According to Mizner Bioscience, Chihuahuas are one of the breeds that most commonly have separation anxiety. I believe that is because Chihuahuas usually bond with or become more attached to one member of the household
Finding treatment for separation anxiety can be very difficult and frustrating. But, there are some that are commonly used for mild separation anxiety and won’t hurt and are certainly worth a try.
However, if your Chihuahua’s separation anxiety is severe, they will not “cure” it and treatment is a much more complicated process and may require more than one thing or treatment.
Sadly, some will never be completely “cured” but with patience and positivity, it can be greatly reduced to something that you both can live with.
If you have tried everything and nothing has worked, it may be time to call in a professional. Try working with a certified animal behaviorist. You can find one in your area using ThumbTack.
What Separation Anxiety Is
Degrees of separation anxiety can be anywhere from mild to severe. Finding a treatment that works depends on the severity of your Chihuahua’s anxiety level.
If it is separation anxiety that your Chihuahua is suffering from, none of the following symptoms occur when you are at home. According to the AKC they are:
- Anxious behaviors like pacing, whining or trembling while you’re gone or as you prepare to leave.
- Excessive barking or howling.
- Destructive acts, such as chewing or digging, particularly around doors or windows.
- Accidents in the house – urinating or defecating.
- Excessive salivation, drooling or panting.
- Desperate and prolonged attempts to escape confinement, potentially ending in serious injury.
False Claims You May Have Heard
Some people may tell you that it’s just a phase and they will grow out of it. This is simply an untrue statement. If you have a puppy that is showing signs of SA, start with the following suggestions, but don’t wait long to get treatment. Talk to your veterinarian to rule out a medical reason.
I’ve heard that if you get another dog as a companion for when you are gone it will “cure” the SA. This is also a false statement. It won’t even “cure” a mild case of separation anxiety. Although Chihuahuas are the one breed that prefers to be with one of their own breeds, what is more, likely to happen is your Chihuahua’s anxiety will begin to influence your new dog and then you will have twice the problem.
What Can You Do To Help Your Anxious Chihuahua?
First Try These 5 Suggestions by the AKC and the ASPCA who are the experts. Just don’t expect them to “cure” a more complicated, severe case.
#1 The Cause of Your Chihuahua’s Anxiety May Be You
You actually may be the cause of your Chihuahua’s separation anxiety. Imagine this scenario. You are getting ready for work and as you’re getting ready you are worried about leaving your Chihuahua alone. You start saying things like “Don’t worry baby.” “It’s going to be okay, sweetie”.
Then it’s time to leave so you grab your car keys and as you’re going toward the door you give him kisses and lots of petting all the while saying things like; “I won’t be gone long baby”, You’ll be fine, honey”.
No, your Chi can’t understand everything you are saying, but he can certainly read your tone of voice and your body language that clearly tells him you are uncomfortable or nervous. What you are doing is clearly telling him that there is something to be scared, anxious, or uncomfortable about. Doing this may even cause a mild or severe case of separation anxiety.
Instead, teach your Chihuahua to be independent. Teach your Chihuahua to be on his own in another room even when you are home. Teach him a solid “stay”. Start with short lengths of time and gradually increase the time he is in the “stay” position.
Ignore your Chihuahua completely while you get ready to leave and as you go out the door. Ignore him for a few minutes when you return home. Keep things calm and without any exciting pets and loving. Doing this will greatly decrease the possibility of your Chihuahua developing separation anxiety.
#2 Desensitization and Counter-Conditioning
Teach your Chihuahua that your leaving actually means rewards. When you leave give your Chihuahua a “high-value” treat. That could be his favorite food or treat or even a favorite toy that he only gets when you leave.
Desensitize your Chihuahua to the cues that you are leaving. Pick up your keys or put on your coat, something that you do every time you leave the house, but instead of leaving, you sit down and read a book, or start cooking. Up the ante by giving him as a treat when you pick up your keys or put on your coat, but don’t leave.
#3 Crate Training
Something else that may help or prevent a mild case of separation anxiety is crate training. A crate is your best training tool. It is not cruel if used correctly. It will provide your Chihuahua a quiet, safe place to relax. If trained correctly, your Chihuahua will enjoy his crate and even go in on his own when he wants quiet time to relax.
Often people confuse the word crate with cage. The two are not the same. Cages you see at puppy mills and pet stores are just that cages. Cages are cruel and inhumane. A crate can be a dog’s best friend and favorite place.
Get Your Free E-Book: How To House-Train A Chihuahua
#4 Exercise
Exercise won’t “cure” your Chihuahua’s separation anxiety, but it very well may prevent it. A tired Chihuahua is a happy and contented dog. Before you leave take your Chi on a brief, but brisk walk. Hey, it’ll be good for you too.
Have a 10-minute play-time with your Chihuahua before you leave. Puzzle toys or even a well-stuffed Kong would be perfect to exercise their mind. A good brain work-out can be just as exhausting to a Chihuahua as some physical exercise.
#5 Natural Supplements
If you want to avoid harmful chemicals and toxins there are some natural remedies that are very helpful.
There are also homeopathic and alternative treatments that some people swear by that have helped their dog. I actually know people that have used Diffusers and they can be very helpful as well as thunder shirts. If you decide to try a diffuser, I suggest Adaptil brand. They are the original and still the best product. If you want to try a Thunder Shirt, get the real Thunder Shirt, not the copy brands that really don’t work as well.
Conclusion
If none of these suggestions have helped, I suggest you talk to your Veterinarian. Not only can they rule out any medical cause, but they can also prescribe medication for dogs that have very severe separation anxiety.
My veterinarian has suggested CBD oil, but not just any CBD oil. It must be good quality CBD oil. Some of the CBD Oil is not really made from the part of the hemp plant that makes it useful. But unless you read the label carefully and know what to look for you wouldn’t know that. Want to know how to tell if it the real thing and a quality product? CLICK HERE
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