The Shih Tzu is a small and docile breed of dog. They are known for their intelligence, loyalty, and courage. However, many people do not know that they can also suffer from emotional stress just like humans. When the lives of these dogs become stressful or overwhelming to them, it can lead to anxiety-related behaviors such as excessive barking or chewing on objects around the house. The good news is that there are things we can do to help our little companions through this tough time!
What is Shih Tzu Emotional Stress
Emotional stress in dogs is an established scientific term used to describe the overwhelming feelings of anxiousness, apprehension, edginess, fearfulness, and restlessness that are caused by environmental factors. While some people may refer to these symptoms as “Shih Tzu separation anxiety,” they aren’t related to true canine compulsive disorders. The main underlying cause of Shih Tzu emotional stress is simply their protective nature combined with a sensitive personality type.
Some other contributing factors are being kept in an environment where there are high levels of activity or noise that can be disturbing for them or lack sufficient opportunities for exercise which makes them more likely to feel restless and agitated since their energy is not being released when it needs to be.
Causes of Shih Tzu Emotional Stress
There are several factors that can contribute to Shih Tzu emotional stress. For example, they tend to be more nervous when they live in an environment where there is a lot of activity or noise. Other common things that bother them include being left alone for long periods of time, having too much human attention sometimes and not enough at other times, spending too much time with inconsistent schedules, etc.
Also, they don’t respond very well to changes in their routines which might happen if someone leaves the house early for work every day but then comes home early one day or vice versa. When this happens it is stressful for them because they never know what to expect.
Signs of Shih Tzu Emotional Stress
Symptoms may include urinating, defecating, drooling, barking, whining, howling, panting excessively, chewing things up around the house, scratching at doors or windows to get out when there are people outside. They also tend to be more clingy with their owners and may try to follow them from room to room in order not to be left alone for even a brief moment. According to veterinary behaviorist Dr. Karen Overall in her 2007 book Clinical Behavioral Medicine for Small Animals , dogs who suffer from emotional stress experience “distress” which causes them to “respond in an exaggerated fashion.”
How to Help a Shih Tzu with Emotional Stress
While there are numerous ways to help a Shih Tzu with emotional stress, it’s important to maintain focus on the goal so that treatment doesn’t drag on for months or years. The long-term objective should be to try to lessen their symptoms without forcing them to overcome fears that they’re simply not ready to face yet.
For example, if your dog is barking nonstop at every noise he hears outside the house, you shouldn’t force him to stay outside in order for him to get used to it. He’ll never become less anxious about noises if he continues being scared of them every time someone leaves or enters through the front door or something else happens out of his view.
When to Seek Professional Help for Shih Tzu
Emotional Stress
You should consider taking your Shih Tzu to a professional dog trainer or veterinarian behaviorist for an assessment if the problem has gone on for more than three months. It’s also necessary to seek help if their symptoms are making them act in ways that could be harmful to themselves, like repeatedly running away when they’re left alone inside the house or chewing up things they shouldn’t chew up due to fear of being punished for it.
Sometimes, treatment can involve using medications like SSRIs which affect serotonin levels in the brain and therefore reduce depression and anxiety. There’s usually no benefit in waiting weeks or even months before trying medications unless you’re interested in only treating their symptoms instead of getting rid of them entirely over time
Preventative Steps You Can Take to Keep Your Pet from Developing Mental Health Problems
– It’s important to provide your dog with plenty of exercise since lack of physical activity can contribute to mental health problems
– You should also take care not to leave them alone for long periods of time if they’re extremely anxious when left alone unless it’s necessary. This is because being alone can cause feelings of helplessness which are especially problematic in dogs that already have anxiety issues.
– Regularly playing with your Shih Tzu using interactive toys or by engaging them in tricks they know will keep their mind stimulated.
– Owners should make sure their house is free from dangerous objects like electrical cords, trash bags full of unsanitary things, etc., so that their dog isn’t accidentally injured or killed because he was trying to play with something he shouldn’t be playing with.
– It’s important to make sure an older Shih Tzu has enough company since they tend to get depressed or anxious when left alone for extended periods of time due to their age. An elderly dog that gets very lonely could develop dementia which would likely worsen other problems like depression and aggression if not treated properly.
Shih Tzu Emotional Stress – Conclusion:
The goal of this article has been to provide you with some insights and advice on what Shih Tzu emotional stress is, how it can affect your dog’s life and health, as well as some tips for prevention. If you have any questions or concerns about the mental wellbeing of your pet please consult a veterinary professional who specializes in animal behavior. They will be able to give you more personalized insight into whether there are certain steps that need to be taken such as medication or therapy options. We hope this information helps all pet owners take better care of their furry friends!
