Help with anxiety

[Tay65]

My 2 yo girl has developed anxiety. She started with lip licking and now she pants. She jumps on my lap now and that's new. She also lays beside me all the time and she never did before this started. I think the anxiety is from my leaving her lately when she was use to me being home all the time from having hip problems. And now since I had my hip replaced I can leave. I crate her when I leave because its for her safety and I have a big home and its hard to find her if I just let her loose while Im gone and also there's too much she can get in to. I got her in December and she didnt have this issue then. This started a few weeks ago. I had her to the vet last month and she's fine. No problems. So how do I help her with this anxiety?

[yorkiemini]

Some questions:
How long are you gone when you leave her?
How often do you leave her?
Do you make a big deal about leaving or do you just go?

[Jkpal]

When you leave is it for long periods of time? If so, perhaps you could try leaving for 10-15 minutes several times throughout the day to get her used the notion of your being gone--and more importantly, returning! It sounds like she went from being with you 24/7 and having the run of the place to suddenly being all by herself in a big house, but crated and alone--quite the transition and her anxiety is understandable. Do you leave tv or radio on when you're gone? Have you put something of yours (sweatshirt, etc.) in her crate? These may help sooth her somewhat...Would it be possible to take your little girl with you on some of your jaunts? She definitely needs help and consideration and love and patience and understanding with adjusting to your absence. I mean, imagine, if before you had hip replaced (congratulations on your newfound mobility, by the way) someone came, picked up your baby girl and took her without you knowing how long she'd be gone or when she'd be back! Oh, yes---and now that you are able to go out, how about some nice long leisurely strolls with your girl; it's good for bonding and it will help to tire out your girl and will hopefully take some of the edge off her anxiety. She's definitely looking to you for reassurance.

[anneclaire]

I am in the same type of situation. Spice is 2 and has severe separation anxiety. I too had a hip replacement and now that I can go she dont like it at all. I turned a tape recorder on to see how long she barked when I left. She barks the entire time. I have used several OTC relaxers for pets for her , none worked. I got 2 different scripts from the vet , neither one worked. I tried everything the books say, they didnt work. So I either tkae the little stinker with me or I dont go.
I know some will disagree and say I should just let her bark and me go but I just cant . # 1 I am afraid it would harm her little throat after awhile and #2 I just cant do that to her.
So good luck in your dilemma and if anyone has the secret fix PLEASE let me know. LOL

[sandy simpson]

Why crating her. I would get a round connecting fence that she can't jump over and give her some room to relax. I wish she could have another dog for company. I do hope her anxiety goes away as she gets adjusted to her life. Dogs don't know time they just wait and wait for their master. Such loyalty most people can't comprehendend. That's the blessing of having a dog.

[Tay65]

I'm being more aware of how long im gone and her panting has decreased. She's very clingy! When I got her she was more of a loner. She wasn't showered with attention at her last home. She didnt even play!
To answer some questions. Im usually gone about an hour. She isn't shut in a crate, in an area about 3 ft around with bed, bowls and a toy. I leave TV on for her. Animal planet. Lol. I don't,make a big deal about leaving, but she kbiws when im going. She's smart. I take her with me when weather permits. Like today I took her when I went to the store for a few items. She cried as I walked away, but when I went back out to check to see if she stopped, she had and I didnt see her. Then when I went out to the car to leave she was asleep.
The panting has stopped and the licking has decreased.

[Wylie's Mom]

With excessive licking - I'd always consider she has reflux / GERD, which is so easily treated.

[Wylie's Mom]

Meant to add article for you: http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/die...wallowing.html

[Jkpal]

Sounds like you're doing everything right and it sounds like you're making excellent progress with ?????. What is your little girl's name?! I know what you mean about her being smart and aware; I swear sometimes Piper knows what I'm gonna do before I do!!!! The separation thing may take time, but I think you're truly on the way--And the sleeping thing in car? HUGE!!!!

[canana]

Originally Posted by Jkpal

When you leave is it for long periods of time? If so, perhaps you could try leaving for 10-15 minutes several times throughout the day to get her used the notion of your being gone--and more importantly, returning! It sounds like she went from being with you 24/7 and having the run of the place to suddenly being all by herself in a big house, but crated and alone--quite the transition and her anxiety is understandable. Do you leave tv or radio on when you're gone? Have you put something of yours (sweatshirt, etc.) in her crate? These may help sooth her somewhat...Would it be possible to take your little girl with you on some of your jaunts? She definitely needs help and consideration and love and patience and understanding with adjusting to your absence. I mean, imagine, if before you had hip replaced (congratulations on your newfound mobility, by the way) someone came, picked up your baby girl and took her without you knowing how long she'd be gone or when she'd be back! Oh, yes---and now that you are able to go out, how about some nice long leisurely strolls with your girl; it's good for bonding and it will help to tire out your girl and will hopefully take some of the edge off her anxiety. She's definitely looking to you for reassurance.

that would be my first recommendation too!

And second, whenever I leave my babies, I don't look at them (as hard as it is), but rather, I make them stay in a spot such as their bed and then I leave a treat-dispensing toy and give them the cue to "get it" when I'm at the door ready to leave. I've read that if you say bye and indirectly give them the "oh poor thing you have to be alone at home" vibes, they sense it and this adds to their anxiety. That's why I don't look at them and redirect their attention to the treat-toy.

I think if done in combination (1. getting them used to you being away by training them with the increasing 10 minute intervals and coming back; and 2. getting them to think it's a good thing, i.e. with treats, when you'r leaving) it'll greatly help with the anxiety. It has worked for me anyway!

[Tay65]

Originally Posted by Wylie's Mom

Meant to add article for you: http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/die...wallowing.html

Thank you!

[Tay65]

Originally Posted by Jkpal

Sounds like you're doing everything right and it sounds like you're making excellent progress with ?????. What is your little girl's name?! I know what you mean about her being smart and aware; I swear sometimes Piper knows what I'm gonna do before I do!!!! The separation thing may take time, but I think you're truly on the way--And the sleeping thing in car? HUGE!!!!

Her name is Ladybug.

[Tay65]

Originally Posted by canana

that would be my first recommendation too!

And second, whenever I leave my babies, I don't look at them (as hard as it is), but rather, I make them stay in a spot such as their bed and then I leave a treat-dispensing toy and give them the cue to "get it" when I'm at the door ready to leave. I've read that if you say bye and indirectly give them the "oh poor thing you have to be alone at home" vibes, they sense it and this adds to their anxiety. That's why I don't look at them and redirect their attention to the treat-toy.

I think if done in combination (1. getting them used to you being away by training them with the increasing 10 minute intervals and coming back; and 2. getting them to think it's a good thing, i.e. with treats, when you'r leaving) it'll greatly help with the anxiety. It has worked for me anyway!

I don't make a fuss about leaving her. I don't even say bye. She sees me put my shoes on, grab my purse and keys and she starts jumping around like she's going too.

[Tay65]

I'm having to stay away from home right now. I've been gone since 2pm and I won't be home until tonight about 9. I have to get my granddaughter off the bus and stay at my daughter's til my daughter gets home from work. I asked my son to walk her and spend time with her. I don't know whether he'll do it or not.
I left her in my bedroom so she has alot of room. And she can lay on my bed. That might help her. I'll see how she is when I get home tonight.

[canana]

Originally Posted by Tay65

I'm having to stay away from home right now. I've been gone since 2pm and I won't be home until tonight about 9. I have to get my granddaughter off the bus and stay at my daughter's til my daughter gets home from work. I asked my son to walk her and spend time with her. I don't know whether he'll do it or not.
I left her in my bedroom so she has alot of room. And she can lay on my bed. That might help her. I'll see how she is when I get home tonight.

wow lucky her!!! gets to keep your bed warm while you're away

Just curious though, she pottys on a pad in your bedroom?
And also, not sure if you have steps or a ramp to your bed, but be weary about Yorkies hurting themselves from jumping on and off beds (read this one many times...).

Hopefully your little one will soon get used to having some alone time~