It is a known fact that just like humans dogs suffer from stress just like we us.
Unpleasant as it may be anxiety is a normal and healthy emotion that they go through especially if left home alone for long periods of time.
What is Separation Anxiety
This particular type of anxiety is known as separation anxiety and can affect different breeds individually in different ways, but our focus is on french bulldogs.
If left alone for extended periods of time and not given the proper attention it can lead to behavioral and other issues.
But what are the causes and symptoms that you can be aware of to help prevent separation anxiety in french bulldogs.
The Causes of Separation Anxiety
There are many reasons that can cause anxiety in your frenchie according to the Merck Veterinary Manual, but there are 3 main reasons that causes this emotional roller coaster in your pup.
- Fear
- extended periods of separation
- Aging
According to Merck it is estimated that 14% of dogs have separation anxiety when separated for hours at a time from family members and loved ones.
So how can you tell if your french bulldog is suffering from seperation anxiety?
Symptoms
When it comes to the symptoms of this disorder there are several things you should look out for.
- Aggression
- Excessive barking and howling
- Yawning and panting
- Loss of appetite
- Destructive or self-destructive behavior
- Hiding
Some of the more common symptoms that stand out of all these, not only within french bulldogs, but dogs in general are aggression and destructive behavior.
This aggression within the dog can be targeted directly or indirectly towards people or other dogs, depending on the situation.
Indirect aggression usually occurs when a person comes between the dog and the source of the dog’s aggression.
Destructive behavior usually occurs around exit points such as windows and doors and can become self-destructive as they try to make an escape, but in doing so can lead to serious injuries.
Another thing that a frenchie may do different is hiding.
They will search for a confined space or a piece of the owners clothing to which will have the owners scent and gives familiarity to the pup giving it some peace.
knowing the visual symptoms the question you may have now is…
what are some ways that you can help ease your frenchie’s anxiety and prevent this stress?
Prevention and Treatment
There are a number of ways and resources out there that can help your french bulldog to adapt and cope with this disorder and your absence.
First and foremost we always recommend talking to your veterinarian.
They can help identify the specific type of anxiety as well as the causes and triggers.
Yet, if you’re looking for a more direct solution and one that you can do yourself here are some of our recommendations.
Training and Conditioning
One training strategy is to combat against their anxiety is called counterconditioning.
This helps to change your frenchie’s response to the stimuli that triggers their anxiety.
It helps to switch their aggressive behavior with a more desirable one, like focusing on you the owner or something like sitting.
Another way is desensitization.
What this means is you introduce your pup to the anxiety but in small doses and less intensity in order to acclimate them giving your baby a better way to handle it.
So what this would look like is you would start walking away from your dog for a short period of time and if they stay calm until you come back, reward them.
Then increase it little by little and create more separation like leaving the room, then moving towards putting a barrier between you like a door for a longer time and every time you return and if they were good reward them.
You can also consult with a personal dog trainer for more assistance with this.
Toy and Medications
As another option for your frenchie to deal with separation anxiety while your gone they have made some amazing products to help deal with this.
The first thing we want to bring up is a medication known as CBD oil.
CBD is a compound (oil) that is found in cannabis and hemp that dog owners, along with humans, have reported success in treatment for anxiety.
As a note and disclaimer CBD oil has no scientific data to fully back up its affects on dogs and some CBD products are not fully regulated which means the purity of the information can not be fully validated.
However, if you are considering CBD oil as treatment we do recommend consulting with your vet and we provided a few links to products that have been cleared to be sold through amazon so we are not sending you to some unknown third party that looks sketchy or unreliable 😁.
Please do take care and precaution if you decide to go this route.
One product we recommend that would be easy for your french bulldog to take are some calming chews.
1. Premium Care Calming Chews
This all natural, believe it or not duck flavored, chewy treats are made with organic passion flower, ginger root along with other ingredients such as chamomile and of course hemp.
The chamomile along with the hemp acts as the calming agent that helps to reduce anxiety and stress in your frenchie in order to relax them from excessive barking, biting, and jumping at other dogs.
Since we did mention cbd oil we thought to not just to offer these chewables which can be convenient as special treats, but actually show you another option of the oil itself.
If you like to create your own special dog treats then the hemp oil is another great way to give your baby the medication or supplement to help ease their anxiety.
Busters hemp oil is one of the top products offered by amazon and has many great reviews to give you the ease from many pet owners the results they’ve seen and any safety concerns you may have.
2. Busters Hemp Oil
Now on to some other alternatives to help.
Another way of helping to deal with separation anxiety is to help your dog cope is to occupy their time and attention with things such as toys or the like.
These toys won’t help if your french bulldog suffers from severe separation anxiety and if they do it may require antidepressants.
However, here are some other products that will help which are as follows…
3. Emotional Dog Anxiety Jacket
It may sound funny, but emotional designed clothes are beneficial and this jacket is one that can actually help.
This is no ordinary jacket…
what makes this jacket different is it is designed to add pressure to your frenchies body giving the sensation that someone is holding them.
It also helps to keep them calm through loud noises, thunderstorms, or other stressful situations.
Cute and functional.
4. LickiMat
With a funny name like “LICKIMAT” what frenchie could resist being occupied with this fun little mat when have any special treat.
It is specifically designed as a slow feeder to helps reduce bloating and improves indigestion.
Licking can also be calming and relaxing for dogs so the LickiMat can come in handy during those stressful moments to reduce their anxiety.
5. Adjustable Calming Collar
If toys are not your thing and you want something that gives you and your pup a little more security than this calming collar is just the thing.
This vet recommended product is actually a new release and works in a very unique way.
The collar actually releases pheromones which provides a strong signal to your dog producing comfort and security (can we say WOW).
A word of advice is if you choose to have your frenchie wear it constantly than the collar will need to be changed every 4 weeks.
But this is a new all natural and safe way to help reduce your pups fear and anxiety as it is only triggered by its body heat.
Did we mention its lavender scented so it uses the natural calming elements of mother nature.
6. SnuffleMat
So we know the selection of these toys and products may have some really silly names, but look at it this way now you and your frenchie can smile together when you think about their health.
But seriously the snufflemat is great way to make them pleasantly tired and at the same time less prone to chew on your home furniture or your other valuables.
Another fun thing you can do with the snufflemat to keep your pup entertained and focused on something else away from their anxiety is hiding treats within the mat in this way it becomes like a game for them.
Probably one of the best relaxing games you can find on the market.
7. Heartbeat Puppy Toy
Now this toy even made us said wow 😲when we stumbled upon it.
This toy actually comes with a heart beat ❤️.
No not a real one, that might just be really creepy, but it comes with a simulated heart beat to mimic the life likeness of a human giving your frenchie the comfort it deserves during those stressful moments when you’re away.
Rather than stressful though the heartbeat simulates an environment of companionship which can also be a great help in your pup getting a better nights sleep.
The Bottom Line
Now you know a little more about how to handle separation anxiety with your french bulldog.
But remember, separation anxiety is a serious thing and should not be taken lightly so if you sense that your frenchie may be dealing with some of these symptoms please do not overlook them and be sure to take the precautionary measures and consult your vet for professional help.
If you would like to learn more information about this subject be sure to check these other great articles sources below.
Note: This post contains affiliate links, which means that we will receive a commission if you decide to purchase through our links. This is at no additional cost to you, and it helps us continue to offer free content on our blog.
