Dog Vomitting Foam

Question
WE JUST RECENTLY TOOK IN TWO DOGS. THE ONE I AM CONCERNED ABOUT IS ABOUT FIVE OR SIX MONTHS OLD. HE HAS BEEN ON DRY FOOD SINCE WE GOT HIM AND DOING FINE. TONIGHT HE SNATCHED A PIECE OF A PORK  CHOP THAT HAD BEEN COOKED ON THE BBQ GRILL. FAIRLY LARGE PIECE OF MEAT AND ATE IT FAST BEFORE WE COULD GET IT FROM HIM. ABOUT TWENTY MIN AFTER EATING IT HE STARTED GAGGING AND DROOLING QUITE A BIT AND PACING VERY RESTLESS AND VOMITTING WHITE FOAM. JUST A LITTLE AT A TIME BUT WONT STOP. I AM WORRIED ABOUT HIM. NOT SURE WHETHER HE HAS HAD SHOTS YET OR NOT. WE HAVE HAD HIM WITH US LESS THEN A WEEK. HE IS A MIXED BREED. HE ISNT GETTING VIOLENT OR ACTING AGGRESSIVE AT ALL, JUST THE OPPOSITE. HE IS ACTING VERY NEEDY AND WANTS TO BE COMFORTED MORE SO THEN HE NORMALLY DOES. THIS IS FIRST DOG I HAVE EVER HAD, AND I AM NOT SURE WHAT TO DO HERE, AND DONT REALLY HAVE THE MONEY TO PAY A VET AT THIS TIME. WE ARE JUST TRYING TO CARE FOR THESE TWO PUPS TILL WE CAN FIND SOMEWHERE ELSE SAFE AND GOOD TO TAKE THEM.

Answer
Hi Delena,

If the pork chop had a bone in it, it could be causing a blockage, which would cause the gagging and drooling. The bone part of the chop would be the problem, as a blockage can be very serious and would require a trip to the vet.

If it was just a big piece of meat, without a bone, it might simply be a case of eating too much, too fast. If this is the case gagging or vomiting would not be present several hours later.

If the dog is still vomiting or gagging, then you have no choice but to take the dog to the vet.
Ask your vet if you can pay the bill off over time, or contact your local Humane Society or SPCA if they know of any low cost animal clinics in your area.

Part of the responsibility of pet ownership is providing medical care when it's called for.

Best of luck,
Patti