Revised and Updated 3/29/2024
Is your dog vomiting bile in the morning? First, check with your vet to see if your dog has elevated liver enzymes or acid stomach. What is bile? Bile is a yellowish, foamy substance that is produced by the liver, stored in the gallbladder and released into the intestines to help digest fats and protein. Bile build up in the stomach can be very irritating and painful for your dog.
Last year we adopted an abused husky named Roo. He was only 1 1/2 years old but was an incredibly picky eater. We noticed that he wasn't nearly as picky in the evening as he was in the morning when his acid stomach was hurting the most. We would to try to entice Roo with baked chicken, salmon and steak in the morning and still, he would only take a few bites.
One morning, I heard the most awful sound of what appeared to be loud coughing like someone was choking. We ran in to see what it was and there was Roo gagging and vomiting up bile. He was coughing quite loudly but when he vomited, it was just a yellowish saliva-filled fluid. I knew that he was very uncomfortable and ran to get the only food he would eat in the morning -- goat milk. I poured a small amount of raw goat milk (I use Primal brand because that one seems to work the best for him) and he immediately calmed down. I then hand fed him some frozen food (raw patties) mixed with goat milk along with probiotics and digestive enzymes.
We realized that the night before, we fed Roo his last meal around 8 pm instead of 11 pm which meant that his stomach was empty for longer. One important way you can help a dog that is vomiting bile in the morning is to feed them lots of frequent meals. Keeping the time inbetween meals to a minimum helps reduce the burning and discomfort associated with acid reflux.
Why do dogs vomit more frequently in the morning? Overnight, acid builds up in the stomach causing the dog to vomit bile. During periods of fasting such as overnight, the absence of food in the stomach means there's nothing to absorb or buffer the stomach acid produced, allowing it to accumulate. Additionally, factors such as stress, anxiety, medications, or underlying medical conditions like gastritis can contribute to an overproduction of gastric acid. In Roo's case, he is such a nervous and anxious dog, it just causes even more build up of stomach acid.
If your dog is vomiting frequently, the first step is to get a diagnoses from your veterinarian. There are a lot of causes of dog vomiting and treatment will depend upon the diagnoses. Usually changing your dog's diet and feeding schedule can help a lot. Be sure to feed your dog a snack before bed and first thing in the morning. Try to feed a few small snacks throughout the day. What you feed your dog can also make a big difference, but this will depend upon the cause of your dog's vomiting. For example, if your dog is vomiting due to food allergies, you would feed a different diet than if your dog is vomiting due to a liver problem.
In our case, Roo showed he had intestinal dysbiosis, an imbalance in his gut microbiome. He had stress-related diarrhea so we added fiber, digestive enzymes and probiotics to his regimen. We always make sure to feed him before bed and have not had another incidence of choking or vomiting bile. We have seen the benefits of holistic treatments for dog acid reflux and as Roo has settled into our home, his stomach issues have greatly improved.
Author: Susan Blake Davis, Pet Nutritionist
Date: 3/29/2024
Originally Published: 10/24/22
Every kitty grooms but not every cat gets a hairball problem. While it's true that long-haired cats have more of a hairball issue than short-haired kitties, your cat's diet and digestive health are often the biggest contributing factors. Veterinarians believe that cats developing hairball problems frequently have an underlying motility disorder. There are a variety of causes of hairballs, treatments and health risks to understand but here are 4 tips that may help your kitty:
Does your dog have a musty, "cheesy" odor? Does he scratch at his ears and or tilt his head? ? Dark ear discharge and odors are a common sign of yeast infections in dogs. Other signs of yeast may include red skin, licking at the groin, blackened skin on the abdomen or armpits, rubbing their face on the carpet and butt scooting. These can also be symptoms of itchy skin due to allergies as well.
In particular, dogs can develop yeast infections in their ears because yeast thrives in warm, moist environments. Dogs with floppy ears, such as those of many breeds like Cocker Spaniels or Basset Hounds, are particularly prone to trapping moisture within the ear canal. This creates an ideal breeding ground for yeast overgrowth. Allergic reactions, whether to food, environmental allergens, or both, can compromise a dog's immune system and can cause a yeast overgrowth. Weakened immunity may make the ears more susceptible to yeast infections. Dogs with underlying allergies may exhibit frequent ear scratching and inflammation.
Ask Ariel's K9 Yeast Defense is formulated with natural ingredients known for their antifungal and antibacterial properties, specifically chosen to address yeast infections in dogs. Caprylic acid, a fatty acid derived from coconut oil, has potent antifungal effects, helping to combat the overgrowth of yeast in the dog's system. Oregano, rich in compounds like carvacrol and thymol, exhibits antimicrobial properties that can aid in controlling yeast and bacteria. Pau d'arco, derived from the inner bark of a South American tree, is renowned for its antifungal and immune-boosting properties. Together, these ingredients work synergistically to rebalance your dog's intestinal flora, creating an environment less favorable for yeast proliferation. By supporting the immune system and promoting a healthy microbial balance, Ask Ariel's K9 Yeast Defense not only provides fast relief for symptoms but also contributes to long-term wellness. When combined with the Power Probiotic, the comprehensive approach addresses the root causes of yeast issues, offering a holistic solution for dogs dealing with discomfort and itching associated with yeast infections. Say goodbye to doggie odor and yeast-related concerns with the powerful combination of Ask Ariel's K9 Yeast Defense and Power Probiotic.
Posted Originally: 10/12/2022
Revised and Updated: 2/2/2024
Author: Susan Blake Davis