While most dog owners would love to be able to stay with their dogs 24/7, unfortunately, there are times when we have to leave them alone. Therefore, many French Bulldog owners wonder if their French Bulldog suffers from separation anxiety when left alone?
Frenchies are especially prone to stressors like separation anxiety due to their lively attitude and need for friendship. These attributes make French Bulldogs excellent pets, but they also make them less self-sufficient. Keep in mind that the more friendly and dependant your Frenchie is, the more likely he or she may feel separation anxiety when left alone.
Continue reading to find out if French Bulldogs suffer from separation anxiety, what causes separation anxiety, what the signs of separation anxiety in bulldogs are, how to treat your French Bulldog’s separation anxiety and more.
Do French Bulldogs Get Separation Anxiety?
Separation anxiety is without a doubt one of the most frequent behavioral issues in Frenchie. They might cause havoc in the house if left alone.
When left alone, especially for lengthy periods of time, French Bulldogs that are highly connected to their owners get sad. When you leave the house, your French Bulldog can become extremely distressed, which is known as separation anxiety. As a result of their fear of being alone, he or she will go to any length to locate you, even if it means harming themselves in the process.
What Are the Causes of Separation Anxiety in French Bulldogs?
A French Bulldog’s Dependent Nature
French Bulldogs are especially prone to separation anxiety because of their lively attitude and need for friendship. These attributes make French Bulldogs excellent pets, but they also make them less self-sufficient. When a dog is reliant or social, he or she is more likely to develop separation anxiety when left alone.
A Change in Your Frenchie’s Environment
Being abandoned, surrendered to a shelter, or transferred to a new guardian or family can all cause separation anxiety. Due to the change in environment, your French Bulldog may get frightened whenever you leave the house. Some experts even argue that they may become afraid that you may not return.
Anxiety When Left Alone
Approximately 14% of dogs are thought to suffer from separation anxiety. When French Bulldogs with separation anxiety are left alone or separated from their family, they are unable to find solace. Unwanted actions, including peeing and defecating in the house, damaging furniture, and furnishings, and barking, are common manifestations of anxiety.
What Are the Signs of Separation Anxiety in a Frenchie?
Separation Anxiety in French Bulldogs can present itself in a number of ways, therefore there is no single differentiating feature. There are, instead, a myriad of indications and symptoms. However, if one or two of these symptoms occur infrequently, they may not be indicative of separation anxiety. Separation anxiety is a disorder that causes your Frenchie to display a variety of symptoms on a regular basis.
Destructive Behaviours
French Bulldogs with separation anxiety bite on door frames or windowsills or destroy household goods when left alone or separated from their owners. As a result of these behaviors, self-injury can occur, such as broken teeth, cut and scraped paws, and damaged nails. If a dog’s gnawing, digging, or destructive behavior is triggered by separation anxiety, these behaviors are unlikely to occur in your presence.
Relieving Themselves in the House
Some dogs urinate or defecate when left alone or separated from their caretakers. House soiling is unlikely to be caused by separation anxiety if your French Bulldog urinates or defecates in your presence. Assume your Frenchie is completely potty-trained but has an accident every time you leave the house. In such a scenario, this is a strong indicator that your Frenchie feels anxious while you are away.
Excessive Barking
When left alone or separated from its guardian, a French Bulldog suffering from separation anxiety may scream or wail. This type of barking or sobbing is untouched by anything but being left alone, and it looks to be unaffected by anything.
Since Frenchies are not naturally noisy dogs, if they begin barking and screaming whenever you leave the house, this is another sign that they are suffering from separation anxiety.
Is My French Bulldog Experiencing Separation Anxiety or Something Else Entirely?
One of the most important differences between separation-related behavior and other behavioral illnesses with comparable symptoms is that separation-related behavior occurs in reaction to you leaving the house and is manifested shortly after you depart. It usually begins within 30 minutes, and it frequently begins within the first five minutes.
Even if you believe your Frenchie is content to be left alone, photographing your pet while you’re gone might help you spot ‘hidden’ indicators that your dog is in discomfort.
How to Help a French Bulldog with Their Separation Anxiety?
When your French Bulldog is suffering from separation anxiety and is misbehaving as a result, it may appear that the separation anxiety will never go away. The truth is that you can undoubtedly assist your dog in breaking these behaviors. However, as the owner, you must take action to assist your Frenchie in their desire to become calmer.
Talk to Your Vet About the Best Separation Anxiety Treatment for Your Dog
This might, in theory, be the first thing you do if you realize your dog is having separation anxiety. A veterinarian who is familiar with your pet will be better equipped to offer ways for you to assist them. If you’ve done everything else and your dog still seems to be having trouble, you should consult a veterinarian.
It’s not fair for your dog to continue to suffer from anxiety without your support, and a pet will have a better grasp of how to treat and assist them. Your veterinarian can also give you even more behavioral tips and make sure there aren’t any other medical concerns that your dog is attempting to draw attention to.
Avoid Announcing your Departure to your French Bulldog
The first step in managing your Frenchie’s separation anxiety is to avoid announcing your departure to them. Make a point of not making a big fuss about leaving or coming home. As tempting as it may be to shower your dog with kisses before leaving for the day, now is the time to stand firm for the sake of your pet.
You don’t want to give them any indication that things will change, so stay away from departure cues as much as possible. Instead, keep your cool and swiftly leave the house. You may assist your French Bulldog cope with separation anxiety by not making a big deal out of your departure.
Try Exercising Your Frenchie Before Leaving the House
Exercise can help alleviate and prevent separation anxiety in Frenchies. To begin, make sure your puppy gets enough age-appropriate physical activity. This is especially true for large, active dogs with a lot of energy to burn.
A tired, happy dog that has had a good walk and some fun with you is more likely to calm down after you leave. Second, don’t overlook your puppy’s cognitive ability. Training sessions, puzzle toys, and cognitive games are all viable possibilities. A mental workout may be as challenging as a physical workout, but it can also be a lot of fun.
Try Crate Training Your French Bulldog
Crate training is actually a common type of training that can help with a range of French Bulldog concerns. It is neither harsh nor toxic when used appropriately. Instead, it may provide a safe, tranquil environment for your French Bulldog to relax while you are away.
Some dogs actually feel safer in their crate when left alone. Other dogs, on the other hand, may become frightened. Keep an eye on your Frenchie’s behavior to observe whether the anxiety signs subside or if they worsen.
Using a Separation Anxiety Jacket on Your French Bulldog
A separation anxiety jacket will make your French Bulldog feel as though someone is cuddling them by applying a mild and steady pressure that will help soothe anxiety. Essentially, this garment aids dogs in coping with thunderstorms, loud music, travel, fireworks, and other potentially stressful events. Try it out and see how your Frenchie responds.
Final Thoughts
Overall, French Bulldogs are particularly prone to separation anxiety because of their fun attitude and need for friendship. These attributes make French Bulldogs excellent pets, but they also make them less self-sufficient. Keep in mind that the more friendly and dependant your French Bulldog is, the more likely they may feel separation anxiety when left alone.
However, t’s vital to keep in mind that there is no one-size-fits-all, quick treatment for your Frenchie’s separation anxiety. You’ll probably have to test a few different approaches before you find one that works best for your pet.
If you run into trouble, talk to your veterinarian. Still, with a little patience, education, and ingenuity, you should be able to find a solution to assist your French Bulldog cope with their separation anxiety when left alone.