Separation Anxiety In French Bulldogs: 10 Tips That Can Help

Separation anxiety in French Bulldogs is a common but often misunderstood condition. This article aims to shed light on the intricacies of separation anxiety, providing dog owners with the knowledge to identify symptoms, understand the causes, and explore effective management strategies.

What is Separation Anxiety in French Bulldogs?

Separation anxiety in French Bulldogs is a distressing emotional disorder that manifests when these dogs are separated from their owners. Since these little pooches belong to Molossus family of dogs, they are more prone to suffer from this condition. Frenchie have  highly sociable and affectionate nature.

They form strong bonds with their families, and disruption to this bond can lead to significant psychological stress. That’s why is very important to gradually teach your little gremlin to spend time alone. In other words, you should gradually increase the amount of time your Frenchie spends without you. And, what is more important, teaching your dog independence should be on the first place.

Severity of the Condition

The severity of separation anxiety can vary widely among individual dogs. In mild cases, a French Bulldog might exhibit subtle signs of discomfort such as whimpering or temporary restlessness when an owner leaves the home. A dog who suffers from a mild case of separation anxiety will also bark and whine during the owner’s absence.

It’s definitely not such a pleasant situation for your neighbors so maybe the best thing to check your dog’s behavior is to check with them what they hear while you’re out. If your neighbors hear constant whining, barking and walking/running through your apartment, then it’s the time to install a doggy camera. It’s the only way to discover your dog’s anxiety. Your Frenchie’s anxiety can grow into a sever problem if you leave it untreated.

However, in more severe cases, the separation anxiety in French bulldogs can lead to profound behavioral changes. Dogs with intense separation anxiety can show destructive behaviors. They can start chewing furniture, scratching at doors and windows, or even attempting to escape from the house. 

Our friend’s dogs have chewed the sofa bed in their living room and took out all the sponge from it while his owner was at work. Therefore, we don’t even need to tell you how cases of severe anxiety may end up. Some dogs can get hurt themselves so badly in case of escape. Frenchies might also suffer from panic attacks, which can manifest as excessive pacing, drooling, panting, or incessant barking.

These behaviors are not only distressing for the dog but can also cause significant disruption and damage within the home, affecting the quality of life for both the dog and its owners. Furthermore, the physical symptoms associated with severe anxiety, such as increased heart rate and excessive panting, can have long-term health implications for a French Bulldog. Some pooches can also start dealing with respiratory and cardiovascular issues, which are particularly concerning given this breed’s susceptibility to breathing problems.

Indicators to Watch For 

Owners of French Bulldogs should be vigilant for early signs of separation anxiety, as early detection can lead to more effective management of the condition. Key indicators include:

Excessive Attachment:

The dog follows owners obsessively around the house and shows signs of distress when the owner prepares to leave (e.g., pacing, whining, or sulking). If your dog literally became your velcro, then it’s the time to search for professional help. 

Behavioral Changes:

This might include a normally well-behaved dog suddenly beginning to have accidents in the house, refusing to eat when left alone, or showing excessive lethargy. A Frenchie with separation anxiety will want to sleep all the time and seem disinterested for any activity.

Vocalization:

Persistent barking, howling, or whining that starts as soon as the owner leaves and continues until they return. Understanding the triggers and the severity of the behavior can help in creating a tailored approach to manage and reduce the symptoms of separation anxiety in French Bulldogs. 

This involves a combination of training, environment adjustments, and sometimes medical intervention, all aimed at ensuring the well-being of both the pet and the pet owner.

How to Treat Separation Anxiety in French Bulldogs

Separation anxiety in French Bulldogs can range from mild to severe, and the approach to treatment varies accordingly. Treatment involves a combination of behavior modification, environmental changes, and potentially medical intervention. The goal is to reduce the dog’s stress and improve their ability to cope with being alone.

Treating Mild Separation Anxiety

For French Bulldogs with mild separation anxiety, simple behavioral and environmental adjustments can often be effective:

• Gradual Desensitization: 

Slowly accustom your dog to being alone by starting with short separations and gradually increasing the duration as your dog becomes more comfortable. You should practice this by leaving your dog alone in the room for a few minutes. Day by day, this period should be increased until your dog start feeling relaxed alone. This helps them learn that solitude is safe.

• Establish a Routine: 

Dogs benefit from predictability. Establishing a consistent daily schedule for feeding, walks, and quiet time can help reduce anxiety. Your frenchie should also feel pleasantly tired before you leave the house. In other words, make sure he got enough play, a daily dose of walking and running as well. It’s the best way to make sure your French bulldog will be less busy to think about your absence and destroy home items.

• Create a Safe Space: 

Designate a comfortable area in your home where your dog feels secure when you are away. This could be a crate if your dog is crate-trained, or a specific room with their bed and favorite toys. A crate can also represent your French bulldog’s bed which should be placed in a calm and quiet place in the house.

• Interactive Toys: 

Provide toys that keep your dog engaged and mentally stimulated while you are gone, such as puzzle toys filled with treats. Our French Bulldog Fetch Mate is the perfect dog toy that can help your Frenchie spend the pent-up energy. Besides, you can teach your dog to return the ball inside the hole on the top and enjoy playing fetch all alone.

• Calm Departures and Arrivals: 

Avoid overly emotional goodbyes and hellos, which can heighten anxiety. Keep these interactions calm and low-key to avoid reinforcing your dog’s stress. You should never kiss and hug your dog before you leave because that can cause overreactions in your dog. 

Treating Severe Separation Anxiety

Severe cases of separation anxiety require more intensive strategies and possibly the involvement of professionals:

• Consult a Professional: A dog behaviorist or a veterinarian can offer guidance tailored to your specific situation. They may recommend behavior therapy or even prescribe medications.
• Behavior Modification Therapy: Techniques such as counter-conditioning can be useful. This might involve associating the owner’s departure with something positive, like a favorite treat or toy that they only get when alone.
• Medication: In some cases, veterinarians may prescribe anti-anxiety medications to help your French Bulldog cope with stress. These are typically used in conjunction with behavior modification techniques.
• Increased Exercise and Stimulation: Providing more physical exercise and mental stimulation can help alleviate some symptoms of anxiety in French bulldogs. This could involve more frequent walks, new types of activities like agility training, or regular playtime.
• Home Modifications: Sometimes small changes in the home environment can make a big difference. This can include leaving on a radio or television to provide comforting background noise, or using pheromone diffusers that release calming chemicals similar to those mother dogs produce.

What Is Forbidden to Do When your French Bulldog Suffers From Separation?

Do not force your Frenchie to stay alone

You should never force your pet to spend time alone if he shows symptoms of separation anxiety. If your pooch whines and scratches the door when you leave, then we recommend you do it gradually. Your dog is your kid, and you certainly don’t want to leave it crying.

Do not punish your Frenchie

You should never punish your Frenchie because it will only cause a side effect. Punishment will only increase the feeling of anxiety and induce destructive behaviors in your pet.

Avoid lengthy goodbyes

Making a big deal out of departures and arrivals can increase your dog’s anxiety. Overly emotional goodbyes can make your leaving seem like a significant event, causing more stress each time you go. Similarly, excitable reunions can make your return highly anticipated, adding to their anxiety while you’re away. Keep these interactions calm and matter-of-fact.

Avoid isolating your Frenchie as punishment

Never use crating or confinement in a separate room as a form of punishment for anxious behaviors. This can make your French Bulldog feel even more isolated and anxious, especially if they associate their safe space or crate with negative experiences.