Depends on signs
White, foamy vomit is usually stomach fluid and saliva mixed with air. It is common when the stomach is empty or irritated. In large, deep-chested dogs, repeated retching of white foam with a swollen belly can be a sign of bloat, which is an emergency.
See a vet now if you notice:
- Retching with nothing coming up and a swollen belly (bloat)
- Blood or coffee-ground material
- Vomiting with diarrhea, lethargy or belly pain
- Not keeping water down, or not eating for 24 hours
- Possible toxin, string or swallowed object
- A puppy, senior or dog with health problems
Possible causes
- Empty or irritated stomach
- Eating grass or too fast
- Kennel cough (coughing followed by foam)
- Bloat (gastric dilation-volvulus) in large dogs
- Pancreatitis or other illness
What to do
- If it happens once and your dog seems fine, offer water and a small bland meal later.
- Watch the belly: unproductive retching with a tight, swollen belly is an emergency.
- If your dog is also coughing, ask your vet about kennel cough.