If you’re a proud French Bulldog owner and find yourself constantly cleaning up vomit, you’re not alone. Many Frenchie owners also wonder if this is common.
We outline the reasons why your Frenchie throws up frequently, what it might indicate about their health, and when you should be concerned.
Do frenchies throw up a lot?
Yes, Frenchies do tend to throw up more often than some other breeds due to their sensitive digestive systems and brachycephalic (flat-faced) anatomy.
Their short snouts make them prone to swallowing air while eating, which can lead to regurgitation or vomiting. Common triggers include eating too quickly, food intolerances, allergies, overheating, or underlying medical conditions like acid reflux or gastrointestinal issues.
While occasional vomiting may be normal, frequent episodes should be evaluated by a veterinarian to rule out serious health problems.
Common Reasons Why Frenchies Throw Up A Lot
1. Brachycephalic Anatomy
One of the most common reasons Frenchies throw up a lot is their brachycephalic anatomy.
These flat-faced dogs have shortened skulls and compressed airways, which can interfere with their ability to eat and breathe properly.
This can lead to excessive air swallowing during meals, which contributes to regurgitation and vomiting.
If you notice your Frenchie vomiting shortly after eating, their anatomy might be to blame — especially if they gulp their food.
2. Eating Too Fast
French Bulldogs tend to be enthusiastic eaters. Eating too fast can lead to your Frenchie throwing up undigested food shortly after meals.
When food is swallowed quickly, it doesn’t get a chance to break down properly, and the stomach may respond by sending it right back up.
Using slow-feeder bowls can reduce this problem and help your Frenchie chew and digest food more effectively.
Related: Frenchie throwing up (Causes, sysmptoms and Care)
3. Food Sensitivities or Allergies
Just like humans, Frenchies can have food intolerances or allergies.
This breed is especially known for being sensitive to ingredients like chicken, beef, dairy, wheat, or certain artificial additives.
Frequent vomiting in Frenchies may be a sign their current diet isn’t agreeing with them.
If your Frenchie is throwing up a lot and also has itchy skin, gas, or loose stools, a food allergy or sensitivity might be the root cause.
4. Dietary Indiscretion
If you’ve ever caught your Frenchie sneaking food from the trash or nibbling on something they shouldn’t during a walk, you’ve witnessed dietary indiscretion — another major cause of vomiting.
Frenchies are curious and opportunistic eaters.
Ingesting spoiled food, human snacks, or non-food objects can upset their stomach, leading to vomiting.
In some cases, eating something toxic like chocolate, grapes, or certain houseplants can cause vomiting along with other serious symptoms.
If you suspect poisoning, seek immediate veterinary care.
Related: Frenchie throwing up in the morning (Here’s why)
5. Acid Reflux and Bilious Vomiting Syndrome
Do Frenchies throw up a lot in the morning before eating?
If your Frenchie vomits yellow or foamy bile first thing in the morning, acid reflux or bilious vomiting syndrome may be the culprit.
When the stomach remains empty for too long, bile can build up and irritate the lining, triggering vomiting.
This is particularly common in smaller breeds with sensitive stomachs like Frenchies.
Feeding your dog smaller meals more frequently — especially before bedtime — may reduce this type of vomiting.
6. Gastrointestinal Infections
Vomiting in French Bulldogs can also be caused by infections from bacteria, viruses, or parasites.
These infections may come from contaminated food, dirty water, or close contact with infected dogs.
Common signs of gastrointestinal infection include:
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Lethargy
Loss of appetite
Fever
If your Frenchie is throwing up a lot and showing any of these symptoms, a vet visit is essential to diagnose and treat the infection appropriately.
7. Motion Sickness
Do you notice your Frenchie throwing up during car rides?
Motion sickness is common in this breed, particularly among younger Frenchies who haven’t become accustomed to travel.
Symptoms include drooling, whining, uneasiness, and vomiting.
Gradual training and medications from your vet can help reduce motion sickness in sensitive pups.
8. Stress and Anxiety
Stress-induced vomiting is another reason why Frenchies throw up a lot.
This breed is known to form strong bonds with their owners and can become anxious when left alone or exposed to changes in routine, loud noises, or unfamiliar environments.
Stress can cause not only vomiting but also other symptoms such as:
Pacing or hiding
Panting
Licking lips
Loss of appetite
In such cases, behavior modification, calming treats, and in severe instances, medication may help.
9. Underlying Illnesses
Frequent vomiting in French Bulldogs may also be a symptom of underlying health issues, including:
Pancreatitis
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
Liver disease
Kidney problems
Cancer
These conditions are usually accompanied by other signs such as fatigue, weight loss, diarrhea, changes in thirst or urination, and appetite loss.
Chronic vomiting should always prompt a visit to the vet for thorough examination and testing.
What to Do If Your Frenchie Throws Up a Lot
If your Frenchie is vomiting frequently, it’s important to observe their overall condition and look for patterns in their symptoms.
Here’s what you should do:
1. Track the Vomiting
Take note of:
When the vomiting occurs (e.g., after meals, in the morning)
What the vomit looks like (food, bile, foam, clear liquid)
Any accompanying symptoms (diarrhea, lethargy, loss of appetite)
This information can help your vet pinpoint the underlying cause.
2. Evaluate Their Diet
If your Frenchie is throwing up a lot, consider whether their diet might be to blame. Ask yourself:
Did you recently switch foods?
Are they eating too fast?
Does the food contain common allergens like chicken or wheat?
Try feeding a limited-ingredient or hypoallergenic dog food and see if symptoms improve.
3. Use Slow Feeder Bowls
To prevent vomiting from fast eating, invest in a slow feeder bowl.
These are designed to slow your dog down and reduce air intake, which helps prevent regurgitation and bloating.
4. Offer Smaller, Frequent Meals
Feeding your Frenchie smaller meals multiple times a day — especially one before bedtime — can help manage acid reflux and bilious vomiting.
5. Avoid Table Scraps and Unsafe Foods
Never give your Frenchie table scraps or let them eat from the trash.
Human food, especially salty, fatty, or spicy items, can upset their stomach and lead to vomiting.
6. Hydration is Key
If your Frenchie throws up, ensure they stay hydrated — vomiting can lead to dehydration quickly.
Offer fresh water in small amounts. If they vomit water too, see a vet immediately.
7. Limit Stressors
Minimize sudden changes in routine, loud noises, and extended periods of alone time to reduce stress-related vomiting.
Puzzle toys, exercise, and companionship can help your Frenchie feel more secure.
8. Seek Veterinary Care When Necessary
Call your vet if:
Vomiting is frequent or lasts longer than 24 hours
There is blood in the vomit
Your Frenchie is also lethargic, has diarrhea, or isn’t eating
Vomiting is accompanied by weight loss or behavior changes
A vet can run tests to rule out infections, organ dysfunction, or chronic illnesses and provide the appropriate treatment.
Key Takeaway
Yes — French Bulldogs do throw up a lot, and this can be due to a variety of reasons, ranging from benign causes like eating too quickly or stress, to serious health issues like infections or organ disease.
While occasional vomiting is common and not always a reason to panic, frequent or persistent vomiting in your Frenchie is not normal and should not be ignored.
Keeping track of your Frenchie’s vomiting patterns, adjusting their diet, and seeking veterinary help when needed can make a big difference in their well-being.
By understanding the common causes of vomiting in French Bulldogs and taking preventive measures, you can help your little companion live a healthier, happier life.