Dog Vomited Yellow or White – Before Dying. What Happened?

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This article was updated on August 26th, 2023

Dealing with the passing of a beloved pet is never easy and as an owner, it can be difficult to mourn properly when you are trying to make sense of what might have happened. Seeing your dog vomit before passing isn’t pleasant and can leave owners confused as to what the cause of death might have been. In my clinic, I’ve spoken to many owners aiming to get closure after their dog passed away and in this article, I will try to do the same for anyone who is trying to understand why their dog may have vomited before they died.

What is the yellow or white substance vomited by my dog?

Sometimes the appearance of the vomit can indicate what might have led to your pet’s death – vomit often has a yellow or white appearance but can even be green or brown and is often accompanied by a foul smell. Here are some of the most common appearances that vomit can take and some potential underlying causes:

1. Yellow/green: This type of vomit is usually a sign of gastric or intestinal upset, meaning your dog may have eaten something that they do not agree with. If the yellow vomit was accompanied by a foul smell then it is likely to be bile, which is a sign of digestive distress. Bile can also be an indicator that there was an underlying liver, pancreatic or gastrointestinal disease.

2. White: White foam can be caused by a variety of things, from dehydration to infection or even cancer.

3. Clear/translucent: Clear or translucent colored liquid is often a sign of heart disease as the fluid that may have accumulated in the lungs makes its way out.

4. Dark orange or brown: This type of vomit is usually due to the presence of blood, indicating some kind of internal injury or bleeding. An obstruction in the gastrointestinal tract can also result in your dog vomiting up a dark-colored liquid.

However, it’s important to remember that the color of the vomit isn’t always linked to the underlying cause and without further investigation, it can be difficult to determine why your dog vomited before dying.

What could have caused my dog to vomit yellow or white liquid before dying?

It can provide closure to some owners to understand how their pet may have passed away and the color of the vomit they may have brought up before dying can help with this. Here are some of the most common causes of death in a dog that vomited shortly before passing away:

Gastrointestinal disease

Gastrointestinal disease is a broad term that describes diseases affecting the stomach and intestines. This can be anything from an obstruction to an infection, and dogs will often vomit a yellow or even brown liquid before dying due as a result of disease to the gut.

Blockages can be caused by ingested objects, such as a bone or toy, or by a thickening or tumor that is preventing things from passing along the gastrointestinal tract. Over time, a blockage can cut off the blood supply to the surrounding tissues and cause breakdown and infection of the intestinal wall.

Similarly, an infection in the gastrointestinal system will result in damage to the fragile intestinal wall and eventually, the infection can pass into the bloodstream resulting in sepsis. Unfortunately, if not caught early enough, the damage caused to the intestines by these conditions is often irreversible, especially in the case of a tumor.

Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas, which can cause severe abdominal pain in dogs. This condition can be fatal if not treated quickly and the most common symptom is vomiting, often accompanied by yellow or green bile. The inflammation can block the release of digestive enzymes from the pancreas, resulting in the breakdown of tissues in the area and eventually leading to organ failure.

Liver failure

Liver failure is another common cause of death in dogs and can be caused by several different factors. One of the most common symptoms of liver failure is vomiting, often accompanied by yellow or white liquid. This is usually due to a buildup of bile in the gastrointestinal system and can be caused by a number of conditions, such as fatty liver disease or cancer. Without prompt and intensive treatment, the toxins that accumulate in the blood can lead to organ failure.

Heart Disease

Heart disease is common in older dogs and can lead to death if not monitored carefully. If a dog is suffering from heart disease, they may vomit up a clear or almost translucent liquid as fluid from the lungs is expelled. This condition will also cause difficulty in breathing and can even lead to sudden death before any treatment can be done.

Kidney failure

Kidney failure is another common cause of death in dogs, especially in older animals. Vomiting can be a symptom of advanced kidney disease, often accompanied by a pale yellow fluid. This can be caused by numerous conditions, including infection and blocked urinary tract, and is usually the result of long-term damage to the kidneys. Without prompt treatment, the toxins can build up in the bloodstream and eventually lead to organ failure.

Cancer

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in dogs and can cause vomiting, often accompanied by a yellow or white fluid. Tumors can form anywhere in the body and can affect numerous organs, including the gastrointestinal system. As cancer progresses, it can cause damage to surrounding tissues and eventually lead to organ failure.

“If you have witnessed your dog vomiting yellow or white liquid before passing away, it is important to contact a veterinarian for a post-mortem examination. This can help determine the cause of death and provide valuable information to help understand why it happened.”

Is it normal for a dog to throw up before dying?

Dogs that die of natural causes or old age don’t usually vomit before dying, so it’s important to note that if a dog is vomiting yellow or white fluid before death, it could be an indication that there was a serious medical condition present. 

If your dog has recently passed away and you noticed that they vomited yellow or white liquid before death, it is important to seek the advice of a veterinarian to determine what happened. Knowing the cause of death can offer valuable insight and help you understand what happened. 

Other symptoms commonly observed before a dog passes away

In addition to vomiting, a dog may display other symptoms before they pass away. These include but are not limited to:

  • Pain
  • Listlessness
  • Sudden collapse
  • Seizures
  • The inability to rise or stand
  • Labored breathing

Although these signs can be associated with many conditions, they are often indicators of a more serious underlying problem. If you notice any of these symptoms, it is important to contact a veterinarian immediately.  Prompt and appropriate treatment may be lifesaving, or at the very least provide comfort to your pet in their last days.  

Why did my dog die? Is it a result of a late diagnosis?

It is impossible to know with certainty why your dog passed away without performing a post-mortem examination. Late diagnosis of an illness can certainly be a contributing factor, but it is also possible that a rapid decline in health or sudden organ failure could have been the cause. 

Ultimately, speaking with your veterinarian can help you understand what happened and provide closure.  It’s also important to note that it is not uncommon for medical conditions to go undetected, even in otherwise healthy pets and some diseases require advanced diagnostic tests in order to detect. Trusting your instincts and seeking immediate medical attention if you sense something is wrong can make all the difference in a pet’s outcome.

No matter the cause, it is a heartbreaking experience to lose a beloved pet. Taking time to understand what happened can provide valuable closure and help you move forward. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it normal for a dog to vomit a white or yellow substance before dying?

No, it is not normal for a dog to vomit yellow or white liquid before dying. It could be an indication of a serious medical condition and it is often possible to contact a veterinarian for a post-mortem examination in order to determine the cause of death.

Do dogs throw up when they are dying?

Dogs that die of natural causes or old age don’t usually vomit before dying, especially if the vomiting occurred on multiple occasions. Vomiting can be an indication that there was a more serious underlying condition present. 

What should I do when my dog throws up a yellow or white substance?

If your dog is vomiting a yellow or white substance, it is important to seek the advice of a veterinarian as soon as possible. Prompt and appropriate treatment may be lifesaving, or at the very least provide comfort to your pet in their last days. 

Author

  • Dr Alex Crow, Veterinary Surgeon

    Alex Crow, VetMed MRCVS, is an RCVS accredited Veterinary surgeon with special interests in neurology and soft tissue surgery. Dr Crow is currently practicing at Buttercross Veterinary Center in England. He earned his degree in veterinary medicine in 2019 from the Royal Veterinary College (one of the top 3 vet schools in the world) and has more than three years of experience practicing as a small animal veterinarian (dogs and cats).

Disclaimer: This website's content is not a substitute for veterinary care. Always consult with your veterinarian for healthcare decisions. Read More.

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