If your Frenchie is throwing up and has diarrhea, you’re understandably concerned.
French Bulldogs are a sensitive breed with delicate digestive systems, so when vomiting and diarrhea happen together, it’s important not to ignore the signs.
We outline the reasons why your Frenchie is throwing up and has diarrhea, what symptoms to watch out for, and when you need to seek veterinary care.
Frenchie Throwing Up and Diarrhea: Why It Happens
When a Frenchie is throwing up and having diarrhea, it’s often a sign of gastrointestinal distress caused by factors such as dietary indiscretion (eating something inappropriate), food allergies, infections (bacterial, viral, or parasitic), stress, or even more serious conditions like pancreatitis or toxin ingestion.
These symptoms indicate your Frenchie’s digestive system is inflamed or irritated, leading to the body’s attempt to expel harmful substances.
Because French Bulldogs have sensitive stomachs, even minor changes in diet or environment can trigger these issues.
Persistent vomiting and diarrhea can lead to dehydration and should not be ignored.
Common Causes of Frenchie Throwing Up and Diarrhea
1. Dietary Indiscretion or Sudden Food Change
French Bulldogs are known for their curious nature, and unfortunately, that means they sometimes eat things they shouldn’t.
A major reason why your Frenchie is throwing up and has diarrhea is dietary indiscretion — such as eating trash, table scraps, spoiled food, or foreign objects.
Similarly, switching your Frenchie’s diet too quickly can upset their stomach.
Moving from one dog food to another without a gradual transition may lead to both vomiting and loose stool.
Foods high in fat or spices can be especially irritating.
Always introduce new food gradually over 7–10 days to avoid upsetting your Frenchie’s sensitive tummy.
Related: Frenchie Throwing up (Explained)
2. Food Allergies or Intolerances
Just like people, French Bulldogs can have food allergies or intolerances. Ingredients like beef, chicken, dairy, or wheat can cause an immune response, leading to vomiting, diarrhea, and itchy skin.
If your Frenchie is throwing up and has diarrhea regularly, especially after eating, and also shows signs like excessive scratching or ear infections, food allergies may be the culprit.
Consider an elimination diet under your vet’s supervision to identify triggers.
3. Gastrointestinal Infections
Infections caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites are among the most common reasons a Frenchie is throwing up and experiencing diarrhea.
Some possible culprits include:
Parvovirus (especially in unvaccinated puppies)
Giardia and other intestinal parasites
Salmonella or E. coli
These infections can lead to inflammation of the stomach and intestines, resulting in vomiting, diarrhea, fever, lethargy, and even blood in the stool or vomit.
Seek veterinary help immediately if you suspect an infection — especially if your dog is young or has a weak immune system.
4. Ingestion of Toxins or Foreign Objects
French Bulldogs aren’t always discerning eaters, and accidentally ingesting something toxic — like human medications, household cleaners, certain plants, chocolate, or xylitol — can result in vomiting and diarrhea.
Sometimes they may swallow non-edible items like socks, small toys, or plastic, which can obstruct the gastrointestinal tract. In this case, your Frenchie might vomit, refuse to eat, and have diarrhea that’s sometimes bloody or mucousy.
If you suspect your dog swallowed something dangerous or toxic, call your vet or a pet poison control center immediately.
5. Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas, often triggered by eating fatty foods.
It’s a serious condition and common in small breeds like Frenchies. Symptoms include:
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Abdominal pain
Fever
Lethargy
If your Frenchie is throwing up and has diarrhea along with signs of discomfort or hunching, pancreatitis could be to blame.
This is a medical emergency. Prompt veterinary care is crucial.
6. Stress or Anxiety
French Bulldogs are emotionally sensitive and can suffer from stress-induced gastrointestinal upset.
Big life changes such as moving homes, a new baby, travel, or loud noises (like fireworks) can trigger vomiting and diarrhea.
Stress affects their gut just like it does in humans, and if your Frenchie is throwing up and has diarrhea after a stressful event, anxiety might be the underlying cause.
Help reduce stress by maintaining a routine and using calming aids (natural supplements, pheromone diffusers, or anxiety wraps).
7. Side Effects of Medication
Certain medications or treatments — like antibiotics, NSAIDs, or dewormers — may irritate your dog’s digestive system.
If your Frenchie is throwing up and has diarrhea after starting a new medication, notify your vet.
The medication might need to be adjusted or accompanied by a probiotic.
8. Underlying Medical Conditions
Vomiting and diarrhea can also be signs of chronic conditions such as:
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Liver or kidney disease
Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI)
Cancer
If your Frenchie has been experiencing chronic vomiting and diarrhea, loses weight, or has a dull coat, your vet may recommend blood work, fecal testing, or imaging to diagnose any long-term illnesses.
Warning Signs to Watch Out For
If your Frenchie is throwing up and has diarrhea, pay close attention to additional symptoms, which may indicate a more serious issue:
Vomit or stool with blood
Severe lethargy
Signs of pain (whining, shaking, hunching)
Loss of appetite for more than a day
Signs of dehydration (sunken eyes, dry gums, skin tenting)
Repeated vomiting or projectile vomiting
Diarrhea lasting more than 24–48 hours
Don’t wait — if these symptoms appear, get your Frenchie to the vet quickly.
What to Do if Your Frenchie Is Throwing Up and Has Diarrhea
Here are some immediate steps to take at home while you prepare to consult your vet:
Withhold food for 12 hours (unless your vet advises otherwise) to rest the gut.
Offer small amounts of water frequently or ice cubes to prevent dehydration.
Reintroduce food slowly with a bland diet: boiled chicken and white rice in small portions.
Use dog-safe probiotics to help balance gut bacteria.
Avoid giving human medications unless approved by your vet.
Clean up quickly and thoroughly to prevent reinfection, especially if parasites or bacteria are involved.
When to Call the Vet
You should contact your vet if:
Symptoms last more than a day
Vomit contains blood or looks like coffee grounds
Diarrhea is watery, black, or bloody
Your dog is showing signs of pain or collapse
Your Frenchie is a puppy or senior, as they’re more vulnerable
Your vet may run tests including a fecal exam, blood work, x-rays, or ultrasound to find the cause and recommend treatment, which may include fluids, anti-nausea medication, antibiotics, or even hospitalization in serious cases.
Key Takeaway
Seeing your Frenchie throwing up and having diarrhea can be stressful — but recognizing the cause early and getting appropriate help can make all the difference.
Whether it’s due to diet, infection, or something more serious, these symptoms shouldn’t be ignored.
Act promptly, provide supportive care at home, and always consult your veterinarian for the best outcomes.
A healthy, happy Frenchie starts with a well-monitored gut!