If you own a French Bulldog, you probably know that these adorable pups can be prone to peculiar gastrointestinal issues and bouts of sickness.
It’s not uncommon for Frenchies to experience occasional episodes of throwing up, vomiting, or general stomach discomfort, often more frequently than other dog breeds.
You may become accustomed to their occasional gagging and vomiting, considering it a part of their daily routine.
However, it’s crucial to discern when their sickness is normal, when it calls for concern, and what specific sick symptoms you should remain vigilant about.
This guide will break down the causes of French Bulldog vomiting and explain what you should do and when it’s time to call your vet.
7 Common Causes of French Bulldogs Throwing Up
Your Frenchie might be throwing up for many reasons. From allergies to eating too fast or having an underlying medical condition, here are 7 common reasons why your French Bulldog vomits.
Allergies
Your French Bulldog may experience vomiting due to allergies to food, drugs, supplements, or their environment.
Eating Too Fast
If your French Bulldog eats too fast, he can swallow air along with his food. This can lead to unexpected vomiting.
Sudden Change in Diet
Abrupt changes in diet, including food and treats, can disrupt your Frenchie’s digestive system, causing vomiting.
Ingesting Something Bad
Your French Bulldog may vomit if they ingest something they shouldn’t. That’s why it’s so important to puppy-proofing your house and keep hazardous items out of reach.
Motion Sickness
Like humans, your French Bulldog may experience motion sickness during car rides and vomit.
Intestinal Parasites
Although less common, intestinal parasites can cause vomiting in French Bulldogs.
Reaction to medications
When administering medication to your French bulldog, watch for any signs of adverse reactions. If your Frenchie vomits after taking a new medication, you should see your vet immediately.
Underlying Health Issues
Your French bulldog throwing up can also indicate more serious conditions such as kidney/liver disease, pancreatitis, diabetes, infections, or cancer.
How to Help Your French Bulldog Throwing
If your French Bulldog is vomiting, it’s important to stay calm and assess the situation. Vomiting can be a natural response as their body tries to get rid of toxic substances or due to various other causes.
Here’s what you can do:
One-time Occurrence
If your Frenchie vomits once and shows no other concerning symptoms, such as lethargy or loss of appetite, you can try the following steps:
- Withhold Food: Temporarily stop feeding your Frenchie for about 12 hours to give their stomach a rest.
- Offer Bland Diet: After the fasting period, introduce a bland diet consisting of boiled chicken and plain white rice for the next 24 to 48 hours. This helps to settle their stomach.
- Monitor: Keep an eye on your Frenchie for any recurrence of vomiting or the development of other worrisome symptoms.
If your Frenchie vomits once and shows no other signs of illness, you can likely resume their normal feeding routine within six to 12 hours or at their next scheduled mealtime.
However, you should closely monitor your dog for any additional vomiting or signs of illness.
Multiple Occurrences or Concerning Symptoms
If your Frenchie continues to vomit or exhibits signs such as persistent vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, weakness, or dehydration, you should seek veterinary advice promptly.
Toxic Substances
If you suspect your Frenchie ingested something toxic, such as household chemicals or certain plants, contact the Pet Poison Hotline or your veterinarian immediately for expert assistance.
Provide them with information about the potential toxins for appropriate assessment and guidance.
Foods That Might Cause Vomiting in French Bulldogs
Certain foods can trigger vomiting in French Bulldogs. This is why it’s important to be aware of these potential food triggers and ensure that your Frenchie’s diet is free from harmful substances and tailored to their dietary needs.
Here are some foods that cause vomiting in dogs (some are even toxic).
- Xylitol
- Alcohol
- Avocado
- Chocolate
- Macadamia nuts
- Grapes or raisins
- Human medications
- Toxic plants, such as azaleas, tulips, sago palms, etc.
Foods That Can Help Soothe an Upset Stomach
French bulldogs can vomit from certain foods, but you can also give them foods to help soothe their upset stomachs.
- Oatmeal: Provide fiber for firming up loose stools.
- Bananas: Provide potassium, electrolytes, and fiber to help regulate the digestive system.
- Bone Broth: Help replenish fluids and electrolytes.
- Sweet Potatoes: Provide dietary fiber and nutrients to support a sensitive stomach.
- Plain Yogurt (No added sugar): Help restore healthy gut bacteria. Avoid added sugars or artificial sweeteners, as they can harm dogs.
- Pumpkin (No xylitol): Plain canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling) can be beneficial for upset stomachs due to its fiber content. Ensure it does not contain xylitol, as this sweetener is toxic to dogs.
Why Do French Bulldogs Throw Up Foam?
The unique skull shape of French Bulldogs can result in a shorter and narrower airway, causing them to swallow excessive amounts of air while eating or drinking.
This excess air can accumulate in the stomach, leading to bloating and discomfort. Additionally, the brachycephalic structure can cause a reverse flow of gastric contents, resulting in regurgitation or vomiting.
While vomiting white foam may not always cause immediate concern, it is essential to consult a vet because it can indicate stomach dilation or gastric torsion, which is a life-threatening condition.
Given the potential severity of conditions associated with white foam vomit, it is crucial for French Bulldog owners to be attentive to this symptom.
If your Frenchie is consistently vomiting white foam or shows signs of discomfort, it is advisable to seek veterinary attention promptly.
Why Is My French Bulldog Throwing Up Yellow?
If your French Bulldog vomits yellow, it may indicate the presence of bile, which is a common occurrence in this breed.
While this may be concerning, there are usually harmless explanations for this, such as not eating for a while, consuming excessive amounts of water, or consuming unusual items like grass.
However, some potential causes of yellow vomit should be taken seriously, including the following:
- Pancreatitis
- Food allergies
- Eating grass
- Drinking excess water
- Intestinal blockages
- Fatty food consumption
- Gastrointestinal diseases like ulcers, parasites
- Certain cancers
It is also worth noting that yellow vomit can be linked to being a fussy eater and not eating for a while.
If your French Bulldog continues to vomit yellow or displays additional symptoms, it is important to seek veterinary attention.
Closing Thoughts on French Bulldog Throwing Up
Watching your beloved French Bulldog throw up can be concerning, as knowing why they’re doing so is essential to address their needs and ultimately help them feel better.
Fortunately, you can identify many potential causes of vomiting if you know the associated symptoms.
From dietary indiscretion to more severe issues like intestinal parasites or an obstruction, the essential step is to take your Frenchie to the vet for prompt diagnosis and treatment.
