Anxiety Issues - YorkieTalk.com Forums

Alison Kelley · 08-20-2013, 06:46 AM

My 5 year old Yorkie has always been extremely attached to me, but her separation anxiety is getting much worse lately. If I am busy around the house and don't have time to sit down with her or if she knows that I am about to leave the house, she just pees on the floor. She has started peeing like this several times a day and I don't think she can help it. What should I do to help her??

celstu1 · 08-20-2013, 07:40 AM

Try to crate her or put her in an Xpen while you are busy. I bought a plug in anxiety thing for my Dexter, as he too has severe separation anxiety and will pee in the house if I ignore him for too long. I've learned to gate him into a smaller area, bought this plug in thing and he has his bed, blankets, toys, food & water. He is usually comfortable for a little while in there if I'm busy and its not too too long!

Good Luck and Welcome to YT!!!! Love to see pics of your baby!

Alison Kelley · 08-20-2013, 08:48 AM

Thanks so much for your reply. I have a crate for her - it is a good size - enough room for her pet bed and water (no food as I have to feed her a special canned food for her sensitive tummy) but she doesn't like going in her crate. I believe because she associates it with being left alone and she doesn't like that. Our schedules are so busy right now with work and kids in sports so when she doesn't get enough "mommy time" she stresses (shakes, pees on the floor, etc). I feel so bad for her, but don't know what else to do. What is the plug in thingy you mention? Also, curious if the homeopathic anxiety meds really work?

Alison Kelley · 08-20-2013, 08:57 AM

Also, want to get opinions on whether adding another pup would help her. Thoughts???

celstu1 · 08-20-2013, 11:25 AM

I am tossed about adding another pup when it comes to your time already being limited with one pup. You could end up lucky with 2 pups who entertain each other and calm each other... or you could end up with 2 pups who are both an anxiety riddled mess!

You can buy a plug in at the petstore. Comfort Zone® Plug-In for Dogs | DrsFosterSmith.com

It does seem to be helping my little guy. I have 2 boys, they are brothers that I got from the same liter at the same time. They do offer each other a measure of comfort, but my Dexter has major anxiety and has done quite a bit of damage. About a month ago, he ate through a wooden baby gate I used to pen him in about 3 days, he just tore it apart until he made a hole to get out. I replaced with a heavy plastic gate and got this plug in thing. He does seem calmer with it though.

Is it possible you can take your girl with you to the fields for the kids games? I have 2 step sons that were in 3 different bball teams and I took my boys to the games. They loved it and it was an easy way to get time with them and be there for the kids too. Fitting one dog into a busy lifestyle is easier than fitting 2, so I would try taking her with you whenever you can before getting another pup and possibly getting twice the problem.

Magnus · 08-20-2013, 11:39 AM

Instead of a crate, have you tried xpen? I've seen on some dogs that it makes a difference.

Homeopathic meds... I can't say it worked for Magnus and Zoey won't even go near it. But I can't say it doesn't work for all dogs?

2nd puppy.... I agree with Celstu. It's a 50/50. We got Zoey so Magnus would have a playmate and won't be lonely. And they do play together sometimes. But they're more interested in ME playing with him/her. When no one's home, I think they mostly sleep. Bark by the door if they hear something, etc.. I've set up my laptop to record them one time to see what they do.. LOL

It also depends on how social your pup is... bringing in another pup when she's already stressing and doesn't deal with other dogs well... that'll be even more load on your plate. Also, two dogs = twice the time/energy. And it sounds like you're already straining for time as is.

Have you tried exercising her more?

Patti · 08-20-2013, 12:13 PM

My Pixie started in with storm anxiety a couple of years ago and now she is afraid of any loud noise. She also gets upset when I leave. She gets nervous just knowing I am getting ready to leave. Her anxiety became so bad that after all the other natural remedies and Xanax didn't help we out her on a daily antidepressent called clomicalm. She has been on it for about 5 weeks and she is so much happier and relaxed. I hated doing it but she was miserable and nothing else worked. I don't know if adding another one would help. I have 2 others and it didn't help. I would talk to your vet. Good luck

Alison Kelley · 08-20-2013, 04:18 PM

Thanks for the responses and help --- I will try the Xpen and will keep trying new things until I find something that helps her. It breaks my heart to know that she is stressed and that her bond with me is causing her to have issues. My husband is home a lot with her but it just isn't the same. She loves him and sits with him when he is home, but she is SO attached to me and really struggles when she can't get one-on-one time with me. Well, I am sitting on the couch tonight with my sweet baby girl in my lap now and she is sleeping happily. I am still wondering if adding another dog will help her. I just thought it might give her company when I can't be around. I was thinking about another small dog (perhaps a little less anxious breed although I LOVE my Yorkie). I welcome everyone's advice and thoughts/recommendations! Thanks!

08-20-2013, 06:46 AM	#1
Alison Kelley YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Georgia Posts: 4 Blog Entries: 1	Anxiety Issues My 5 year old Yorkie has always been extremely attached to me, but her separation anxiety is getting much worse lately. If I am busy around the house and don't have time to sit down with her or if she knows that I am about to leave the house, she just pees on the floor. She has started peeing like this several times a day and I don't think she can help it. What should I do to help her??

08-20-2013, 07:40 AM	#2
celstu1 Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: New Hampshire Posts: 10,534	Try to crate her or put her in an Xpen while you are busy. I bought a plug in anxiety thing for my Dexter, as he too has severe separation anxiety and will pee in the house if I ignore him for too long. I've learned to gate him into a smaller area, bought this plug in thing and he has his bed, blankets, toys, food & water. He is usually comfortable for a little while in there if I'm busy and its not too too long! Good Luck and Welcome to YT!!!! Love to see pics of your baby! __________________ “Petting, scratching, and cuddling a dog could be as soothing to the mind and heart as deep meditation and almost as good for the soul as prayer.” ― Dean Koontz

08-20-2013, 11:25 AM	#5
celstu1 Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: New Hampshire Posts: 10,534	I am tossed about adding another pup when it comes to your time already being limited with one pup. You could end up lucky with 2 pups who entertain each other and calm each other... or you could end up with 2 pups who are both an anxiety riddled mess! You can buy a plug in at the petstore. Comfort Zone® Plug-In for Dogs \| DrsFosterSmith.com It does seem to be helping my little guy. I have 2 boys, they are brothers that I got from the same liter at the same time. They do offer each other a measure of comfort, but my Dexter has major anxiety and has done quite a bit of damage. About a month ago, he ate through a wooden baby gate I used to pen him in about 3 days, he just tore it apart until he made a hole to get out. I replaced with a heavy plastic gate and got this plug in thing. He does seem calmer with it though. Is it possible you can take your girl with you to the fields for the kids games? I have 2 step sons that were in 3 different bball teams and I took my boys to the games. They loved it and it was an easy way to get time with them and be there for the kids too. Fitting one dog into a busy lifestyle is easier than fitting 2, so I would try taking her with you whenever you can before getting another pup and possibly getting twice the problem. __________________ “Petting, scratching, and cuddling a dog could be as soothing to the mind and heart as deep meditation and almost as good for the soul as prayer.” ― Dean Koontz

08-20-2013, 12:13 PM	#7
Patti Donating YT 30K Club Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Illinois Posts: 35,509 Blog Entries: 6	My Pixie started in with storm anxiety a couple of years ago and now she is afraid of any loud noise. She also gets upset when I leave. She gets nervous just knowing I am getting ready to leave. Her anxiety became so bad that after all the other natural remedies and Xanax didn't help we out her on a daily antidepressent called clomicalm. She has been on it for about 5 weeks and she is so much happier and relaxed. I hated doing it but she was miserable and nothing else worked. I don't know if adding another one would help. I have 2 others and it didn't help. I would talk to your vet. Good luck __________________ Cali Pixie Roxie : RIP Nikki; RIP Maya;RIP my sweet Dixie girl 1/17/08 http://callipuppyscastle.bravehost.com/index.html

08-20-2013, 08:48 AM	#3
Alison Kelley YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Georgia Posts: 4 Blog Entries: 1	Thanks so much for your reply. I have a crate for her - it is a good size - enough room for her pet bed and water (no food as I have to feed her a special canned food for her sensitive tummy) but she doesn't like going in her crate. I believe because she associates it with being left alone and she doesn't like that. Our schedules are so busy right now with work and kids in sports so when she doesn't get enough "mommy time" she stresses (shakes, pees on the floor, etc). I feel so bad for her, but don't know what else to do. What is the plug in thingy you mention? Also, curious if the homeopathic anxiety meds really work?

08-20-2013, 08:57 AM	#4
Alison Kelley YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Georgia Posts: 4 Blog Entries: 1	Also, want to get opinions on whether adding another pup would help her. Thoughts???

08-20-2013, 11:39 AM	#6
Magnus Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Northern VA Posts: 3,192	Instead of a crate, have you tried xpen? I've seen on some dogs that it makes a difference. Homeopathic meds... I can't say it worked for Magnus and Zoey won't even go near it. But I can't say it doesn't work for all dogs? 2nd puppy.... I agree with Celstu. It's a 50/50. We got Zoey so Magnus would have a playmate and won't be lonely. And they do play together sometimes. But they're more interested in ME playing with him/her. When no one's home, I think they mostly sleep. Bark by the door if they hear something, etc.. I've set up my laptop to record them one time to see what they do.. LOL It also depends on how social your pup is... bringing in another pup when she's already stressing and doesn't deal with other dogs well... that'll be even more load on your plate. Also, two dogs = twice the time/energy. And it sounds like you're already straining for time as is. Have you tried exercising her more?

08-20-2013, 04:18 PM	#8
Alison Kelley YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Georgia Posts: 4 Blog Entries: 1	Thanks for the responses and help --- I will try the Xpen and will keep trying new things until I find something that helps her. It breaks my heart to know that she is stressed and that her bond with me is causing her to have issues. My husband is home a lot with her but it just isn't the same. She loves him and sits with him when he is home, but she is SO attached to me and really struggles when she can't get one-on-one time with me. Well, I am sitting on the couch tonight with my sweet baby girl in my lap now and she is sleeping happily. I am still wondering if adding another dog will help her. I just thought it might give her company when I can't be around. I was thinking about another small dog (perhaps a little less anxious breed although I LOVE my Yorkie). I welcome everyone's advice and thoughts/recommendations! Thanks!