5 Tips to deal with separation anxiety amongst Shih Tzu

This blog answers questions about:  What are the tips to deal with separation anxiety amongst Shih Tzu? What are the symptoms of separation anxiety seen in Shih Tzus?

What are the tips to deal with separation anxiety amongst Shih Tzu?

Some tips to deal with separation anxiety in Shih Tzu are: 

Consult a vet

Pet owners must consult a vet for a proper diagnosis of their Shih Tzu. Though symptoms like barking, whining, defecating are some symptoms of separation anxiety they can be caused due to other reasons as well.

Assuming that the Shih Tzu is anxious and hence is carrying out disruptive behavior might be a cause of the neglect of the actual problem. Thus pet owners must consult their veterinary doctors to get the right diagnosis of their Shih Tzu and then treat it accordingly.

Avoid punishment

When pet owners are trying to reduce the separation anxiety amongst their Shih Tzu the first thing, they must keep in mind is that punishment for their actions is only going to worsen their symptoms and resulting anxiety rather than getting it in control.

Pet owners must understand that their pet’s negative behaviors are because of the stress and panic that was caused due to their absence.

Normalize living

Many pet owners shower affection on the Shih Tzu before leaving in the form of cuddles and kisses, though this gives them a sense of joy when a pet owner releases them and approaches the door after unconditional affection they feel a sense of fear and threat.

This makes Shih Tzu more anxious about their owners leaving and forms a negative association between their departure and unconditional affection.

Further on they start to rely on a pattern that whenever they are showered with such kind of love it means that they are going to be left alone at home.

Hence many pet owners are suggested that they do not make a big deal about their departure or arrival.

Avoid the association of objects with you leaving

Shih Tzus pay close attention to all the clues and events related to their owner’s departure. For instance, if a Shih Tzu owner has a habit of picking up the particular bag while leaving Shih Tzu spontaneously realizes that it’s time for their departure due to the object that they picked up.

As they form negative associations with such objects these objects might create a sense of anxiety in them every time the owner departs.

The best way to help avoid such negative associations is to shuffle the order of things that the pet owners do before their departure such that it does not lead to a pattern that their Shih Tzu picks upon.

Give them a habit of being alone

One of the most crucial ways to help Shih Tzu deal with their anxiety is to help them be alone and realize that being alone does not mean being in danger or it does not mean anything bad.

Pet owners must help Shih Tzu to get comfortable staying alone. They can do this by following small steps such as leaving them outside the supermarket when they walk in, leaving them in the backyard for a while while they’re cleaning up the house.

These small steps become very crucial to help Shih Tzu get comfortable staying alone when their owners are away for a long time.

Use distraction

The best way to help Shih Tzu from experiencing a sense of anxiety when their owners are away is to keep them distracted.

Pet owners can take the help of companion toys, food dispensing toys, or any object that reminds them of the owner’s presence when they are away to keep them distracted for a while without feeling uncomfortable.

Using a pee pad

Waiting for the owners to come back to get done with their washroom needs might be very stressful for many Shih Tzus and impossible in some cases.

To reduce the stress related to their washroom needs owners can place pee pads which makes it easier to get rid of their washroom needs when needed

Select the right toys

Toys can be of two types one that provides entertainment when Shih Tzu feels alone, upset, and require toys to interact with, the Smart Pet Love Snuggle Puppy helps perfectly for the role of a companion toy.

The second one could be using a treat dispenser which helps to distract Shih Tzu when the pet owners are away.

A proper treat-dispensing toy can help keep the dogs occupied while the owners are away and fulfill their hunger needs too.

Tire your Shih Tzu before leaving

Exercising your Shih Tzu helps to tire them out in a way that they require some amount of rest and recovery time motivating them to sleep. This can be done by taking them  for walks and playing with them in the backyard

Play canine-specific calming music

Leaving the TV or radio on leaves no control over the type of commercials that are displayed, while playing calming music tailored for dogs can aid in a happy mood and a nice environment for the dog when left alone.

Through A Dog’s Ear: Music To Calm Your Canine Companion which is available as unlimited streaming, a CD, or an MP3 can be used for the purpose.

What are the symptoms of separation anxiety seen in Shih Tzus?

Some symptoms of separation anxiety seen in Shih Tzus are:

• Howling, whining, and barking.
• Defecating or urinating indoors
• Carrying out destructive behaviors and damaging household properties with their nails or tooth. In this process, they also end up harming themselves.
• Exaggerated greeting behavior
• Seek ways to maintain contacts with their owners and display clingy behavior

When pet owners are aware of the possible symptoms of separation anxiety in their pets they are better able to help with its diagnosis upon inquiry

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Conclusion

Shih Tzu is a breed of Shih Tzus that requires attention, love, and understanding on behalf of their owners regularly. They are known as companion Shih Tzus who need to be with people, or experience separation anxiety when left alone.

Pet owners must make sure that they equip their Shih Tzu with all the required tools and facilities to make them feel comfortable and less lonely to avoid escalating their separation anxiety.

Frequently asked questions: what are the tips to deal with separation anxiety amongst Shih Tzu?

Is Shih Tzu OK to be left alone?

Most Shih Tzu Manage being left alone for short periods. However, it is best suggested that they leave their Shih Tzu at a Shih Tzu care facility provider for them to stay occupied throughout while you are away and also avoid the possibilities of separation anxiety in them.

Why are Shih Tzu so clingy?

It is believed that the natural temperament of Shih Tzu is being people-oriented which makes them very clingy. They are considered to be toy Shih Tzus that adjust even in small spaces as they desire to be loved and give back the same to their owners this very temperament puts them at higher risk of experiencing separation anxiety in the absence of their owners.

Can Shih Tzu be left alone for 8 hours?

Shih Tzu can be left alone for 7 to 9 hours approximately however leaving them alone for longer than that might lead to a negative impact which is displayed through their behavior.

Why does my Shih Tzu sit on my lap?

Many pet owners might notice that their Shih Tzus sit on their lap because it is a behavior of the breed to seek affection and love all the time.

Hence it is perfectly normal for Shih Tzus to sit on their pet owners’ lap when they are around to bond and protect their owners.

How do I get my Shih Tzu to sleep alone?

Pet owners can consider putting their Shih Tzu inside their crates and closing the door. Alongside they can also give the Shih Tzu a treat for him to be distracted and settle down gradually.

Citations

https://shihtzuandyou.com/shih-tzu-separation-anxiety/