Why Is My German Shepherd Throwing Up Yellow Vomit?

As a pet owner, you may already know that it is a fairly common issue when your dog vomits. Some dogs even vomit from a simple issue, such as eating too fast. But, what happens when the vomit is a different color, like yellow, for example?

Your German Shepherd throwing up yellow vomit, also called bile, could be caused by an empty stomach, motion sickness, excess heat, food allergies, grass consumption, GI issues, or a serious disease like pancreatitis. If it keeps happening, promptly bring your dog to the veterinarian.

Throughout this article, we will discuss the reasons why your German Shepherd may be throwing up bile. We will also discuss ways to prevent your dog from vomiting. We will then go over different types of dog vomit. Lastly, we will provide ten signs and symptoms that will help you know when it’s time to take your dog to the vet.

Reasons German Shepherds Vomit Bile

If you have a German Shepherd, then you probably know about the most common health concerns associated with the breed. Hip dysplasia and bloat are probably the most likely to occur. But, there are other health issues that your German Shepherd may be prone to as well. It’s important to pay attention to any abnormalities in your dog, including vomiting up bile.

Bile is a fluid that is made in the liver. It is stored in the gallbladder and helps break down food, so it’s easier to digest. It sometimes looks yellow or yellow-greenish and is often foamy.

The following is a list of reasons why your German Shepherd may be throwing up bile:

Empty stomach: Often, if your dog is hungry, bile may irritate the lining of your dog’s stomach, causing him to vomit the contents.

Motion sickness: Just like us, dogs can get sick by the motion of a vehicle. If your dog vomits bile in the car, or just after, you may have found your reason.

Heat: Heat can lead to dehydration or even heatstroke, which can lead to bile.

Food allergy or sensitivity: Your German Shepherd may have a genetic predisposition to food allergies. Some of the foods that your dog is allergic to include beef, dairy, eggs, chicken, lamb, wheat, soy, and fish.

Gastrointestinal issues: Throwing up bile could be the symptom of a much more serious stomach issue, like inflammatory bowel disease, ulcers, and even cancer.

Pancreatitis: Pancreatitis occurs when the pancreas becomes inflamed. This may happen due to food that is high in oil or fat. Symptoms of pancreatitis occur as soon as 24 hours after your dog has eaten oily or fatty food. But look for signs for up to five days after.

Intestinal blockage: German Shepherds are curious and tend to get into all sorts of things, including the garbage. A chicken bone, or maybe even a small toy, could be swallowed and cause a blockage in your dog’s intestine, causing him to vomit bile.

Grass: Dogs love to eat grass and weeds. Look for little blades of grass in your dog’s vomit. If you see any, then you know this is the cause of the vomit.

How To Prevent Your German Shepherd From Vomiting

Regular feedings: If your dog has a full belly, he’s less likely to throw up any bile. Feed your dog often, but don’t overfeed your dog. Give him the same amount of food, just spaced out throughout the day.

Motion sickness drugs: If you find that your German Shepherd is always getting sick in the car, you may ask your veterinarian to prescribe something for his nausea.

Keep your dog cool: Make sure your dog is getting enough water to drink throughout the day, especially outside and in the hot weather. And, NEVER leave your dog in a hot car. This can cause dehydration, heatstroke, and even death.

Be mindful of your dog’s diet: If you think your dog may be allergic to a certain food or ingredient, discontinue it and see if he improves. This may be enough to stop your dog from throwing up bile.

Regular check-ups: Bring your dog to the vet often for check-ups, and know when to bring him in for emergency visits. If your German Shepherd is vomiting bile frequently, then definitely schedule an appointment or even bring him to the emergency vet.

Other Types Of Vomit

It’s important to pay attention to all facets of your German Shepherd to provide him with the best care possible. Here are some other types of vomit that may occur in the future:

Regurgitation: Regurgitation usually happens if your dog has eaten too fast. It tends to occur right after your dog has eaten, and there is no abdominal having involved. Your brain will often tell you regurgitation has a “sour” smell.

Granular vomit: Granular vomit is also usually related to eating. It usually consists of partially digested food, which tends to look like a mix between a liquid and coffee grounds. It sometimes contains blood.

Chunky vomit: Chunky vomit is, too, food-related. It consists of undigested food—so you may see pieces of food.

Black vomit: Dark-colored vomit may mean internal bleeding, an ulcer, or an intestinal blockage. You’ll want to bring your dog to the vet right away.

White foamy vomit: Foamy white vomit, much like bile, may be nothing to worry about, but, on the other hand, it can be the symptom of a much more serious problem. It may just be an upset stomach or acid reflux, but it may also be a symptom of an issue with your dog’s kidneys, pancreatitis, parvo, or kennel cough.

When To Go To The Vet

It may be hard to know when vomit is a sign of something more serious. German Shepherds can vomit for several reasons. It may have been something he ate, like garbage, rotten food, or grass. If your dog eats too fast or exercises right after eating, he may also vomit. But, vomiting can also be a sign of something fatal, such as bloat, kidney disease, or even cancer.

Here are some important signs that can alert you to when to go to the vet:

Projectile vomiting
Frequent vomiting
Diarrhea accompanied by vomiting

Extreme weight loss accompanied by vomiting
Tender or bloated abdomen
Lethargy

Dry heaving
Trouble urinating
Loss of appetite

Weakness

If you’re struggling to decide if you should take your German Shepherd to the vet, even if he has none of the symptoms above, just do it. It’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to the well-being of a pet.

Final Thoughts

If your German Shepherd is throwing up yellow vomit or bile, it’s important to pay attention to him. Notice if he’s only thrown up the one time or is frequently vomiting. It could be a sign of something serious.

Bring your dog to the vet regularly and anytime he’s acting abnormally or has any of the symptoms listed above. It’s important to do so to keep your German Shepherd healthy and maintain a happy dog.