How to Help a French Bulldog with Separation Anxiety

If you’ve ever tried to quietly sneak out the door while your Frenchie watches you with their soul-melting eyes—only to hear howling 0.3 seconds later—you’re not alone. I’ve been there… twice.

French Bulldogs are known for being clingy, loving, and totally attached to their humans. But that same velcro-dog charm can quickly become full-blown separation anxiety. Barking, chewing, pacing, accidents—it’s hard for them and heartbreaking for us.

The good news? You can help your Frenchie feel safe when you’re gone.

Here’s how I managed severe separation anxiety with both of my Frenchies—what worked (and what didn’t)—and how you can ease the stress for your pup too.

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💡 What Is Separation Anxiety in French Bulldogs?

It’s a stress response some dogs have when left alone. Frenchies, with their affectionate nature, are especially prone to it.

Common signs include:

• Excessive barking or whining
• Scratching at doors or windows
• Destructive chewing (RIP to three of Maven’s beds)
• Peeing indoors—even if they’re house-trained
• Pacing, drooling, or panic as you leave

If this sounds like your pup, you’re not alone—and you didn’t do anything wrong.

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🧠 Why Are Frenchies So Prone to It?

French Bulldogs are:

• Companion dogs (bred to be by your side)
• Creatures of habit
• Emotionally sensitive
• Just a little spoiled (don’t deny it 😉)

That combo makes them more vulnerable when their environment or routine changes.

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✨ What Actually Helped (From One Dog Dad to Another)

My first Frenchie had extreme anxiety. We tried everything:

• Calming drops
• Leaving my shirt in her crate
• Playing soothing music

Nothing helped.

In fact, she got so anxious in a standard metal crate that she injured herself trying to escape. That was the wake-up call.

So, I got her a plastic crate with solid sides—less visual stimulation, more security. But the real turning point came when I stopped only crating her when I was leaving.

Instead, I began crating her even when I was home—for short stretches. She could see me, hear me, and realized that being in her crate didn’t always mean I was disappearing.

Once we made crate time part of our normal day, everything changed. Then I slowly extended the alone time. These days, Maven barely lifts her head when I leave.

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1. Start Small with Short Departures

If your dog panics after 10 minutes alone, don’t begin with a 3-hour outing.

Instead:

• Leave for 1–2 minutes
• Return calmly (no dramatic reentry)
• Increase time gradually

This desensitization was a game-changer for us.

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2. Create a Predictable Exit Routine

Dogs thrive on routine. I built a simple one:

• 10 minutes of play
• Quick potty break
• Frozen treat or enrichment toy
• Quiet exit—no big emotional goodbyes

It sends a message: “Nothing scary is happening. I’ll be back soon.”

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3. Enrichment Toys Are Everything

Maven’s go-to: a KONG filled with frozen banana and peanut butter.

Other good options:

• Snuffle mats
• Puzzle feeders
• Lick mats with pumpkin or yogurt

Pro tip: Only use these during alone-time to build a positive association.

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4. Ignore the Reunion Meltdown (At First)

Coming home to a crying, jumping dog is tough—but don’t make it a spectacle.

Wait until they settle, then greet them. It teaches that your return isn’t a big emotional rollercoaster.

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5. Make the Crate a Cozy, Safe Space

Maven loves her crate now—but it didn’t happen by accident.

I made it a calm, cozy den with:

• Her favorite blankets
• A heartbeat plush
• Calming scents like lavender

If your pup hates crates, try gating off a small safe room instead.

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6. Try Natural Soothers (Vet-Approved)

On really tough days, we tried:

• Vet-approved calming treats
• Lavender diffusers
• CBD oil for dogs

Check with your vet before introducing anything new.

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7. Use a Pet Camera

Watching Maven while I was away gave me peace of mind. It also helped me track her progress.

Bonus: mine let me toss treats and talk to her if she got anxious.

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🐕‍🦺 When to Seek Professional Help

If your dog’s anxiety feels extreme:

• Find a certified trainer who specializes in separation anxiety
• Or a veterinary behaviorist for more complex cases or meds

There’s no shame in getting help. Frenchies are emotional little snort machines—they sometimes need a little more support.

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❤️ You’re Not Alone

Watching your dog panic when you leave is one of the hardest things to experience. I’ve cried after leaving my first Frenchie for just 15 minutes—seeing how distressed she got broke me.

But with consistent crate training, patience, and daily routines, things shifted. Now Maven snores happily as I head out for errands.

It takes time, but it’s possible.

You’ve got this—and your pup does too. 🐾💪