Why Is My French Bulldog’s Stomach Swollen?

A French bulldog’s bloated stomach is the most serious and painful conditions for your pup.

They love to eat which leads to bloat suffering? If your pooch appears weak or fatigued after eating anything more than an occasional snack then it’s best to take care of it right away.  Here are some warning signs and what does happen when dog owners ignore them:

The first sign might seem like nothing at all; however -if left untreated—this condition will lead quickly to painful gases build up inside the abdominal cavity until there isn’t enough room for other organs (such as lungs).

french bulldog's bloated stomach

French bulldog’s bloated stomach: How to recognize the symptoms?

The condition of gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) is a serious problem that can be fatal if left untreated. The term “bloat” refers to when a Frenchie’s stomach fills up with food or fluid and twists, which happens without warning. It progresses quickly towards life-threatening levels in just minutes.

The stomach bloating in French bulldogs can come in two stages. The first stage is called gastric dilatation when the gasses and fluid cause the stomach to expand or bloat. In this stage, blood circulation problems start to occur, so it’s important to monitor the dog’s breathing and behavior.

Second Stage Of Frenchie’s Belly Bloating

The second stage of the French bulldog’s bloated stomach is called volvulus. Although not all conditions of a Frenchie’s bloated stomach will lead to this stage, if it happens, it’s important to react fast. Unfortunately, it can be fatal for a dog within only a few hours.

During the stage called Volvulus, the dog’s stomach rotates and twists 360 degrees along with food, water, and air trapped in it. The dog’s stomach acids can cause a lot of damage in just seconds. The pancreas takes up much space inside dogs because it produces many important hormones like insulin to control blood sugar levels for example. When these vital organs get cut off from oxygenating tissue due to being pressed against one another by powerful abdominal muscles as seen during the digestion process (which happens while flipping), they start producing harmful chemicals that can turn out to end up fatally.

frenchie's bloated belly

What causes a bloated stomach in French bulldogs?

When the stomach gets too full, it can’t expand anymore and starts to bloat. Though this is an uncomfortable process for dogs, there are certain reasons according to veterinarians that may cause your adorable pup’s belly to bloat.

The most common causes of a French bulldog’s bloated stomach are:

  • Eating only one meal a day
  • Fast eating (usually occurs in puppies and brachycephalic breeds)
  • Having exercises right after the meal
  • Drinking plenty of water after a meal

How to prevent a French bulldog’s bloated stomach?

Use an anti-choking feeding bowl

Since French bulldogs are naturally prone to fast eating because of their short snouts, you have to buy your pet a special anti-choke feeding bowl. They can feature a rotating bone (or some other element) in the middle, or can come with different partitions inside the bowl to slow down the dog’s eating.

We suggest you have a look at the following  Frenchie World® Anti-Choke Slow Eating & Drinking Bowl. The rotating bone will move as your Frenchie tries to reach food from the bowl and it will slow down his eating. In that way, your furry friend will not only have to work for his food but will also become less prone to bloating.

french bulldog's bloated stomach

Interactive Anti Choke Bowl is another French bulldog bowl that can help your pet. The partitions inside the bowl will prevent the dog from ‘swallowing’ the air along with food.

french bulldog's bloated stomach

Feed your dog with multiple meals a day

Instead of feeding your furry friend only one meal, you can divide the amount into two or three meals. In that way, you’ll escape stomach bloating and help your Frenchie easily digest food.

Do not play with your dog right after the meal

Playing with your Frenchie after the meal can cause his gizzard to twist. Just imagine how would you feel having training right after lunch.  Well, your Frenchie would feel the same. Exposing your dog to strenuous exercise can lead to pains, gasses, and bloating.

Do not allow your Frenchie to drink water right after the meal

Drinking water right after the meal will expand the dog’s gizzard and cause pressure in the intestines.

Avoid feeding your Frenchie with hard-to-digest food

Some ingredients can cause gasses in your Frenchie’s belly. Therefore, it’s important to avoid broccoli, cauliflower, beans, peas, and other ingredients that can cause bloating.

Keep your dog active

Taking your Frenchie on regular strolls will improve his digestive system. Besides, walks will keep your dog in good shape and healthy. A rule of thumb is to take a French bulldog on multiple short strolls during the day.

How to recognize a French bulldog’s stomach bloating?

  •  Visible stomach enlargement
  • Sudden lethargy
  • Heavy breathing and rapid heart rate
  • A dog can show aggression when you try to touch its belly
  • Hard belly in touch
  • Excessive salivation
  • Pale gums

Conclusion

A swollen stomach in French Bulldogs can signal several health issues. These range from minor dietary mistakes to serious conditions. For example, bloat or gastric torsion. It’s crucial for pet owners to stay observant and proactive. If you notice any swelling in your Frenchie’s stomach and see signs of distress or discomfort, seek veterinary care right away. Prompt action make a significant difference in your dog’s health and well-being.

Caring for a French Bulldog requires attentiveness and love. Understand the common health issues your furry friend faces and learn how to respond. This will ensure your pet enjoys a happy, healthy life. Focus on regular check-ups, a balanced diet, and enough exercise.

Thank you for reading. We hope this article has been informative and helpful. Please feel free to share your experiences or ask questions in the comments below. Stay tuned for more insightful content about our beloved four-legged friends!

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