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My dog cries when I leave. How to manage severe separation anxiety?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Chihuahua | Male | 8.5 lbs

3 year old Chihuahua, Jackson. I am his foster mom, I will adopt him. Separation Anxiety is quite bad. He is not content unless I am right by his side. I can not go to another room without this shrieking crying, it starts the minute I am out of sight. Of course I can't run errands even with a sitter. Well, he's always had a sitter but this is no longer acceptable to Jackson. I'm running out of sitters. Please advise. Thank you much for your time, Lola

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1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By David Darvishian

Veterinarian

Published on August 15th, 2017

Hi Lola and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sorry to hear about your problem with Asher Jackson. Behavioral problems are very complex and unfortunately this forum is not adequate for helping you solve the problems. Separation anxiety is one of the toughest problems to take on but with behavior modification and sometimes drug therapy, good progress can be made. Sometimes this involves a certified dog trainer or veterinary behaviorist to aid in the improvement. My best advice is to seek help from your veterinarian. They can evaluate Asher Jackson, take a thorough history and then advise a diagnostic/treatment plan. Diagnostics may include blood tests and other tests to make sure that his overall health is good and to assess internal organ function in case some drug therapy is implemented. Your vet may even refer you to a trainer or behaviorist for more one on one training. Good luck with Asher. I know you can make head way in this case.

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