Did you know that vomiting is a more frequent symptom in dogs than in humans? Although seeing our dog vomiting green can be alarming, the truth is that it is a fairly common event. Precisely, the color of vomit is one of the first signs that help us distinguish between the main causes, including digestive disorders, ingestion of foreign objects, and certain health problems.
If you’ve been wondering “why is my dog vomiting green”, read on for all the details below…
Note. During the writing of this article, different specialized sources in veterinary health were consulted, including the digital magazine PetMD, the official website of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals ASPCA) and the American Kennel Club (AKC) website.
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Dog Vomiting Green
Green vomit in dogs is usually due to one of the following causes:
- Ingestion of grass or other plant matter
- Presence of bile in the stomach
- Intestinal obstruction
- Illnesses or infections
Let’s delve a little deeper into each of them…
1. Ingestion of grass or other plant matter
No matter how closely you watch him, a dog always finds a way to eat things he shouldn’t. When green vomiting occurs, it is very likely that the pet has eaten fresh grass or another type of vegetable substance that he has found around him.
Many times it is not even vomiting, but the regurgitation of said matter. In this case, the vomiting usually goes away on its own within a day, and a trip to the vet may not be necessary.
However, there are times when green vomiting from plant ingestion is not such a harmless occurrence. Keep in mind that many houseplants are toxic to dogs, which is why they can cause severe discomfort and excessive vomiting1. If you suspect that your pet is vomiting green because they have chewed parts of an ornamental plant, it is best to go to the veterinarian. Some are even known to be life-threatening.
It is advisable to know well each type of plant you have at home. If any are toxic to dogs, it’s worth getting rid of. Poisonous plants for dogs include azaleas, daffodils, tulips, sago palms, oleander, chrysanthemum, peonies, lilies, and foxglove.
Likewise, some cases of greenish vomiting may be linked to the ingestion of a poisonous substance. If there is a chance that your dog is vomiting green from poisoning, take him to the vet immediately.
Why do dogs eat grass? As explained in different specialized publications, there are several theories on this subject. One of them posits that dogs eat grass as a way to induce vomiting and feel better when something goes wrong.
Some suggest that taking the herb helps them improve digestion, treat intestinal worms, or meet some nutritional needs, such as fiber deficiency.
Likewise, some scholars have reported that this custom has its origin in non-domesticated dogs. These were known to be omnivorous in nature (both carnivorous and herbivorous), hence domesticated dogs instinctively include plant matter in their diet.
It may interest you: 9 Potential Poisons for Dogs – What Can Poison My Dog?
2. Presence of bile in the stomach
This is another common cause to consider. As you well know, bile is the green liquid that both humans and dogs store in the gallbladder, and its basic function is to assist in the digestion of fats. Sometimes, part of the bile that should flow into the intestine ends up flowing into the stomach, which is why we can see it in the stomach contents that our dog has thrown.
Typically, the presence of bile in the vomit can be a sign of:
- Pancreatitis. Inflammation of the pancreas leads to disruption of normal digestive processes, often leading to bilious vomiting.
- Acute gastritis. This condition can cause the dog to vomit bile, especially when there is no food in the stomach.
- Bilious vomiting syndrome. Some dogs vomit a certain amount of bile intermittently, especially on an empty stomach.
- Giardiasis. Giardia infection can manifest itself through different symptoms, including diarrhea and acute vomiting with bile.
It is always recommended to consult the veterinarian as soon as possible, especially if your dog is very old, or on the contrary, if it is just a puppy. Try to feed him a bland diet, such as white rice and chicken, and be sure to pay attention to any abnormal symptoms. If the green vomit does not stop within 24 hours, go to the vet.
3. Bowel obstruction
It’s not unusual for dogs to eat things that they can’t digest or simply can’t pass through their intestines. When a foreign object gets stuck somewhere in the gastrointestinal system, it is normal for the digestive processes to stop and it is impossible for you to eat or have a bowel movement. As a result, the pet will almost certainly start vomiting.
At first, the vomit may contain bits of undigested matter and will seem quite normal; but if the dog continues to vomit after emptying its stomach, bile will be the only thing left to expel.
Keep in mind that bowel obstruction is a medical emergency that requires treatment as soon as possible. In addition to vomiting, the animal may refuse to eat, fail to defecate, experience stomach pain, and show decreased energy.
4. Diseases and infections
The greenish vomit can also be due to a stomach or parasitic infection, especially if in addition to the green color it exhibits a mucous appearance. Sometimes it is the warning sign of a condition or disease that requires veterinary review, including food allergies, kidney disorders, cancer, and liver disease.
Vomiting that continues for more than 24 hours, regardless of color, is always a reason to seek medical attention.
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