9 Common Chihuahua Stress Symptoms

Chihuahuas are active small dogs and owners should know about Chihuahua stress symptoms, so as to know when the pups are stressed.

Therefore, in this post, we will outline and discuss some of the most common Chihuahua stress symptoms you should know.

We will also discuss ways you can help your Chihuahua to overcome stress and ways to avoid unnecessary stress with your Chihuahua.

Chihuahua Stress Symptoms

When your dog is stressed, it is usually a reaction to something specific that will subside once the stressor is removed.

Anxiety, on the other hand, is a long-lasting emotion that does not go away even after it is relieved.

If the problems in your Chihuahua’s life aren’t resolved, they might turn into a significant long-term illness.

Here are some of the most common stress signals in Chihuahuas to be aware of:

1. Digging

Chihuahuas are known to dig backyard or basements when they are left alone or when they are stressed.

Digging the backyard is just a normal thing for Chihuahuas as a way of relief from depression, stress, and frustration.

Whenever you come back home and find holes in your backyard, base of your fence, or basements, don’t ignore it.

When Chihuahuas start digging, it means something is wrong one of which can be too much stress.

Here are some things that can cause stress to Chihuahuas:

Being left alone for too long.
Changes in diet
Changes in meal time

Lack of mental stimulation
Lack of exercise
General changes in daily routine.

Chihuahuas can dig for a variety of reasons, and stress is mainly one of the reasons.

2. Whining and restlessness

When your Chihuahua is agitated, he may whine at any time, so keep an eye on him if he’s whimpering or becoming restless.

If the stressor is anything like loud noises that your Chihuahua can’t escape, whimpering is usually followed by pacing.

Otherwise, your Chihuahua may be whimpering and pacing around the home aimlessly.

It’s most likely stress if your Chihuahua isn’t whimpering because he has to go outside or is in discomfort.

When dogs are stressed, they frequently lose control of their natural whimpering response.

It is, however, a sign that something is wrong with your Chihuahua’s surroundings. That’s something you need to fix.

3. Loss of appetite

If your Chihuahua has a normal appetite but suddenly stops eating or now eats excessively, it might be a sign of stress or sickness.

Chihuahuas, on the other hand, are prone to being hungry for short periods of time and eating excessively.

A chronic loss of appetite, especially when accompanied by weight loss, is a red flag for stress or a serious health problem that should be investigated by a veterinarian.

Loss of appetite might indicate that your dog is unwell or worried, so keep an eye out for any strange behaviors and consult your veterinarian if required.

4. Excessive sleeping

When your Chihuahua, who normally sleeps for 6 hours at a time, sleeps for longer lengths of time, such as 10 hours in a row, something is amiss.

Your dog might just be tired, but if he or she is sleeping a lot more than usual, stress or sickness could be the cause.

Keep an eye on your dog’s behavior to ensure that he isn’t suffering from any health issues.

After checking out any medical reasons and determining that your Chihuahua is still sleeping excessively, you must look for stress signals.

It’s a clue that something is awry if your dog’s behavior has suddenly changed. They’re either ill or dealing with stress or anxiety.

If your Chihuahua is completely sluggish or shows other symptoms for a lengthy period of time, contact your veterinarian.

5. Freezing

When your Chihuahua freezes or gets rigid in your presence, it indicates that he is scared or unhappy about something.

It’s possible that freezing in your Chihuahua for no obvious reason is hazardous to both you and your dog. Before things get out of hand, you need to act immediately.

Excessive freezing indicates that your Chihuahua is upset and will be unable to control the situation, which may result in a bite or other undesirable actions.

Long periods of frozen behavior in tiny dogs, such as Chihuahuas, are a common stress warning that should not be ignored in real life.

6. Chewing

Despite their little size, Chihuahuas chew more than other large dogs as a stress symptom over time.

Chewing is a natural activity in Chihuahuas of all ages, but what they chew and why they chew are two different things, and only their owners can figure out why they chew.

Chewing for Chihuahuas can assist with stress, boredom, and moderate tension, but it comes at the cost of your belongings.

Keep an eye on your Chihuahua’s stress level and consider giving them chew toys if they start chewing on things that aren’t meant to be chewed.

Rather than yelling at your Chihuahua for chewing on your goods, attempt to discover out why they’re chewing and remedy the problem; yelling will just exacerbate the situation and encourage more undesirable habits.

7. Increased hiding behavior

If your Chihuahua starts running away from you and hides somewhere to be alone, it’s either sick or anxious. This is an important character to remember.

Because Chihuahuas are social and energetic dogs, if yours suddenly withdraws, there’s probably an issue or concern that has to be addressed.

While many small dog breeds like being alone, too much alone time might indicate a problem, such as excessive stress.

Before deciding what to do, keep an eye on your Chihuahua for any other symptoms. This will assist you in identifying the specific issue.

8. Growling

Because it can’t tell you whether it’s stressed or uncomfortable using words, your Chihuahua utilizes growling as a way of communication.

Growling is a common method for your Chihuahua to express how concerned or nervous he or she is in a certain circumstance over time.

Your Chihuahua’s constant growling might indicate that someone is invading their personal space, that they are fearful, or that something is bothering them.

If your joyful Chihuahua starts growling more than usual, don’t ignore it; figure out what’s wrong and cure it as soon as you can.

9. Shaking

Chihuahuas, like many other tiny dog breeds or pets, tremble, feel stressed, or horrified when their owners leave.

Trembling is frequently accompanied by a tucked tail and other stress-related actions, which are all stress indicators.

If your Chihuahua is shivering despite the fact that it isn’t chilly outside or indoors, it might be a sign of concern or tension. Chihuahuas may shiver or tremble for a variety of causes.

If all medical conditions have been checked out, your Chihuahua is most likely scared or distressed.

It’s either separation anxiety or stress if your Chihuahua begins to shake or shiver as you leave for work.

How to help a stressed Chihuahua

Chihuahua owners should examine their own actions to determine whether they are adding to the stress.

Owners can stress their Chihuahuas by not giving clear directions, disrupting their daily routine, making loud noises, staring them down, or punishing them needlessly.

The easiest method to soothe your Chihuahua is to figure out what’s bothering them and then remove the source of tension.

Work with a professional trainer or your veterinarian to help them become less reactive to the trigger.

The following are some typical methods for helping Chihuahuas cope with or avoid excessive stress: