Is your French Bulldog chewing everything in sight?

They crave the presence of their humans and interaction. A bored Frenchie is more likely to turn to destruction, but this isn’t always the case. Sometimes, their chewing behavior can be the result of an underlying medical problem.

Keep in mind that some chewing is normal dog behavior, and Frenchies are a heavy chewing breed. Where, when, what, and how they chew will be your determining factors on whether their chewing is excessive or worrisome.

Reasons your French Bulldog is chewing

Anxiety, Teething, and Temperament

Separation anxiety and boredom are two of many reasons your Frenchie may turn to chewing. Generally, you will notice other behaviors beyond simple chewing. Your Frenchie can be like Velcro to your side when you’re home and show extreme unease when then can’t find you. Separation anxiety is as stressful for them as much as the aftermath is for you.

Age can be a main factor too, such as with teething puppies. A teething French Bulldog puppy will mouth whatever they can find whether it be your $300 shoes or a proper toy. They don’t care. They only want to relieve the pain and pressure in their mouths.

Another common reason for chewing is their tenacious temperament. French Bulldogs can outright throw temper tantrums that put a toddler to shame. The cause can be from you speaking to them too harshly to your Frenchie not getting what they want.

Medical Reasons

The next group of common causes for chewing are medical reasons. Frenchies have many genetic abnormalities that come from years of questionable breeding and poor lineage.

Among the top reported concerns are allergies. Frenchies are more prone to respiratory issues than other breeds because of their shorter snout, but food, seasonal, and general allergies can cause moderate to excessive chewing.

Pododermatitis is another concern in French Bulldogs, which includes excessive licking and chewing of their feet. This condition occurs from injury, infection, allergy, and other unknown reasons, but it can be serious if left untreated.

Fleas and parasites can cause a severe allergic reaction on top of their itchy bites. It only takes one bite, so you may not see evidence other than their behavior. The allergic reaction can lead to excessive biting, chewing, licking, and scratching.

Things a French Bulldog may chew

Unless your French Bulldog chews on themselves, what they choose is likely either preference or convenience. Oh, and they can chew anything and everything. Make sure items you don’t want them to mouth remain out of reach.

Of course, removing items might be impossible with Frenchies who chew your furniture, cabinets, or molding. Do your best to use positive reinforcement and reduce scolding or punishments. French Bulldogs want you to be pleased with them, and they’re not the type of dog that cares about rules.

How to stop your French Bulldog chewing

Before you can answer this, you have to channel your inner dog whisperer and understand why your dog is chewing in the first place. Ask yourself, is this normal? Did you provide plenty of alternatives to bust your Frenchie’s boredom? Is it anxiety? Did you scold them harshly?

The largest exception to this is French Bulldogs chewing on themselves. If you notice bald patches, redness, or bleeding, you should take them to the veterinarian straight away. These are all signs of an allergic reaction, skin parasites like fleas, or skin allergies.

Once your veterinarian diagnoses the cause, you can work together to find a suitable treatment. Do keep in mind this can take time to determine. It entirely depends on the cause.

If you suspect an allergy, you can expect further testing and possibly an elimination diet. Fleas would require medication to soothe the reaction and a preventative measure. The good news is your Frenchie should stop chewing after you address the underlying issue.

If your French Bulldog is a puppy and teething, you want them to chew. Just provide them with age-appropriate toys and chews while removing their access to items you don’t want them to mouth.

Wrapping up

French Bulldogs naturally love to chew. Look to provide them with age and breed appropriate items and encourage good chewing behavior as much as possible to satisfy their needs. Do your best to combat your determined Frenchie’s chewing without scolding as this might further the bad behavior or introduce new issues.

Most importantly, a French Bulldog chewing on themselves is not normal. Remember to make an appointment with your veterinarian if you notice this behavior. You want to rule out medical causes and address allergies quickly to ease your companion’s discomfort.