Does a Shih Tzu Have Separation Anxiety? A Comprehensiv

What is Separation Anxiety?

Dogs suffering from separation anxiety can exhibit a wide range of peculiar behaviors!

From a medical standpoint, this is due to changes in hormone levels within the body, which lead to abnormal behavior patterns.

Psychologically, some dogs become overly dependent on their owners, feeling extremely anxious when left alone for a period of time. This anxiety can manifest in various ways to alleviate their distress (for instance, you might find your clothes scattered all over the place when you return home. This is because the clothes carry your scent, and by spreading them around, the scent fills the entire house, making the dog feel more secure.)

Symptoms of Separation Anxiety

These symptoms may appear within 30 minutes after the owner leaves:

Continuously licking a specific part of their body (selfmutilation)

Biting furniture or tearing paper (destructive behavior)

Whining or barking (emotional expression)

Nonstop pacing (a clear sign of unease)

Increased frequency of urination or defecation (also a sign of tension)

Solutions

While problem behaviors such as destructiveness or aggression can be modified through training, separation anxiety is a psychological issue. Using training methods to treat it may actually worsen the situation. Here are some alternative approaches you can try:

We believe that separation anxiety often stems from a dog feeling unappreciated and lonely for extended periods. Therefore, getting another dog for companionship can be a smart solution. This not only alleviates your concerns about your dog developing psychological issues but also prevents the dog from destructively expressing its anxiety.

Start Early

Engage in hideandseek games with your puppy, gradually increasing the duration of the hiding period.

Practice frequent comings and goings at the front door.

When leaving, don't overreact as if you'll never see your dog again. Just leave without a fuss.

For those who struggle with the above, offering a treat or a durable chew toy before leaving can be helpful.

Exhausting your dog's energy can also be beneficial, though it may not be practical if you're not up for the challenge.

Playing talk radio or other human voice programs can provide a sense of comfort for your dog.

The most convenient and effective solution is to get your dog a companion. Having a buddy can be a winwin situation, ensuring both your dog's mental wellbeing and your peace of mind.