-emetic for dogs and is widely available in Philippine veterinary clinics
• Antacids or acid reducers: Famotidine or omeprazole to reduce stomach acid production and protect the stomach lining
• Prokinetic drugs: Metoclopramide to improve gastric motility and reduce bile reflux
• IV fluids: If your dog is dehydrated from repeated vomiting
• Surgery: In cases of foreign body obstruction or GDV
• Dietary management: Prescription or therapeutic diets, or guidance on transitioning to a gentler, more digestible food

Prevention: Keeping the Yellow Vomit Away for Good

Once you have identified the cause and addressed the immediate problem, here is your ongoing prevention checklist:

• Feed 2 to 4 smaller meals per day at consistent times—especially a late-night snack to bridge the overnight gap
• Use a high-quality, easily digestible food with whole ingredients and no fillers—fresh food is ideal
• Transition between foods gradually over 7 to 10 days, mixing old and new food in increasing proportions
• Never feed cooked bones, heavily seasoned human food, or fatty scraps
• Keep your dog at a healthy weight—obesity increases the risk of pancreatitis and other digestive issues
• Dog-proof your home—secure trash bins, pick up small objects, keep toxic substances out of reach
• Stay up to date on vaccinations and deworming—especially important in the Philippines where parasites and infectious diseases are prevalent
• Annual vet check-ups—many conditions are caught early through routine examinations
• Avoid vigorous exercise immediately after meals—wait at least 30 minutes to an hour, especially for deep-chested breeds

Frequently Asked Questions

My dog throws up yellow every morning but seems fine otherwise. Should I be worried?

This is the classic presentation of bilious vomiting syndrome (BVS), and in most cases, it is not dangerous. The early morning timing indicates that the overnight fasting period is too long for your dog's stomach. Try giving a small snack before bedtime—a few tablespoons of food, a couple of biscuits, or a small portion of their regular meal. Many dogs see complete resolution within days of this simple change. However, if the vomiting persists despite meal timing adjustments, or if it starts happening more frequently or at different times of day, have your vet evaluate to rule out other causes.

Is yellow vomit an emergency?

Yellow vomit by itself—a one-time event where your dog vomits bile and then acts normally—is usually not an emergency. However, yellow vomit combined with other symptoms (repeated vomiting, lethargy, bloated abdomen, blood, pain, refusal to eat or drink) can indicate a serious condition. Use the red flags checklist earlier in this article. When in doubt, call your vet. A quick phone consultation can help you determine whether an emergency visit is needed.

Can I give my dog Pepto-Bismol or antacids for yellow vomiting?

Do not give any human medication to your dog without first consulting your veterinarian. While some vets do recommend famotidine (Pepcid) at specific doses for dogs with acid reflux, the dosing is different from humans and some human antacids contain ingredients that are toxic to dogs (such as xylitol, which is found in some chewable antacid tablets). Pepto-Bismol contains bismuth subsalicylate, which can cause gastrointestinal side effects in dogs and can turn the stool black, masking signs of internal bleeding. Always call your vet first.

Why does my dog eat grass and then throw up yellow?

Grass-eating followed by vomiting is one of the most common canine behaviors that concerns pet parents. There are two main theories: (1) the dog feels nauseous from an empty or upset stomach and eats grass deliberately to induce vomiting and relieve the discomfort, or (2) the grass tickles the throat and stomach lining, triggering the vomiting reflex incidentally. In many cases, dogs who eat grass have underlying stomach acidity or bile irritation. If your dog does this frequently, address the root cause (meal timing, diet quality) rather than just trying to prevent the grass-eating.

My dog vomited yellow once and now will not eat. What should I do?

A dog who vomits and then refuses food for a few hours is typically just experiencing residual nausea—this is normal and usually resolves on its own. Wait 2 to 4 hours after the vomiting episode, then offer a small amount of bland food (plain boiled chicken and rice). If they eat and keep it down, gradually return to their normal diet. If they still refuse food 12 to 24 hours after vomiting, or if the vomiting returns, contact your vet. Puppies and small breeds should be seen sooner, as they are more susceptible to dehydration and hypoglycemia. Read our full guide on why dogs stop eating and what to do.

Does the type of food I feed affect bile vomiting?

Absolutely. Highly processed kibble with fillers, artificial additives, and low-quality proteins is harder for dogs to digest and can contribute to chronic stomach inflammation, which makes bile vomiting worse. Fresh, minimally processed food is easier on the digestive system, contains more moisture to buffer stomach acid, and supports a healthier gut microbiome. Many dog owners report that their dog's bile vomiting stopped completely after switching to a fresh food diet. The quality and digestibility of the food matters just as much as the feeding schedule.

Can puppies get bilious vomiting syndrome?

Yes, puppies can develop BVS, and they are actually more prone to it because they have smaller stomachs and faster metabolisms, meaning their stomachs empty more quickly. Puppies should be fed 3 to 4 times per day until they are about 6 months old, then 2 to 3 times per day through their first year. If your puppy is vomiting yellow, ensure they are being fed frequently enough. However, vomiting in puppies should be taken more seriously than in adult dogs—puppies dehydrate quickly and are vulnerable to serious infections like parvovirus. If your puppy vomits more than once or twice and shows any signs of lethargy, diarrhea, or appetite loss, see your vet promptly.

Should I withhold food after my dog vomits yellow?

This is one of the most common misconceptions. For bile vomiting caused by an empty stomach, withholding food actually makes the problem worse, because you are extending the fasting period that caused the vomiting in the first place. Instead, offer a small amount of bland, easy-to-digest food 1 to 2 hours after the vomiting episode. If your dog keeps it down, continue with small, frequent meals throughout the day. The only time you should withhold food after vomiting is if your vet specifically instructs you to do so—for example, in cases of suspected pancreatitis or before diagnostic procedures.

The Bottom Line

A dog throwing up yellow bile is one of the most common concerns we hear from pet parents in the Philippines. In most cases, it is bilious vomiting syndrome—a manageable condition caused by an empty stomach that responds well to simple changes in meal timing and frequency. Feed smaller meals more often, add a bedtime snack, choose an easily digestible food, and the problem often resolves within days.

But yellow vomiting can also be a symptom of something more serious: pancreatitis, GDV, foreign body obstruction, or other conditions that need veterinary care. Know the red flags. Trust your instincts. When in doubt, call your vet. Mas mabuting magpa-check kaysa mag-assume na okay lang.

Your dog cannot tell you what is wrong in words, but their body gives you signals. The color, frequency, and timing of their vomit, their energy level, their appetite, their behavior—all of these are data points. Pay attention to them, document them (photos help), and use this guide to determine your next step.

And if recurring digestive issues are a pattern for your dog, consider whether their current diet is part of the problem. A diet built on whole, fresh ingredients—free from fillers, artificial additives, and extreme processing—gives the digestive system the best possible foundation. A healthy gut vomits less. It really is that simple.