Separation anxiety in dogs is a psychological condition characterized by extreme distress and behavior problems when separated from their owner or left alone. It is more than the typical whining or mischief that dogs might display in their human's absence; it is a serious condition that can lead to destructive behavior, excessive barking, depression and even self-harm. This anxiety is rooted in a dog's instinctual need for social connection and fear of being isolated or abandoned.
This article will cover everything you need to know about Shih Tzu separation anxiety, including exact steps to address it from multiple angles. If your Shih Tzu is suffering from this issue, know that there are effective ways to manage it and reduce its impact. The goal is a happier, more confident Shih Tzu that is properly equipped to handle some time alone.
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A Shih Tzu may show one, some or all of the following signs:
Note that since owners are not home to see all that is happening while away, often it is a dog’s behavior when they return home or signs of disturbance that lets them know there are separation anxiety problems.
Rate of Occurrence: Looking at all breeds in general, it's estimated 20 to 40% of puppies and dogs have some level of separation anxiety. In regard to just the Shih Tzu breed, a poll conducted by us at AllShihTzu showed separation anxiety as the second most challenging behavior reported by pet parents of Shih Tzu dogs (only topped by housebreaking and seen more often than refusing to listen or eating issues).
Age of Onset: Issues with separation anxiety can occur at any age. Puppies can get stressed without reassurance and comfort. Adults that have close bonds with their humans can feel incredible levels of loneliness when on their own. And seniors, especially those that have some cognitive issues, often become more clingy and do not like to be home alone.
There are many things you can do to help a Shih Tzu with separation anxiety. Do please note that choosing just one of these methods will do very little. It is often when several, or all, are implemented together that the combination will address both a Shih Tzu's emotional needs and physical needs and serve as stepping stones to developing a more confident, independent dog.
#1: Create a secure designated area to serve as a 'den'.
Certain behaviors in dogs are instinctual, and their positive reaction to a 'den' is a prime example. Here's why this can be beneficial:
Creating a den-like space can be simple. Set up an indoor playpen like the North States Indoor Playpen in a family-used area. This will be equipped with a comfortable bed, engaging toys, food and water, a companion toy, an item with your scent, and pee pads (more details ahead).
#2: Provide methods for your Shih Tzu to stay busy
Leaving your Shih Tzu alone with nothing to engage with is the last thing you want to do. To keep your little guy or gal entertained offer the following:
#3: Provide a companion toy.
A companion toy can be be extremely helpful when a Shih Tzu is suffering from separation anxiety. This type of toy is designed to mimic a living creature, to serve as a friend. This is achieved via accurate sizing, and two elements that make a toy ‘alive’: a heartbeat (battery powered) and body warmth (via warming pads). It can work wonderfully to help ease loneliness and feelings of isolation.
The one that we highly recommend is the SmartPetLove Snuggle Puppy. There are some copycats, but this is the original that is durable, washable and a dependable high quality toy.
#4: Make environmental changes.
Creating a welcoming and secure atmosphere involves a few key steps:
#5: Break up the day.
To reduce the stress of extended alone time for a Shih Tzu, short breaks can be very helpful. While not all pet parents may find these options feasible, they are provided here for consideration in case you can implement any of them.
#6: Reverse the cues regarding your departure.
Your Shih Tzu may recognize cues like handling keys or putting on shoes as signs you're leaving, which can cause them to start worrying much earlier than they need to and cause unnecessary stress. To counter this, mix these actions into your daily routine without actually leaving:
This approach can train your little guy or gal to understand that these usual departure signals do not necessarily indicate a long period of separation.
#7: Follow exit guidelines.
Please ensure to follow these steps in sequence:
#8: Keep your arrival back home calm and casual.
When you return home after a long day, it's natural to want to shower your Shih Tzu with affection through hugs, kisses, and plenty of attention. However, for dogs with separation anxiety, making a big fuss upon arriving home may actually be counterproductive. Overly enthusiastic greetings can unintentionally convey a message interpreted by dogs to be 'I can't believe I made it back! This is a miracle!', reinforcing the dog's anxiety.
Instead, it's more effective to enter your home in a relaxed manner. Take a moment to get a drink of water in the kitchen, browse through your mail, and then, after a brief pause of 1 to 3 minutes, calmly greet your Shih Tzu in a straightforward way with a simple, pleasant "hello" and some gentle pets. Following this, take your little guy or gal outside to attend to their bathroom needs. Afterward, there will be ample opportunity for giving all the excited attention and love they deserve.
This sort of treatment is typically reserved for dogs that have severe and persistent cases of separation anxiety that do not respond to all of the above remedies. There are both OTC and prescribed medication options.
OTC Supplements:
Various over-the-counter supplements like L-tryptophan, chamomile, passion flower and melatonin can aid in calming dogs. L-tryptophan, an amino acid, helps regulate mood without causing drowsiness, which is ideal for many dogs. Melatonin is sometimes used as a stress reduction in dogs, but it's normally a sleep aid so it can cause quite a bit of drowsiness. Both chamomile and passion flower can help, but normally work best in conjunction with other calming aids.
Keeping this in mind, you may want to consider Good Trouble Pets Calming Supplement for Dogs, which has L-tryptophan as well as chamomile, passion flower, and ginger root (calms the tummy).
Prescribed Medications:
Generally used as a last resort due to potential side effects, the most common types are:
In summary, while these medications can be effective for severe cases, their use requires careful consideration due to the range of possible adverse effects.
It's never fun leaving our little guys and gals home alone, but if you take the time to address and resolve separation anxiety, this will greatly improve your Shih Tzu's emotional well-being and make it easier on your stress level as well.
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