9 Shih Tzu Anxiety Symptoms

Shih Tzu anxiety symptoms
Shih Tzu anxiety symptoms

Shih Tzu owners always ask about Shih Tzu anxiety symptoms, in this post, I will outline and discuss all the common Shih Tzu anxiety symptoms you should know.

I will also outline and discuss some common ways to fix and prevent anxiety in Shih Tzus, so sit back, relax, and read through.

There are many types or forms of anxiety found in Shih Tzus, which are as follows:

  1. Separation Anxiety
  2. Fear Anxiety
  3. Hunger Anxiety
  4. Social Anxiety
  5. Confinement Anxiety
  6. Noise Anxiety
  7. Environmental Anxiety
  8. Travel Anxiety

I hope you understand where and how Shih Tzus get all these forms of anxiety.

But the most common form of anxiety that leads to bad behaviors in Shih Tzus is separation anxiety.

Let’s now talk about the Shih Tzu anxiety symptoms you are here for.

Shih Tzu anxiety symptoms

Shih Tzus are small breeds of dogs that are prone to anxiety, the symptoms of anxiety in Shih Tzus include; destructive chewing, digging, whining, barking, shivering, freezing, growling, hiding, and excessive licking.

Let’s move further by breaking down all the common symptoms of anxiety found in Shih Tzus.

The following are the most common symptoms of anxiety found in Shih Tzus:

1. Persistent freezing

When your Shih Tzu freezes or gets rigid when you’re around, it means he’s concerned about what he’s witnessing.

Freezing your Shih Tzu without reason can be quite harmful to both you and your dog.

It’s a sign that your Shih Tzu is stressed out and won’t be able to handle the situation, and a bite might be the next step.

Excessive freezing in small breeds like Shih Tzu is a common indication of anxiety that should not be neglected in real life.

So, as you notice that your Shih Tzu starts freezing persistently, be sure to talk to your veterinarian.

2. Destructive chewing

Among all the Shih Tzu anxiety symptoms, destructive chewing is the most common and clear sign of anxiety.

Even though Shih Tzus are little, they chew objects as a sign of worry.

Chewing is a totally natural activity in Shih Tzus of all ages. It depends, though, on what they’re chewing and why they’re chewing.

Chewing for Shih Tzu can help them reduce moderate tension and stress as well as battle boredom.

When your Shih Tzu starts chewing objects that aren’t meant to be chewed, keep an eye on their anxiety level.

3. Self isolation

When your Shih Tzu who loves jumping up and down starts to hide unnecessarily, it’s either your Shih Tzu is suffering from anxiety, dying, or ill.

Hiding or fleeing is a kind of avoidance, and frightened Shih Tzus may hide behind bookcases or behind their owners.

In an attempt to get space to move and hide, some frightened Shih Tzus may nip their owners.

When Shih Tzus are anxious, they may engage in diversionary activities such as digging or circling as a way of escaping.

4. Excessive whining

If your Shih Tzu is nervous or anxious, he may whine at any time.

The whimpering is generally followed by pacing if the stressor is anything like loud noises that your dog can’t get away from.

Alternatively, your Shih Tzu may be crying and sitting about for no apparent reason.

If your Shih Tzu isn’t whining because he has to go outdoors or is in pain, it’s most likely stress.

When dogs are stressed, they frequently lose control of their whining, which is a natural response.

It is, however, a clue that something in your Shih Tzu’s surroundings is causing concern. Whining can sometimes be an indication of stress.

5. Excessive licking

Although Shih Tzus lick just about everything, excessive lip licking and self-grooming are common signs of stress in Shih Tzus.

If your Shih Tzu is excessively grooming itself and licking its lips a lot, it might be a sign that they are anxious.

Your Shih Tzu may also try to relax by licking its lips or yawning, and these habits are significant symptoms that your dog is stressed.

6. Excessive Growling

Your Shih Tzu utilizes growling as a means of communication because it can’t tell you whether it’s sad or uncomfortable using words.

Your Shih Tzu’s growling is a frequent way for him or her to convey how unsettled he or she is over time.

It might mean that someone is violating their personal space, that they are afraid, or that they are bothered by anything.

It isn’t necessarily meant to be aggressive, but it is usually a warning that your dog is uncomfortable.

Give your Shih Tzu some space if they are growling over food, for example, so they may eat in peace.

Swap them for a smaller prize if they’re growling at a bone you need to put away, so you can safely remove the bone.

7. Constant pacing

When your Shih Tzu begins to pace back and forth, it means something is disturbing them and they are unable to relax.

If your Shih Tzu paces back and forth during mealtimes or for small periods when you are out on a walk, it may not be a major issue.

If your Shih Tzu shows this behavior on a regular basis, you might be able to figure out what’s making them nervous.

Excessive pacing if not fixed can lead to unnecessary behaviors like biting or nipping.

8. Cowering and Tucked tail

Cowering is when you shrink or stoop in response to anything that threatens, dominates, or annoys you.

As a result, if your Shih Tzu is hunkered and shaking, they’re probably afraid.

Examine the environment and your dog’s immediate surroundings to discover if anything unusual is causing your dog to become agitated.

When your Shih Tzu’s tail is dragged down, it indicates that she is apprehensive, unsure, or fearful.

When the tail is kept just below the topline, your Shih Tzu may appear unsure.

The level of fear and reinforcement indicated by the body language determines how far the tail is tucked.

Keep in mind that if your Shih Tzu’s tail is tucked beneath its tummy all the time, it suggests your Shih Tzu is afraid.

9. Aggression and excessive sleeping

Aggression is one of the most common reasons Shih Tzu owners seek professional help for their pets.

It’s likely that your generally peaceful Shih Tzu is reacting to tension by becoming aggressive or snippy.

Aggressive behavior in Shih Tzus is a serious issue that you should address immediately with your veterinarian.

Something is wrong when your Shih Tzu, who generally sleeps for 5 to 6 hours at a time, sleeps for longer periods of time, such as 8 hours in a row.

If your dog’s behavior has abruptly altered, it’s a sign that something is wrong. Either they aren’t feeling well or they are experiencing anxiety.

Read more: 10 Signs That Your Shih Tzu Is Dying.

Ways to resolve Shih Tzu anxiety

The following are some common ways on how to resolve anxiety in Shih Tzus:

1. Establish a stress-free atmosphere

Since stress is the major cause of anxiety in Shih Tzus, to fix or prevent anxiety in Shih Tzus you should create a stress-free environment.

Even if you take your Shih Tzu to a veterinarian, and you didn’t create a stress-free environment, you have not fixed your Shih Tzu anxiety.

Read more: Why Do Shih Tzus Cry: 9 Common Reasons.

2. Create a daily regimen

Make sure your Shih Tzu always have something to do.

Create a walking, gaming, and eating routine. Your Shih Tzu will be more at ease since he will always know what to expect.

This implies that your Shih Tzu will be busy most of the time and will never be bored.

3. Make time to be with your Shih Tzu

The brain of your Shih Tzu is kept engaged by providing diverse stimuli, releasing energy, and interacting with other dogs.

Participate in sports with your Shih Tzu if they are naturally enthusiastic, like agility training.

You’ll strengthen your ties while also benefiting your and their health.

However, be cautious when playing with your Shih Tzus, since they are prone to overheating and respiratory problems owing to their narrow snout.

Exercising and playing with your Shih Tzu will not only help to prevent anxiety but will also help to fix it.

Read more: My Shih Tzu Seems Sad: 8 Reasons & Solutions.

4. Desensitization and counter conditioning

One way to help Shih Tzus feel less uncomfortable is to desensitize them to the ‘triggers’ that cause worry.

As a result, devote some effort to desensitizing your Shih Tzu, as you will get more benefits.

Teaching your Shih Tzu to see triggers or pressures as good rather than negative is known as counter-conditioning.

When the trigger happens, give your Shih Tzu something enjoyable to do so that they look forward to it rather than fear it.

5. Visit a dog behaviorist or veterinarian

Consult your veterinarian for the finest advice on how to assist your Shih Tzu to overcome any anxieties.

A veterinarian will examine your Shih Tzu’s health and recommend medicine to alleviate anxiety.

If you are unable to see a veterinarian, you might seek help from an animal behaviorist in your area.

I think your concerns about Shih Tzu anxiety symptoms have been resolved with this piece of post.

Read more: 7 Reasons For Shih Tzu Barking At Night.

By Jackson Duke

I'm Jackson Duke the founder of allpetspot. I grew up with lots of pets with 15 years of experience living with pets. My love for pets made me start allpetspot, am here to share his experiences with pets.

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