If dogs vomit brown, it may indicate an intestinal blockage or stomach irritation. Under certain circumstances, gastrointestinal inflammation, stomach ulcers, internal bleeding and unsuitable dog food can also be responsible.
In addition, it is important to differentiate between vomiting and regurgitation at the vet:
- Vomiting: A gush-like emptying of the stomach and esophagus. The content is usually semi-digested and sour.
- Choking: A sudden release of the contents of the esophagus. Food is usually easy to recognize and comes with a lot of mucus. [1]
The color of the vomit depends largely on what the dog has previously eaten. Below you will find the typical colors and their most common causes:
ColorCommon CausesGreenishGrass eaten, bile on an empty stomach, allergiesRedishPoisoning, injuries, internal bleeding, gastritis, stomach ulcersWhiteishUpset stomach, kidney disease, inflammation of the pancreas, parvovirus, heartburn, kennel cough [2]BrownishFood allergy, intestinal obstruction, stomach irritation, internal bleeding, food intolerance, poisoning, feces eaten, stomach ulcersYellowishKennel cough, accumulation of stomach acid, heartburn, nausea on an empty stomachBlackishInternal bleeding, intestinal obstruction, bleeding ulcers, poisoning [3]
Dogs naturally vomit much more often because their digestive system is much more sensitive than ours. There is only cause for concern if:
- There is blood in the vomit
- Other underlying diseases
- The dog is constantly vomiting
- Fever and severe tiredness occur
- Further pathological symptoms appear [4]
Below you will learn about the 8 most common causes of brown vomiting.
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#1 Intestinal obstruction
As the name suggests, this is a blockage in the intestines so that digested food cannot pass through. Two types are distinguished here:
- Mechanical intestinal obstruction: An obstruction or swallowed foreign body blocks the intestines.
- Functional intestinal obstruction: The intestine is unable to move the contents forward.
The vomiting here is just an attempt to let the digested food out through a detour because the intestines are blocked. Typical causes of this are:
- Swallowed whole bones
- Food packaging
- Inflammation in the digestive tract
- Swallowed balls and toys
- Ulcers in the intestines
- Swallowed stones [5]
Or to put it another way: This is where natural curiosity and the urge to chew often become fatal. An intestinal obstruction can usually be recognized by the following symptoms:
- Loss of appetite
- Problems with bowel movements
- Flatulence
- Frequent belching
- Feeling of weakness
- Diarrhea
- Excessive drooling
- Lack of motivation [6]
If left untreated, an intestinal obstruction can, in the worst case scenario, be fatal. If you suspect this, you should consult the vet immediately.
The treatment depends on the individual cause. In simple cases, waiting may be sufficient. In emergencies, immediate surgery may also be necessary.
Dogs with an intestinal obstruction can no longer expel digested food through the anus and consequently vomit it. Since this is digested food, the vomit is usually brown. The veterinarian should be consulted immediately.
#2 Stomach irritation
Dogs only became omnivores several thousand years ago through domestication. Their ancestors, the wolves, remain primary carnivores.
This also explains why their digestive system is very primitive compared to that of humans. Even the smallest inconsistencies can therefore become noticeable. [7]
Stomach irritation most often occurs when dogs eat too quickly and swallow a lot of air. Other typical triggers are:
- Spicy food
- Feed intolerance
- Ate grass
- Leftover food from people
- Worm infestation
- Swallowed indigestible things
- Ate garbage
- Food allergies [8]
Dogs here usually vomit brown because their food takes on this color as it digests. In addition, the vomit is often slimy. Other typical symptoms are:
- Sudden diarrhea
- Dog refuses food
- Frequent belching
- Depressive behavior
- Frequent licking of lips
- Dog refuses to drink
- Noticeable flatulence [9]
If your dog tends to gobble, I recommend dividing the daily food into small portions and using an anti-gobbling bowl like this.
At the same time, a 12-hour fast is recommended to protect the stomach. Afterwards, something easy to digest, such as rice with chicken, is ideal.
If you suspect the food, then I advise against carrying out such a food check. There you will receive individual recommendations as well as free food samples.
When their stomach is irritated, dogs often let out the last food they ate. The brown color of the vomit comes from the food. In most cases this is caused by eating too quickly, leftover food from people and eating garbage.
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#3 Poisoning
As shocking as the news about poison bait may be, the reality is that most dog owners accidentally poison their four-legged friends themselves.
The reason for this is the assumption that common foods in our diet must also be healthy for dogs. A very painful mistake.
Grapes, onions, chocolate, avocados, walnuts, cocoa, alcohol, raisins, macadamia nuts and xylitol, among other things, are toxic to dogs. [10]
Consuming cocoa and chocolate in particular often causes dogs to vomit brown. Because the sugar content makes them crazy about chocolate.
In severe poisoning, the brownish color can also indicate internal bleeding. However, this is comparatively rare. Typical symptoms of poisoning are:
- Sudden tremors
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dry cough
- Diarrhea
- Dog is breathing heavily
- Loss of appetite
- Dog seems depressed
- Rapid breathing
- Profuse drooling [11]
How severe the symptoms are depends primarily on the type of poisoning and the amount swallowed. In severe cases, it can be fatal if left untreated.
In addition to natural foods, swallowed medications, toxic plants, cleaning agents or swallowed supplements can also be responsible.
If you suspect this, you should consult the vet immediately. It is not for nothing that poisoning is one of the most common reasons for visiting the vet. [12]
Poisoning in general and food in particular can cause dogs to vomit brown. This is a protective mechanism to prevent possible damage caused by poisons. This usually leads to other pathological symptoms.
#4 Gastrointestinal inflammation
If bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites attack the gastrointestinal tract, it can become inflamed. Doctors also speak of “gastroenteritis”.
But toxic foods, certain medications, tumor diseases and swallowing foreign bodies can also be responsible for this. Typical symptoms are:
- Loss of appetite
- Constant diarrhea
- Lack of motivation
- Frequent vomiting
- Depressive behavior
- Foam in vomit
- Mild fever [13]
The reason why dogs vomit brown is simply because the nausea is primarily triggered by food. The brown is therefore only the half-digested food.
When it comes to treatment, a detailed diagnosis is the be-all and end-all. Because the underlying cause determines which treatment is most effective.
As a preventative measure, it can also help to stick to the recommended 3-month cycle for a worming treatment. An allergy test can also help if you have allergies. [14]
Inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract can cause dogs to have constant diarrhea and vomiting. The vomit can also be brownish if you have recently eaten. There is also often foam in it.
#5 Unsuitable dog food
Choosing the right food is absolutely crucial when it comes to the dog's long-term health. Because dogs only eat that. Nothing else.
If the dog food does not cover the daily requirements of all vitamins and minerals, then it will inevitably lead to health problems.
In addition, some dogs also struggle with food allergies and food intolerances, which also make choosing food more difficult. Typical symptoms of this are:
What is noticeable here is that affected dogs vomit relatively soon after eating. And since this is primarily undigested food, the vomit is usually brown.
Incidentally, mold in the food or too many chemical additives can also be the cause. The cheaper the food, the more fillers it tends to contain.
If you consider food as a possible trigger, I strongly advise you to do a free food check to receive individual recommendations.
At the same time, you will also receive a complete box with free food samples so that you can test the recommendations yourself. It couldn't be cooler.
Poor quality dog food, mold and various allergies and intolerances can cause dogs to vomit brown food after eating. It can also usually be recognized by diarrhea, listless behavior and flatulence.
#6 Stomach ulcers
Stomach ulcers are one of the most common intestinal diseases in both humans and dogs. Typical triggers for this are:
- Bacterial infections
- Stomach cancer
- Chronic stress
- Liver diseases
- Poisonings
- Kidney disease [16]
Unfortunately, dogs' means of communication are very limited, so they silently accept the resulting pain. Other typical symptoms are:
- Stooped posture
- Constant drooling
- Pale gums
- Faster breathing
- Black or bloody stools
- Loss of appetite
- weight loss [17]
If the dog vomits brown, then it could also be blood. Because digested blood takes on a brownish color – similar to coffee grounds.
Bleeding stomach ulcers are not something to be trifled with. Because this usually also means that the stomach ulcer is already in an advanced stage.
Here too, treatment primarily depends on the underlying cause. In many cases, taking antibiotics is enough. [18]
If ulcers form in the dog's stomach and begin to bleed, it may result in bloody stools and bloody vomiting. Since digested blood is usually brown, it…