After many years of yearning to be a dog owner, I finally became a parent to my beautiful, feisty long-haired Chihuahua.
That was an exciting time, but then the dreadful thought of having to leave him alone at home set in. I set out to find answers to the popular question, “Can Chihuahuas be left alone?”
We understand the struggle that every dog owner goes through, so we are happy to help.
Can Chihuahuas Be Left Alone?
A Chihuahua can be left alone for some time. However, before doing so, make the necessary preparations to make sure your pup does not become destructive or suffer from separation anxiety.
Some of the things you should do before leaving home include playing with them, feeding, walking, and providing sufficient water. Ensure that you take him out to pee and/or poop before you leave.
How Long Can Chihuahuas Stay Home Alone?
The duration plays a considerable role when contemplating the question, “Can chihuahuas be left alone.” While there is no simple answer to this question, you should not leave your adult chihuahua dog alone for over eight hours; it is far too long.
Ultimately, you know your pet best, so it is up to you to determine the number of hours your Chihuahua can stay alone comfortably.
The basic needs of your Chihuahua will determine the duration. For instance, Chihuahuas are small dogs hence have tiny bladders. This means the amount of time they can go without having to pee is shorter than that of large dogs.
A healthy adult Chihuahua should relieve themselves about 5 to 6 times daily. House training your Chi ensures that he does not mess up your home. Instead, he will pee in the crate or pee mat.
You can also install a dog door to allow your tiny dog to get out to relieve himself, but remember that it is not a flawless solution. Take into account the dangers that your dog may face outside, including predatory animals and birds.
You should never let your Chihuahua outdoors without supervision because your little pup looks like a delicious meal for creatures like owls and hawks.
Do Chihuahuas Need Much Attention?
Many toy dogs like Chihuahuas thrive from the companionship of humans and enjoy staying close to their families. We understand that life can get quite busy sometimes that you have little time for yourself and your dog.
Your Chi will always try to be the center of your attention. Chihuahuas are loyal, devoted, lively dogs that can serve as service dogs like the famous big dog, the Pit Bull. Your dog will often find his way to your arms or laps and attempt to tag along with you.
Chihuahuas are pretty similar to Pomeranians as they are small, excellent companions. Like Miniature Schnauzer, Chihuahuas need attention regardless of breed and size, but they can spend time alone without getting extremely needy.
Since these dogs are pretty intelligent and quick learners, you can train your Chihuahua to be self-sufficient. This may include teaching him how to stay in the crate.
Crate training teaches your Chi to self-soothe successfully and aids proper potty use, which comes in handy, mainly when your dog stays at home alone.
Regardless, it is recommended that you take care of your Chihuahua according to his needs and behaviors, and create a routine that will cater to your dog’s needs.
Chihuahuas are susceptible to some medical problems like luxating patella, just like the toy breed, Papillon. Despite being a small dog breed, they are vulnerable to obesity, so they need exercise and proper nutrition, which means watching over them diligently.
What Is Separation Anxiety in Chihuahuas?
Before diving deep into this topic, it is essential to understand what it is. Separation anxiety refers to a behavioural disorder common to dogs, including Chihuahua and Golden retriever breeds.
The severe condition makes your chihuahua who is hyper-attached to you super-stressed if left alone.
It is triggered when a dog is separated from the environment they are used to or people they are attached to, resulting in self-harm or house destruction. Leaving your dog alone can also cause separation anxiety.
Some dogs with separation anxiety seem depressed, agitated, or anxious before the pet parent leaves. Typically, once you leave, your Chi will portray distress behaviours and act like you have been away for a long time when you come back.
What are the Causes of Separation Anxiety in Chihuahuas?
While no conclusive evidence for the cause of separation anxiety has been made, possible reasons include:
- Changes in:
- household members (death, birth)
- owner work schedule
- guardian or family
- daily routine
- residence
2. History of abuse
3. Lack of socialization
Abrupt changes in how long or when a Chi stays alone can trigger it. It is essential to differentiate mischief and bad habits, from separation anxiety triggered by leaving your Chihuahua at home alone.
What are the Signs of Separation Anxiety in Chihuahuas?
Every Chi goes through isolation effects differently. While every experience is unique, the typical signs include:
- Agitation
- Excessive barking
- Self-licking (usually the paws)
- Depression
- Adaptation difficulties when the owner comes back
- Destructive chewing
- Whining
- Panicked behavior
- Restlessness
- Clinging on the owner
- Relieving himself in the house when alone
Monitoring and learning your dog’s behavior, temperaments, and paying attention to separation anxiety signs are significant factors to consider when trying to answer the question, “can Chihuahuas be left alone?”.
The symptoms can change over time after a prolonged period of staying alone at home. For instance, your Chi can self-lick intensively for a month then bark excessively the next.
The behavioral changes can intensify with time. If your dog becomes anxious when you leave him alone at home, your dog’s anxiety can worsen when surrounded by familiar faces.
What are the Separation Anxiety Effects on Chihuahuas and Owners?
As your dog goes through the impacts of separation anxiety, you will also feel the effects. You will find yourself in a difficult situation because leaving the house to handle various duties, including work, leaves your Chi in distress.
Chihuahuas are sensitive to their owners’ feelings and can pick up on stress, frustration, and other emotions, making the vicious cycle even worse.
How Do You Help Your Chihuahua Overcome Separation Anxiety?
Confinement and punishment are never the answer to separation anxiety in dogs that result from staying alone at home. There are better approaches that you can use to help your Chihuahua.
1. Behaviour Modification
Your vet can suggest behavioral changes exercises to do with your pet at home to treat separation anxiety. You can also visit a professional animal behaviorist for expert assistance. Since these exercises may take a while to work, consistency and patience are essential.
Some of these exercises include getting keys or wearing shoes even when you are not leaving. You can also reward good behavior like staying quiet or calm and ignoring your pet when acting out.
It can be beneficial to offer food puzzles, special treats, and special chew toys when leaving and only greet your feline friend after he calms down when you get back home.
Multiple cases may need you to cooperate with your pet when dealing with separation anxiety. You can leave the room for about five minutes, then gradually increase the duration until your long-haired Chihuahua can comfortably stay alone for many hours without being upset.
2. A Warm, Comfortable Bed
A comfortable, warm bed exacerbates stress, making your Chihuahua happier. It gives your little dog a place to relax or take a nap while offering proper support. A quality dog bed helps with a Chihuahua’s joint issues.
3. Adequate Exercise
Chihuahuas do not require strenuous exercises to remain healthy and fit. Due to this, go for walks and play with your dog. Regular exercising makes your dog less active and calmer when nobody is home.
4. Take A Few Breaks during the Day
If your Teacup Chihuahua gets short breaks, he will not get severe distress and panic. You can provide these breaks by hiring a dog walker or using a pet cam.
What are the Effects of Leaving Your Chihuahua Alone?
Determining the impact of separation anxiety is paramount when assessing, “can Chihuahuas be left alone.” It is recommended that you get your Chihuahua a companion, a puppy, or an adult dog.
1. Excessive Barking
Barking too much can result from the absence of social interactions, no mental stimulation, and loneliness. Excessive barking is especially a nuisance if you live in an apartment. If you are a dog lover living in an apartment, avoid getting a dog that tends to bark a lot.
2. Destructive Chewing
This is a common issue that pet owners face that gets worse in dogs exhibiting separation anxiety. Lack of social interaction makes your pup turn into chewing your shoes, couch, and other home items.
3. Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
Leaving your puppy alone for a long time without peeing can lead to the development of UTI especially if you have not potty-trained him.
The fact that these dogs have small bladders makes them more susceptible to this condition than other breeds.
You can tell your puppy has UTI if he strains to pee, whine or cry out when urinating, licking genitals frequently, bloody urine, and trying to pee every time he goes outside.
4. Loneliness
Chi is one of the dog breeds that you can leave alone at home. Others include Lhasa Apso, Shar Pei, French Bulldog, and Pug. However, they can get lonely if left alone for too long.
5. Hurting Themselves in an Attempt to Escape
Your Chi will likely attempt to escape the house to find you if he develops separation anxiety. He can do so by creating an opening in the floor, door, or wall. This can cause injuries in the nails and paws.
6. Accidents and health hazards
A Chi is curious and energetic like a small child. Leaving your pet at home alone for a prolonged time puts him at risk of ingesting harmful substances like poison or injuring himself.
7. Tip-over the Water Bowl
Chihuahuas are fiery animals, so you shouldn’t be surprised if your beloved puppy tips over his water bowl because he is frustrated or bored as a result of being left alone.
How Do You Prepare Your Chihuahua before Leaving the House?
Once you gather enough information on “can Chihuahuas be left alone” and ready to leave your puppy or adult Chi alone, you will need to make the necessary preparations. Make sure your Chi has everything he needs to have a happy and enjoyable stay alone.
Distraction is key to stopping separation anxiety. Giving your Chi special toys and coming by during your break to walk him helps. You ought to prepare the dog crate too.
Spend quality time with him before leaving, decide if you want him in the crate or moving freely, provide food, and hide treats around the house for him to find.
Can Chihuahua Puppies Be Left Alone?
Puppies below ten weeks require a lot of attention and care, so you shouldn’t leave them alone. At ten months, puppies are getting bigger and can handle staying alone for short periods but with supervision.
It is best to start training your puppy to use the crate early to avoid dealing with it as your short-haired Chihuahua puppy becomes an elderly dog.
FAQs on Can Chihuahuas Be Left Alone?
- Do Chihuahuas Need Companionship?
Chihuahuas require lots of attention and time, but they can also stay alone. Consider getting your Chi a companion dog if you are out of the house a lot to prevent feelings of isolation which can lead to separation anxiety.
2. How Long Can Chihuahuas Hold Their Pee?
A healthy puppy can hold his bladder for about 1-2 hours, while an older dog can do it for between 6 and 8 hours.
3. How Do I Handle a Clingy Chihuahua?
The best way to do it is to develop a safe and conducive environment that will make him feel like he’s part of your household. Teach him that playing and staying alone is okay.
Conclusion
Can Chihuahuas be left alone? Yes, with proper preparation and training, you can leave your Chi at home but ensure that you spend quality time together when you are home.
