As a French Bulldog parent it’s awful to hear your baby crying or whining. These vocalizations are your dog’s way of communicating and understanding why they are doing it is key to addressing their needs and keeping them happy. In this post we will go through the reasons why your French Bulldog is crying, the situations where this happens and solutions to help your fur baby feel more comfortable and safe.
Why is My French Bulldog Crying?
French Bulldogs like many other breeds can cry or whine for many reasons. Knowing these reasons will help you respond and give them the comfort or care they need. Here are some of the most common:
1. Separation Anxiety
Separation anxiety is a common reason for French Bulldog crying especially when they are left alone for a long time. French Bulldogs are known to be very attached to their owners and being separated from them can cause anxiety and stress which manifests through crying, whining or barking.
Solution:
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Gradual Desensitization: Train your dog to get used to being alone by gradually increasing the time you leave them alone.
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Comfort Items: Give your dog comfort items like a piece of your clothing or a favourite toy to help ease their anxiety.
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Exercise and Play: Make sure your French Bulldog gets plenty of exercise and mental stimulation before you leave to reduce their anxiety.
2. Crate Training
Many owners report French Bulldog crying in crate situations especially during the early stages of crate training. This is usually due to discomfort, unfamiliarity or anxiety of being in a small space.
Solution:
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Create Positive Associations: Make the crate a positive and comfortable space by putting treats, toys and bedding inside.
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Short Sessions: Start with short periods in the crate and gradually increase the time as your dog gets used to it.
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No Punishment: Never use the crate as a form of punishment as this will create negative associations and increase anxiety.
3. Hunger or Thirst
If your French Bulldog is crying around meal time or at odd hours it could be due to hunger or thirst. While most dogs have a regular feeding schedule they may still experience hunger or thirst due to increased activity or other factors.
Solution:
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Regular Feeding Schedule: Stick to a regular feeding schedule so your dog knows when to expect their meals.
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Access to Fresh Water: Always have access to fresh water especially after physical activity or during hot weather.
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Healthy Snacks: Give healthy snacks or treats if your dog seems hungry between meals but be mindful of overfeeding.
4. Attention Seeking Behavior
French Bulldogs are known to be affectionate and may cry or whine to get your attention. If your French Bulldog is crying like a baby it might be their way of saying they need attention, playtime or company.
Solution:
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Interactive Play: Play with your dog to meet their social and physical needs.
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Positive Reinforcement: Reward your dog with attention or treats when they are calm and quiet to stop them from crying for attention.
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Consistent Routine: Establish a daily routine that includes playtime, exercise and bonding.
5. Discomfort or Pain
Crying can be a sign of physical discomfort or pain. If your French Bulldog is crying in pain, find out why and get your dog to the vet if needed. Common causes of pain are injuries, dental issues, digestive problems or underlying health conditions.
Solution:
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Veterinary Check-Up: Get your dog to the vet if you think they are in pain or discomfort to rule out any serious health issues.
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Observe and Monitor: Watch your dog’s behavior and look for other signs of discomfort such as limping, not wanting to move or changes in appetite.
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Comfort and Care: Provide a comfortable resting area and gentle care to help your dog feel more at ease during recovery.
6. Fear or Anxiety in French Bulldogs
French Bulldogs can also cry due to fear or anxiety caused by specific situations such as loud noises, new environments, strangers or other animals. This fear-driven crying can be more pronounced in sensitive or timid dogs.
Solution:
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Desensitization and Counter-Conditioning: Gradually expose your dog to the fearful stimulus in a controlled way, pair the experience with positive reinforcement.
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Safe Space: Create a safe and quiet space where your dog can retreat when they feel anxious or scared. The Lavender French Bulldog Bed represents a perfect spot for indoor conditions when you want to make your dog feel calm and snug. It’s filled with pp cotton and thanks to elevated edges, your little gremlin will have a spot to place head.
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Calming Products: Use calming products like anxiety wraps, pheromone diffusers or supplements to help reduce anxiety.
7. Boredom or Lack of Stimulation
French Bulldogs are intelligent and curious dogs that need mental and physical stimulation to be happy. Crying or whining can be a sign of boredom especially if your dog is left alone for long periods without activities.
Solution:
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Interactive Toys: Give your dog interactive toys that challenge their mind and keep them busy. Our recommendation is to check the Running Crab Frenchie Toy that will give your furry friends hours of running and chasing through the house.
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Exercise Routine: Make sure your dog gets regular exercise through walks, playtime and other physical activities.
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Social Interaction: Arrange playdates with other dogs or spend quality time with your dog to alleviate boredom.
8. Medical Conditions
In some cases, French Bulldog crying can be related to underlying medical conditions that cause discomfort, pain or distress. Conditions such as gastrointestinal issues, ear infections or respiratory problems common in brachycephalic breeds like French Bulldogs can cause crying or whining.
Solution:
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Vet Visits: Get your dog to the vet for regular check-ups to keep an eye on their health and catch anything early.
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Medication and Treatment: Follow the vet’s instructions for any medication, treatment or lifestyle changes for your dog’s condition.
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Monitor: Watch your dog closely and report any changes to your vet.
How to calm a crying French Bulldog
First you need to understand why your French Bulldog is crying. Here are some extra tips to calm and help your crying French Bulldog:
1. Create a Safe Space for Your Crying Frenchie
Make sure your dog has a comfy bed, their favorite toys, and a quiet space to retreat to when they feel overwhelmed.
2. Positive Reinforcement To Deal With French Bulldog Crying
Positive reinforcement for calm and quiet. Reward your dog with treats, praise or affection when they are calm and quiet so they learn to associate calmness with good things.
3. Create a Routine
Dogs love routine and having a daily schedule for feeding, playtime, exercise and rest can help reduce anxiety and prevent French bulldog crying.
4. Stay Calm and Patient in Case of French Bulldog Crying
If your French Bulldog is crying like a baby, stay calm and patient. Reacting with frustration or anger will make the behaviour worse. Instead approach your dog with a soothing tone and gentle manner to make them feel safe.
5. Get a Professional Trainer in Case of Your French Bulldog Crying
If your dog is still crying after trying all the above, consider getting a professional dog trainer or behaviorist. They can give you specific advice and training techniques for your dog’s individual issues. Sometimes a Frenchie cries because they are spoilt so you need to find a balance and know how to help your pet. In this case, a professional trainer is overneeded.
Frenchie Crying: Conclusion
Crying and whining is normal in French Bulldogs and can be caused by many physical, emotional, and environmental factors. By understanding why your French Bulldog is crying and taking proactive steps to meet their needs you can help your dog feel more comfortable and secure. Whether it’s French Bulldog crying in pain or like a baby, each situation requires thought and care to ensure your pet’s happiness and well-being.
