French Bulldog Throwing Up: Vomiting vs. Regurgitation

Vomiting or regurgitation?

The Merck Veterinary Manual defines vomiting as "the forceful ejection of the contents ... of the stomach and upper small intestine." Regurgitation is different: it "is a passive motion that does not require effort or contraction of the abdominal muscles." Regurgitated food "tends to be undigested and may have a cylindrical shape," and coughing or difficulty breathing "are more often associated with regurgitation than with vomiting."^[1]

Tell your vet which one you saw. A short phone video is very helpful.

Why Frenchies bring food back up

The University of Cambridge lists gastrointestinal signs among the recognized features of BOAS.^[2] When a dog has to work hard to breathe in, the pressure changes in the chest can pull stomach contents up toward the throat. That is why many Frenchies with noisy breathing also gag, regurgitate or bring up foam, especially after eating, excitement or exercise.

Other common causes include eating too fast, eating something unusual (garbage, grass, toys), sudden diet changes, food intolerance, infections and parasites.

When to call the vet

Merck says vomiting that is long-term, happens "more often than once or twice daily," or comes with "blood, abdominal pain, depression, dehydration, weakness, fever, weight loss, or other signs requires a more detailed examination."^[1] Also call if:

• Your dog is a young puppy, a senior, or has another illness
• Vomiting and diarrhea happen together
• Your dog will not eat or drink
• You suspect your dog swallowed a toy, sock, bone or toxin
• Regurgitation happens regularly, even if your dog seems well

Emergency signs

• Bloat: a swollen, tight belly with retching that brings nothing up. Merck calls bloat "a life-threatening emergency."^[3]
• Possible blockage: repeated vomiting with lethargy and loss of appetite. Merck warns an obstructed dog "may be unable to stop vomiting, which can lead to life-threatening consequences."^[3]
• Sudden bloody vomiting or diarrhea, which can quickly lead to dehydration and shock.^[3]
• Breathing trouble after vomiting or regurgitating. Inhaled food can cause aspiration pneumonia.

What you can do at home

For a single episode in an otherwise bright, healthy adult dog:

• Offer small amounts of water often, rather than a full bowl at once.
• Ask your vet before withholding food or giving any human medicine. Many human stomach remedies are unsafe for dogs.
• When your vet agrees, return to food with small, bland meals.
• Watch closely and write down what came up and when.

Preventing repeat episodes

• Feed smaller meals more often.
• Use a slow-feeder bowl if your dog gulps food.
• Keep your dog calm for 30 to 60 minutes after meals.
• Make diet changes gradually over about a week.
• Keep your dog lean, which also helps breathing.
• If regurgitation is frequent, ask your vet about a BOAS assessment. Treating the airway often reduces digestive symptoms too.