Many French Bulldog owners observe vomiting during pregnancy and aren’t sure if it’s normal or a sign of something more serious.
Like humans, pregnant dogs—especially breeds like the French Bulldog—undergo hormonal, physical, and emotional changes that can trigger unusual behaviors and symptoms, vomiting included.
We dive deep into why your Frenchie is throwing up during pregnancy, the possible causes, when to worry, and what steps you can take to keep your pup healthy and comfortable.
Do Frenchies Throw Up When Pregnant?
Yes, Frenchies can throw up when pregnant, and it often happens due to hormonal changes, morning sickness, or shifts in appetite and digestion.
Just like humans, pregnant French Bulldogs experience a surge in progesterone and estrogen, which can affect their gastrointestinal system. This hormonal shift may cause nausea and occasional vomiting, especially during the early stages of pregnancy.
Also, as their uterus expands, it can press against their stomach, leading to discomfort or regurgitation. While mild vomiting is usually normal, persistent or severe symptoms should be evaluated by a veterinarian to rule out complications.
Why Is My Frenchie Throwing Up When Pregnant? Common Causes
1. Hormonal Changes and Morning Sickness
Just like in humans, hormonal changes during the early stages of pregnancy can cause nausea and vomiting in French Bulldogs.
When your Frenchie is throwing up in early pregnancy, it’s often due to a spike in progesterone and other reproductive hormones.
These hormones can irritate the stomach lining or slow digestion, making her feel queasy.
This “morning sickness” phase typically occurs around the third or fourth week of pregnancy and usually resolves on its own.
Symptoms to watch for:
Mild vomiting once or twice a day
Reduced appetite
Occasional lethargy
2. Digestive Sensitivity During Pregnancy
Pregnancy makes a Frenchie’s digestive system more sensitive.
A pregnant Frenchie throwing up could simply be reacting to a minor dietary change, richer food, or fatty treats.
Her body becomes more selective with what it can digest.
Also, a growing uterus can put pressure on the stomach and intestines, especially later in pregnancy.
This pressure may lead to acid reflux or regurgitation, which is sometimes mistaken for vomiting.
Related: Frenchie throwing up after eating (Here’s why)
3. Dietary Indiscretion
French Bulldogs are curious little eaters. If your pregnant Frenchie eats something inappropriate—like human food scraps, garbage, or toxic plants—she may throw up as her body tries to expel it.
This cause is especially concerning during pregnancy, as toxins can harm both mom and puppies.
If your pregnant Frenchie is throwing up frequently, monitor her environment and remove potential hazards.
4. Parasites or Infections
Pregnancy can weaken a dog’s immune system, making her more vulnerable to gastrointestinal infections or parasites.
If your Frenchie is pregnant and vomiting alongside diarrhea, lethargy, or fever, this could be a sign of a bacterial or viral infection.
Roundworms, hookworms, and giardia are all common culprits in vomiting and digestive upset during pregnancy.
Look for these signs:
Persistent vomiting
Diarrhea with mucus or blood
Dehydration
Rapid breathing or fever
5. Preeclampsia or Pregnancy-Related Complications
In rare cases, vomiting in a pregnant Frenchie may signal more severe issues such as preeclampsia (high blood pressure during pregnancy), eclampsia (calcium deficiency), or uterine infection (pyometra).
These are emergency conditions that often involve vomiting, weakness, disorientation, and collapse.
If your pregnant French Bulldog is vomiting and also seems confused, shaky, or uninterested in food or water, seek veterinary care immediately.
Related: Frenchie throwing up (Causes, sysmptoms and Care)
6. Stress and Anxiety
Pregnant dogs, especially the more emotionally sensitive Frenchies, may feel more anxious as their hormones shift and their bodies change.
Stress can easily manifest as vomiting or loss of appetite in dogs.
Environmental changes, a noisy home, new pets, or separation from their owner can all elevate stress during pregnancy.
If your pregnant Frenchie is throwing up and acting nervous, stress may be a contributing factor.
7. Medication or Supplement Side Effects
If your veterinarian has prescribed supplements or medications to support your Frenchie’s pregnancy—like prenatal vitamins, calcium, or iron—she may react negatively to them.
Some dogs experience vomiting as a side effect.
If vomiting starts after a new supplement is introduced, stop and consult your vet about alternative options.
What to Do if Your Pregnant Frenchie Is Throwing Up
A vomiting Frenchie needs careful observation, especially during pregnancy. Here’s what you can do:
1. Monitor the Frequency and Content of Vomit
Occasional, mild vomiting (clear liquid, bile, or small amounts of food) isn’t always a cause for alarm.
But if your Frenchie is throwing up multiple times a day, can’t keep food down, or if you notice blood, foam, or odd substances in the vomit, contact your vet immediately.
2. Keep Her Hydrated
Vomiting causes fluid loss, and dehydration is especially dangerous for pregnant dogs.
Make sure she has access to clean, fresh water at all times.
If she refuses to drink, try offering ice cubes or broth to encourage fluid intake.
Signs of dehydration include:
Dry nose and gums
Sunken eyes
Skin that doesn’t bounce back when pinched
3. Feed Smaller, Frequent Meals
To ease digestive strain, split her meals into 3–4 small portions a day rather than two large ones.
This helps reduce nausea, keeps her blood sugar stable, and supports the nutritional needs of the growing puppies.
Stick to high-quality, veterinarian-approved dog food specially formulated for pregnancy or lactation.
4. Create a Calm, Low-Stress Environment
Your pregnant Frenchie needs a quiet, comfortable space to rest and feel secure. Minimize loud noises, unfamiliar guests, and stressful situations.
Sometimes, all a queasy pregnant Frenchie needs is a bit of peace and security to settle her stomach.
Related: Why is my Frenchie throwing up a lot?
5. Avoid Over-the-Counter Medications
Never give your Frenchie human medications for nausea or vomiting.
Even some dog-specific meds may not be safe during pregnancy.
Always check with your vet before offering anything new.
6. Visit Your Veterinarian
If vomiting persists longer than 24 hours, or if you notice other symptoms like diarrhea, fever, trembling, or lethargy, it’s time to visit the vet.
A professional can run bloodwork, ultrasounds, or stool tests to rule out infections, parasites, or more serious pregnancy complications.
When to See the Vet Immediately
You should seek immediate veterinary help if:
Your pregnant Frenchie throws up more than twice in 24 hours
There is blood in the vomit
She refuses food or water for an extended time
You see signs of dehydration or weakness
She has diarrhea along with vomiting
You suspect poisoning
She is nearing her due date and vomiting starts suddenly
Key Takeaway
Yes—Frenchies do throw up when pregnant, and in many cases, it’s completely normal due to hormonal changes or digestive sensitivity.
However, frequent vomiting in a pregnant Frenchie should not be ignored. It may be a sign of illness, stress, or a more serious complication affecting both mother and puppies.
Keep a close eye on symptoms, maintain a stable and calming routine, and always consult with your vet when in doubt.
Supporting your Frenchie with the right care during pregnancy ensures a safe, smooth journey to motherhood—for her and her future pups.