So, you’re minding your business, sipping your coffee, maybe scrolling your phone, and then you hear that sound.
That dreaded hurk-hurk-hurk noise from across the room. Yep. Your Frenchie is about to redecorate your rug with whatever they ate (or tried to eat) this morning.
And if this is happening more than once or twice? You’re not alone.
French Bulldogs might be adorable little nuggets, but their stomachs can be fussy, their faces work against them, and sometimes they just don’t know when to stop scarfing down their food like it’s their last meal.
Let’s break down what’s really going on.
Fast Eaters, Sloppy Bellies
One of the most common reasons a Frenchie throws up is simple: they eat too fast. Like, way too fast. Before the kibble even hits their stomach, it’s like their brain’s yelling “MORE!” and they keep going.
When dogs gulp food too quickly, they swallow a ton of air along with it. This can lead to vomiting shortly after eating or even a noisy burp-fest that ends with a splash.
If your Frenchie is acting totally normal after puking, wagging their tail like nothing happened, and then begging for more snacks, there’s a good chance it’s just speed eating.
Try using a slow feeder bowl or spreading their food on a lick mat. Slows things down without the drama.
Brachycephalic Struggles (Yep, The Face Is A Factor)
Frenchies have flat faces and short snouts, and while that’s a big part of their charm, it also causes problems.
Their airways are restricted, which makes it harder to breathe and swallow normally, especially when they’re excited or rushing food.
This can cause a weird thing where they regurgitate instead of actually vomiting. What’s the difference? Vomiting is usually more dramatic, involves retching, and brings up partially digested food. Regurgitation just sort of… plops out. Usually right after eating.
If your Frenchie often regurgitates food shortly after meals, especially without signs of nausea or belly discomfort, it’s probably connected to their airway structure.
Slower eating and upright posture during and after meals can help a lot.
Stress Can Mess With Their Tummy
You ever get butterflies in your stomach when you’re nervous? Dogs get the same thing, but Frenchies seem to wear their emotions on their stomach lining. Loud noises, new visitors, vet visits, even your own energy can set them off.
If your Frenchie gets sick after car rides, or before something like a grooming appointment, stress could be the reason.
And while a little nervous throw-up isn’t an emergency, it’s worth noting how often it happens and what triggers it.
A warm blanket, calming pheromone sprays, or just keeping things low-key at home can go a long way. Sometimes even feeding in a quieter room makes a difference.
Acid Reflux Isn’t Just A Human Thing
French Bulldogs are prone to a form of acid reflux that causes vomiting, especially on an empty stomach. You’ll usually see a yellow-ish liquid or foamy stuff, and it often happens first thing in the morning or in the middle of the night.
Feeding a small snack before bed and giving smaller, more frequent meals during the day can really help. A raised bowl can also reduce strain and improve digestion for some Frenchies.
There’s a lady at the dog park with a chunky Frenchie named Olive. She started feeding Olive a spoonful of plain boiled rice right before bed, no more early morning surprise barfs on the kitchen floor.
When Should You Worry?
Okay, real talk. A random throw-up here and there? Not super alarming. But there are signs you shouldn’t ignore:
- Vomiting more than twice in one day
- Blood in the vomit (red or dark like coffee grounds)
- Lethargy, shivering, or signs of pain
- Fever or a bloated belly
- Vomiting combined with diarrhea for more than 24 hours
If your Frenchie is showing any of those signs, it’s time to call your vet. Don’t wait it out. These dogs are small, and they can get dehydrated fast.
How To Handle A Mild Episode At Home
If your pup just vomited once but seems fine afterward, you can try these simple first aid steps at home:
- Skip the next meal and give their tummy a rest for about 12 hours
- Offer small sips of water or ice cubes
- After the fast, feed a bland diet like boiled chicken and rice or plain canned pumpkin
Stick to bland meals for about a day or two, then slowly ease back into their regular diet. And if they throw up again during that period, it’s vet time.
The Role Of Environment And Weird Stuff They Eat
Let’s not pretend dogs have great judgment. Frenchies will eat socks, tissues, plastic wrappers, grass, bugs, you name it. And yes, all of those things can lead to vomiting.
Keep an eye on what they have access to, especially if they’re the type to root through trash bins or chew random garden plants.
One guy in our neighborhood had to take his Frenchie to the vet after she ate half a peach pit. We still don’t know how she got it.
Safe-proof your home like you would for a toddler. If it can fit in their mouth and looks vaguely interesting, it’s fair game.
Frenchies Are A Bit Extra, And That’s Okay
At the end of the day, French Bulldogs are a bit dramatic. They love hard, snore loud, and yeah… they throw up sometimes. But that doesn’t mean it should be ignored or brushed off completely.
Most of the time, a bit of food adjustment, slower eating habits, and a close eye on their stress levels can make a big difference. Still, if something doesn’t feel right, trust your gut, and call your vet.
These squishy-faced weirdos might make you panic every now and then, but they’re worth every messy moment.
Now tell me, what’s the weirdest thing your Frenchie has ever thrown up?