Frenchie Throwing Up and Not Eating (Explained)

Frenchie Throwing Up and Not Eating: Common Causes 

1. Gastrointestinal Upset

One of the most common reasons for a Frenchie throwing up and not eating is a gastrointestinal upset. This can happen if your dog:

• Ate something they shouldn’t have (dietary indiscretion)

• Was recently introduced to a new food

• Has a food intolerance or allergy

In these cases, vomiting is the body’s way of getting rid of the irritant.

At the same time, your Frenchie may refuse food as their stomach tries to settle.

Unlike some breeds, Frenchies can be extra sensitive to changes in diet, especially if their food is high in fat, artificial ingredients, or not specifically formulated for sensitive digestion.

Related: Frenchie throwing up (Causes and solutions)

2. Infections and Parasites

If your French Bulldog is throwing up and not eating, it could be due to a viral or bacterial infection.

Gastrointestinal infections like parvovirus or salmonella are serious threats, especially in younger Frenchies.

Intestinal parasites such as roundworms, giardia, or hookworms can also cause vomiting, diarrhea, and a loss of appetite.

Look out for:

• Lethargy

• Diarrhea (possibly with blood or mucus)

• Vomiting foam or bile

• Rapid weight loss

3. Brachycephalic Syndrome Complications

Because of their flat faces, Frenchies often suffer from brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS).

While this primarily affects breathing, it can also cause secondary symptoms such as vomiting and regurgitation, particularly after exercise or eating too quickly.

When a Frenchie throws up and won’t eat afterwards, this could be due to airway distress, acid reflux, or aspiration from previously vomited material.

These episodes can make eating painful or uncomfortable, leading to food refusal.

Related: Frenchie throwing up after eating (Causes and solutions)

4. Heat Stress or Overexertion

French Bulldogs are extremely sensitive to heat. Their short muzzles make it harder to regulate body temperature through panting, which can lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

Symptoms include vomiting, drooling, refusal to eat, lethargy, and collapsing.

A Frenchie that throws up and won’t eat during warm weather or after physical activity may be experiencing heat stress—a life-threatening condition.

5. Foreign Body Obstruction

French Bulldogs are curious and notorious for chewing.

Ingesting foreign objects such as toys, bones, socks, or plastic can result in a gastrointestinal blockage. Signs include:

• Persistent vomiting

• Bloating

• Hunching over in pain

• No bowel movements

• Refusing food

If your Frenchie is throwing up and not eating for more than a day, and especially if they seem in discomfort, a blockage is a medical emergency.

6. Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) is another potential cause of vomiting and loss of appetite in Frenchies.

This condition often occurs after consuming fatty or rich foods. Symptoms include:

• Vomiting (often repeatedly)

• Refusal to eat

• Lethargy

• Abdominal pain

• Diarrhea

French Bulldogs are at moderate risk for this condition due to their tendency to develop obesity and their digestive sensitivities.

Related: Frenchie throwing up and diarrhea (Causes and solutions)

7. Toxin Ingestion

If your Frenchie is vomiting and won’t eat suddenly, poisoning could be the cause.

Dogs may ingest toxic foods (like chocolate, grapes, or onions), human medications, or household chemicals.

Signs of poisoning include:

• Drooling

• Tremors or seizures

• Vomiting blood

• Pale gums

• Disorientation

8. Dental Problems or Oral Pain

Sometimes, your Frenchie won’t eat and throws up bile or foam, not because of stomach issues, but due to dental pain.

Oral abscesses, broken teeth, or gum disease can make eating painful. Vomiting could result from nausea or the stress caused by oral pain.

What to Watch for When Your Frenchie Is Throwing Up and Not Eating

Here are key symptoms that mean it’s time to call the vet immediately:

• Vomiting lasting longer than 24 hours

• Not eating for more than 24 hours

• Vomit contains blood or is black/tarry

• Frenchie appears weak or lethargic

• Signs of dehydration (dry gums, sunken eyes)

• Distended or painful abdomen

Even mild vomiting in a Frenchie can lead to rapid dehydration due to their small size and sensitivity.

What to Do 

If your Frenchie is throwing up and not eating, the first step is to monitor their behavior closely.

Note the frequency of vomiting, the appearance of the vomit (foamy, yellow bile, undigested food, etc.), and any additional symptoms like lethargy, diarrhea, or whining.

Withhold food for 6–12 hours to allow the stomach to rest, but continue offering small amounts of water or ice cubes to prevent dehydration.

After the fasting period, offer a bland diet such as boiled chicken and plain white rice in small portions.

If your Frenchie continues to vomit, refuses food for more than 24 hours, or shows other signs of distress, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Puppies, seniors, or brachycephalic breeds like Frenchies are more vulnerable to complications, so erring on the side of caution is critical.

Key Takeaway

A Frenchie throwing up and not eating is never something to brush off.

While it could be due to a simple dietary upset, it might also indicate a serious medical condition like pancreatitis, a gastrointestinal blockage, or toxin exposure.

Due to their unique anatomy and delicate digestive systems, French Bulldogs require careful monitoring whenever they show signs of vomiting or food refusal.

When in doubt, always err on the side of caution and consult your vet. Timely treatment could prevent complications and ensure your Frenchie returns to their happy, hungry self.