My foster Chihuahua has anxiety, howls, and guards. How to rehome?

Question

My daughter and her husband are fostering a Chihuahua. They are newlyweds, live in a small apartment and can't afford to give him treatment. They were not told of his issues. They live in Utah have contacted 28 rescue shelters and they say they don't have room. Dog suffers from anxiety and separation, howls when alone, gets along with other dogs and people but not cats. The want to find him a forever home but aren't having in luck. The dog won't let wife near husband, it's stressing the them. Pet's info: Dog | Chihuahua | Male | unneutered

Jeffrey Milner · Accepted Answer

I'm sorry to hear of their predicament. Unfortunately, it is very difficult to find shelters willing to take on additional dogs. They may have better luck finding breed specific rescues willing to take on Chihuahuas. They may need to search outside of the proximity they have been considering, and start looking significantly further if they are intent on relocating the dog to a safe and happy home. In terms of treatment for anxiety and separation, I think the first thing they need to do is try to make Uki feel as comfortable as possible. If the dog isn't crate-trained, they need to get this done as soon as possible. Giving Uki his own space that he can make his den will give him a comfort zone that he may find as a nice area to settle down. Once this exists, this will be where he needs to stay during times when he is alone. In terms of treatment for separation, there are several natural and several pharmaceutical methods to deal with it. I usually recommend more natural methods first before jumping to pharmaceutical intervention. I would recommend trying things like the Adaptil Collar as well as the Thunder-Shirt. If neither of these seem to be successful, use of drugs such as Trazodone, Fluoxetine, and/or Alprazolam are all options for treatment. Hope this helps!

My foster Chihuahua has anxiety, howls, and guards. How to rehome?

Most Helpful Answer

Related Questions

What fish dog food helps dry skin if my dog eats Science Diet?

My newly adopted pet won't eat hay. What can I do to encourage it?

Why is my new pet biting? Is she stressed or scared in her new home?

My pet has a skin issue. Is it mites or ringworm? What's the treatment?

How to keep a pet mom and her newborn babies warm and calm?

My hamster is suddenly bloated, angry, and biting. What should I do?

Share