Why Does My Frenchie Keep Throwing Up? - TomKings Blog

Why Does My Frenchie Keep Throwing Up?

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As a Frenchie parent, it’s completely normal to feel concerned when your furry friend isn’t feeling well. If you’ve been asking yourself, “Why does my Frenchie keep throwing up?”, you’re not alone. Vomiting is a relatively common issue in French Bulldogs, with causes ranging from harmless to those that may require medical attention. In this guide, we’ll break down the most common reasons behind your Frenchie’s vomiting, how to identify serious symptoms, and the steps you can take to help them recover. Whether it’s a simple change in their diet or a visit to the vet, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to keep your Frenchie happy and healthy.

Do Frenchies Throw Up More Than Other Breeds?

Yes, French Bulldogs are more prone to vomiting compared to many other breeds, and their unique anatomy plays a big role in this. As a brachycephalic dog breed, their short snouts and compact airways make eating and swallowing more challenging. This can lead to gagging, regurgitation, or vomiting, especially if they eat too quickly or swallow air while eating.

Roscoe, available French Bulldog puppy at TomKings Puppies
Roscoe, French Bulldog puppy at TomKings Puppies

Puppies, in particular, are more likely to vomit than adult Frenchies. Their excitable nature often causes them to gulp down food or water too quickly, and their still-developing digestive systems can struggle to handle it. The good news? Most Frenchies outgrow this as they mature, and with proper care, these issues can often be minimized.

Vomiting or Regurgitation?

To understand what’s causing your Frenchie to throw up, it’s important to determine whether they’re vomiting or regurgitating. While the two might look similar, they’re actually quite different and can point to different issues.

Regurgitation happens when undigested food comes back up shortly after eating. It’s often tube-shaped, resembling the esophagus, and doesn’t involve any abdominal effort. This is usually caused by eating too quickly or problems with the esophagus.

Vomiting, on the other hand, involves food that has already been partially or fully digested being forcefully brought up from the stomach. You might notice signs like drooling, retching, or visible abdominal contractions before the food comes up. Vomiting is more likely to indicate a more serious issue, especially if it happens frequently or comes with other symptoms like lethargy or diarrhea.

Common Causes of Vomiting in French Bulldogs

Frenchies can throw up for many different reasons, and while some are harmless, others may need medical attention. Below, we’ll cover the most common causes, but keep in mind this list isn’t complete. If vomiting persists or seems unusual, it’s always best to consult your vet.

Alfred, available French Bulldog puppy at TomKings Puppies
Alfred, French Bulldog puppy at TomKings Puppies

Dietary Issues

  • Eating or drinking too quickly: Frenchies often gulp their food or water, swallowing air in the process, which can upset their stomach and lead to vomiting.
  • Sudden dietary changes: Switching to a new food too quickly can overwhelm their sensitive stomachs. 
  • Playing or running after eating: Vigorous activity right after a meal can cause vomiting. If your Frenchie tends to do this, encourage them to rest for at least 30 minutes after eating.
  • Infrequent meals: An empty stomach may lead to an overproduction of stomach acid, causing them to vomit white or yellow foam. If this happens, splitting their food into smaller meals can help prevent it.
  • Food allergies or intolerances: Frenchies are prone to food sensitivities, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and other digestive issues. Common culprits include chicken, grains, or low-quality dog food.

Digestive Problems

  • Ingestion of harmful substances: Toxic foods like chocolate, grapes, or even household cleaners can cause immediate vomiting. If you suspect your Frenchie has eaten something toxic, seek veterinary attention right away.
  • Foreign body ingestion: Your Frenchie may also swallow things they shouldn’t, like socks, pieces of clothing, or cleaning rags. These can block their digestive system, leading to vomiting and potentially requiring emergency surgery.
  • Intestinal parasites: Worms, such as roundworms or hookworms, can irritate your Frenchie’s digestive tract, causing vomiting and discomfort. Regular deworming and vet check-ups can help prevent this.
  • Gastritis or IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease): Chronic inflammation of the stomach or intestines can cause frequent vomiting, often triggered by specific foods or stress. These conditions may require long-term dietary adjustments and medication.

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Other Health Conditions

  • Brachycephalic Syndrome: Due to their short snouts and narrow airways, Frenchies can struggle with swallowing and digestion. This condition often leads to regurgitation or vomiting, especially after eating or drinking too quickly.
  • Anal gland issues: Overfull or infected anal glands can cause discomfort and nausea, sometimes resulting in vomiting. If your Frenchie is scooting or licking their rear excessively, it may be time to have their glands expressed by a vet.
  • Hiatal hernia: This happens when part of the stomach moves into the chest cavity, often due to excitement, exercise, or a Frenchie’s anatomy. It can cause vomiting, regurgitation, and discomfort, and may require a vet’s diagnosis and treatment.
  • Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas can cause severe vomiting, abdominal pain, and lethargy. This condition often occurs after eating fatty foods and may require immediate medical treatment.
  • Liver or kidney disease: Both conditions can lead to a buildup of toxins in the body, causing nausea and vomiting. Additional symptoms may include weight loss, lethargy, and increased thirst or urination.
  • Bloat (gastric torsion): A life-threatening condition in which the stomach twists on itself, often due to eating too quickly or gulping air. Signs include unproductive retching, a swollen abdomen, and severe discomfort. This is a medical emergency and requires immediate attention.

When to Be Concerned

While occasional vomiting or regurgitation isn’t uncommon in Frenchies, certain symptoms indicate that you should act quickly and consult your vet. The most critical signs to watch for are lethargy, excessive sleepiness, and loss of appetite, as these are often the first indicators of a serious issue.

Drummond, available French Bulldog puppy at TomKings Puppies
Drummond, Fluffy French Bulldog puppy at TomKings Puppies

Here are some other symptoms that require immediate veterinary attention:

  • Blood in vomit or stools: This could indicate internal bleeding or a severe underlying condition.
  • Persistent vomiting lasting over 24 hours: Frequent vomiting can lead to dehydration and may point to a more serious problem.
  • Signs of pain or discomfort: If your Frenchie is whining, restless, or showing signs of distress, it’s best to get them checked out.
  • Rapid weight loss: If your Frenchie is losing weight and seems weaker, a vet visit is essential.
  • Unproductive retching: This can signal bloat (gastric torsion), a life-threatening condition.

If you notice any of these symptoms alongside vomiting, don’t delay in contacting your vet. Acting quickly can prevent small issues from becoming serious problems and ensure your Frenchie gets the care they need.

Hydration Concerns

Frequent vomiting can quickly lead to dehydration, which not only worsens your Frenchie’s nausea but can also become dangerous if left untreated. Signs of dehydration include dry gums, sunken eyes, and lethargy. One simple way to check your Frenchie’s hydration level is by gently pinching the skin on the back of their neck—if it snaps back into place within a second, they’re likely hydrated. If it takes longer, dehydration may already be setting in, and a visit to the vet is necessary.

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If your Frenchie isn’t drinking water on their own, you can use a large syringe to gently squirt water into their mouth. Make sure to tilt their head back slightly to encourage swallowing and prevent the water from spilling out. It’s also important to offer small amounts of water frequently rather than letting them drink a large quantity all at once, as this can trigger further vomiting. For severe dehydration or if your Frenchie refuses water altogether, seek veterinary care immediately to ensure they get the fluids they need.

How to Help Your Frenchie Stop Vomiting

If your Frenchie is vomiting or regurgitating, there are several steps you can take to help them feel better. These range from simple dietary adjustments to seeking professional veterinary care, depending on the severity and cause.

Dietary Changes

One of the most effective ways to manage vomiting is by making changes to your Frenchie’s diet. Start with a bland diet of boiled chicken or white rice for a few days to soothe their stomach. Gradually reintroduce their regular food once the vomiting subsides.

Shayna, available French Bulldog puppy at TomKings Puppies
Shayna, Fluffy French Bulldog puppy at TomKings Puppies

For dogs that eat too quickly, using a slow feeder bowl can help prevent them from gulping food and swallowing air, which often leads to vomiting. Serving food in an elevated bowl can also help by reducing air intake during meals. Another option is to moisten their kibble with cold water before feeding to slow them down and make the food easier to digest.

It’s also important to avoid letting your Frenchie run or play immediately after meals, as this can trigger vomiting. Encourage them to rest for at least 30 minutes to allow their food to settle properly.

If your Frenchie vomits due to an empty stomach, splitting their meals into smaller, more frequent portions can help regulate their digestion and prevent acid buildup. 

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Veterinary Care

If dietary changes don’t resolve the vomiting, or if the symptoms seem severe, it’s time to consult your vet. They can run diagnostic tests like blood work, X-rays, or ultrasounds to identify the underlying cause. Depending on the results, your vet may prescribe anti-nausea medication, antibiotics, or other treatments.

For severe cases, your Frenchie may need IV fluids to combat dehydration or, in the case of foreign body ingestion, surgical intervention to remove the blockage. Your vet may also recommend long-term dietary adjustments or specialized food.

Don’t Panic But Be Aware of Serious Symptoms

Occasional vomiting or regurgitation is usually nothing to worry about, especially if your Frenchie seems otherwise happy and healthy. However, knowing when to act and contact your vet is key to ensuring your pup stays safe and recovers quickly.

As Frenchie parents, trusting your instincts is important. If something feels off or your dog’s condition doesn’t improve, don’t hesitate to seek professional advice. Acting early can make all the difference in catching and treating underlying issues before they become more severe.

The article is based on the expert knowledge of the TomKings Puppies team who have been breeding French Bulldogs for 15 years on their farm. All the pictures in the post belong to them and their customers, and show puppies from their breed. Check their available French Bulldog puppies, or if you have any questions or comments let us know below the article.

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