When should I worry about my dog vomiting?

Contact your vet if vomiting persists more than 24 hours, contains blood, is paired with lethargy or pain, or your dog cannot keep water down. Puppies and small breeds dehydrate quickly.

What causes dogs to vomit yellow foam?

Yellow foam or bile often means an empty stomach — common in the morning. Frequent bilious vomiting may need dietary adjustment or veterinary evaluation for underlying disease.

Should I withhold food after my dog vomits?

A brief fast of four to six hours for adult dogs may help mild stomach upset, followed by small bland meals. Always offer water in small amounts. Puppies and diabetic dogs need vet guidance.

When is vomiting an emergency?

Seek urgent care for repeated vomiting with a swollen abdomen and unproductive retching (possible bloat), blood in vomit, collapse, suspected toxin ingestion, or inability to keep water down.

Dog Health

Why Is My Dog Vomiting UK?

Quick answer

A **single vomit** in an otherwise bright adult dog may need only rest and observation. Call your vet if vomiting is **repeated, contains blood, or is paired with lethargy, pain, or inability to drink** — especially in puppies and senior dogs. Suspected poisoning needs immediate advice. Use our [symptom checker](/symptom-checker) for triage guidance, then phone your practice.

Key takeaways

Contact your vet if vomiting persists more than 24 hours, contains blood, is paired with lethargy or pain, or your dog cannot keep water down. Puppies and small breeds dehydrate quickly.
Yellow foam or bile often means an empty stomach — common in the morning. Frequent bilious vomiting may need dietary adjustment or veterinary evaluation for underlying disease.
A brief fast of four to six hours for adult dogs may help mild stomach upset, followed by small bland meals. Always offer water in small amounts. Puppies and diabetic dogs need vet guidance.

The full picture

Causes, home monitoring, treatment options and the exact signs that mean call your vet — in the complete guide.

Read the full guide Check symptoms

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I worry about my dog vomiting?: Contact your vet if vomiting persists more than 24 hours, contains blood, is paired with lethargy or pain, or your dog cannot keep water down. Puppies and small breeds dehydrate quickly.
What causes dogs to vomit yellow foam?: Yellow foam or bile often means an empty stomach — common in the morning. Frequent bilious vomiting may need dietary adjustment or veterinary evaluation for underlying disease.
Should I withhold food after my dog vomits?: A brief fast of four to six hours for adult dogs may help mild stomach upset, followed by small bland meals. Always offer water in small amounts. Puppies and diabetic dogs need vet guidance.
When is vomiting an emergency?: Seek urgent care for repeated vomiting with a swollen abdomen and unproductive retching (possible bloat), blood in vomit, collapse, suspected toxin ingestion, or inability to keep water down.

Reviewed 2026-07-19 against UK veterinary guidance · Information only — not a substitute for seeing your vet.