If you’re a Chihuahua owner you’ve probably experienced your little one crying or whining. Chihuahuas are known for their big personalities and crying is one way they talk to us. But excessive crying can be a sign of distress, discomfort or need. In this article, we’ll go over 5 reasons why Chihuahuas cry and how to fix each one.
Whether you’re asking yourself “Why does my Chihuahua cry?” or “How to stop my Chihuahua from crying?” this will have the answers.
5 Most Common Reasons For Chihuahua Crying
1. Separation Anxiety: Why does my Chihuahua cry when I leave?
Chihuahuas are very loyal and often form strong bonds with their owners. Because of their small size and dependent nature, they can get separation anxiety when left alone. This anxiety can manifest as barking, whining, or crying especially if they’re not used to being without their human.
Separation anxiety is a common reason for Chihuahua crying if they’re used to constant attention.
How to fix Separation Anxiety in Chihuahuas
- Gradual Training: Gradually get your Chihuahua used to being alone. Start with short absences and gradually increase the time. This is called desensitization and helps them get used to you being away without panicking.
- Comfort Zone: Create a safe and cozy area for your Chihuahua to relax in. Make sure it’s filled with comforting items like blankets and toys.
- Distraction Tools: Interactive toys, puzzle feeders and chew toys can keep your Chihuahua occupied and distracted while you’re away and reduce their anxiety.
- Calming Supplements: In some cases, calming sprays or vet-approved supplements can help with separation anxiety.
- Hire a Pet Sitter or Dog Walker: If you’re away for long hours consider hiring a pet sitter or dog walker to give your Chihuahua some company and break up their day.
2. Physical Discomfort or Pain: Why does my Chihuahua cry because of pain?
Chihuahuas like all dogs can cry if they’re in physical pain or discomfort. Because of their small size and genetic predisposition to certain health issues, Chihuahuas can be prone to conditions like patellar luxation (dislocated kneecap), dental problems or even hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Crying is their way of telling you they’re in distress.
How to stop my Chihuahua from crying due to pain
- Veterinary Checkup: If your Chihuahua is crying suddenly or with other symptoms like limping or not eating, you need to take them to the vet to rule out any health issues.
- Monitor Their Behavior: Watch for changes in behavior like not wanting to move or changes in eating habits. These could be signs of pain that need to be addressed.
- Proper Care: Keep up with your Chihuahua’s regular health checkups, make sure their dental health is maintained, and monitor their joints and mobility as they age.
3. Hunger or Thirst: Is My Chihuahua Crying Because It’s Hungry?
Chihuahuas have fast metabolisms and need to eat regularly to keep their energy up. If your Chihuahua is crying at meal times, it could be because they’re hungry or thirsty. This is a simple reason why your Chihuahua might be crying, but one that needs to be addressed early to avoid discomfort.
How to Treat a Hungry or Thirsty Chihuahua
- Set a Feeding Schedule: Chihuahuas love routine so make sure you feed your dog at the same times every day. This will prevent them from crying because they’re hungry or confused about when their next meal will be.
- Keep Fresh Water Available: Always make sure your Chihuahua has access to fresh water especially if they’re active or in hot weather.
- Watch for Other Cues: Along with crying, your Chihuahua may also exhibit other signs of hunger such as following you around the kitchen or pawing at their food bowl.
- Don’t Overfeed: While it’s important to address hunger, overfeeding can lead to obesity which brings its own set of health problems. Stick to the portion sizes recommended by your vet.
4. Fear or Stress: Is My Chihuahua Crying Because It’s Scared?
Chihuahuas may seem fearless at times but they can be easily scared by loud noises, new environments or sudden changes in routine. Thunderstorms, fireworks, or even a new person in the house can cause fear and anxiety which can lead to crying.
Fear-based Chihuahua crying is often accompanied by body language such as trembling, shaking, hiding or tail-tucking.
How to identify fear or stress?
- Find the Trigger: Identify what’s causing your Chihuahua’s fear. Common triggers are loud noises, new environments or the introduction of other pets or people.
- Provide Comfort: Give your Chihuahua a safe, comfortable space to retreat to when they feel scared. Sometimes just being near you or having a quiet space to hide in can calm them down.
- Calming Products: Use calming collars or anxiety wraps (like the ThunderShirt) that apply gentle pressure to your Chihuahua during stressful events.
- Gradual Exposure: If your Chihuahua is crying due to a specific fear, try gradual exposure with positive reinforcement to help them get used to it.
5. Attention-Seeking Behavior: Is My Chihuahua Crying for Attention?
Chihuahuas love attention and if they learn that crying gets them what they want, they’ll use it as a way to manipulate you. Attention-seeking Chihuahua crying is usually accompanied by other behaviors like jumping on you, pawing, or circling.
How to Stop Attention-Seeking Chihuahua Crying
- Set Boundaries: While it’s good to give your Chihuahua attention, it’s equally important to teach them that crying won’t always get them what they want. Don’t give in to the crying and instead reward calm and quiet behavior.
- Mental Stimulation: Sometimes crying is due to boredom. Make sure your Chihuahua has plenty of toys, puzzles and playtime to keep them mentally stimulated and reduce attention-seeking behavior.
- Increase Exercise: Chihuahuas may be small but they still need regular exercise to burn off energy. A tired dog is less likely to cry for attention.
- Ignore the Crying: If your Chihuahua cries for attention, try ignoring them until they stop. Once they’re quiet give them the attention they want. This teaches them that being calm, not crying, gets them what they want.
Are Chihuahuas Emotional?
Yes, Chihuahuas are emotional dogs. Despite their small size they have big personalities and can form deep emotional bonds with their owners. They are very sensitive and can express a wide range of emotions from happiness and excitement to fear and anxiety. Chihuahua crying is a way for them to communicate their emotions whether they’re feeling distressed, anxious, or just seeking attention.
Chihuahuas are prone to crying when they have separation anxiety or feel ignored. Their emotional sensitivity means they react to changes in their environment or routine such as new people, loud noises or being left alone for extended periods. You need to understand your Chihuahua’s emotional needs to ensure their well-being and reduce crying.
Chihuahua Crying in Pain: What to Do?
When a Chihuahua cries, it’s important to determine if the reason is pain or if they’re just seeking attention. Chihuahuas can be a bit dramatic at times and it’s important to recognize the difference between crying from pain and crying from being spoiled.
Recognizing Crying from Pain vs Attention-Seeking
- Crying from Pain: If your Chihuahua is in pain, their crying will be accompanied by other signs like limping, not moving, trembling, or not eating. They may yelp if you touch a certain area or hide and act lethargic. In these cases the crying is persistent and happens suddenly even when they’re not seeking attention.
- Crying from Being Spoiled: If your Chihuahua is spoiled, their crying will be when they’re seeking attention, food, or comfort. This type of crying stops when they get what they want and they don’t display any physical symptoms of discomfort or pain.
What to Do If Your Chihuahua Is Whining in Pain
- Go to the Vet: If you think your Chihuahua is whining due to pain, get to the vet. The vet can do a physical exam to find out what’s causing the pain and recommend treatment.
- Watch for Changes: Pay attention to changes in movement, appetite and energy. If the whining persists and is accompanied by other signs of distress, get professional help right away.
- Comfort But Don’t Indulge: While it’s okay to comfort your dog when they’re in pain, don’t reinforce attention-seeking whining by giving in to their demands all the time. Find a balance between giving care and meeting their needs.
Conclusion: Chihuahua Crying
Chihuahua crying can be caused by separation anxiety, hunger, physical discomfort or attention. Once you know why they’re crying, you can address the issue and improve your Chihuahua’s life.
- Separation anxiety can be treated with desensitization, calming aids and a routine.
- Physical discomfort requires vet attention to address any underlying health issues.
- Hunger and thirst can be avoided with a consistent feeding schedule and access to water.
- Fear and stress can be reduced with a safe and calm environment and gradual exposure.
- Attention-seeking can be managed by setting boundaries and giving mental and physical stimulation.
Therefore, pay attention to your Chihuahua and they’ll cry less. If in doubt, get a vet or trainer to help with the crying.
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