My 5 year old shih-tzu cries at night, Please help?

Question

I have a 5 year old shih-tzu, Charlie. He has some issues. He has separation anxiety really bad. About a week ago we had a really bad thunderstorm one night. Charlie went crazy. I have never seen him that bad over a storm. He was panting and breathing heavy and crying. He was pacing back and forth. Ever since that night he hasn't been able to relax at night. He cries every night now. As soon as I get into bed. Usually he just sleeps at the bottom of the bed. I tried ignoring him but it's been a week and nothing has changed. I am not getting much sleep. If anyone has any questions please help. Thanks

Thanks for your suggestions. Charlie is on anti-anxiety medicine. He also sleeps in my bed with me. It's one thing for him to do this if it is actually thundering but since that one night he still does it and there are no storms in the area.

Answer 1

The little dog that lives across the street from me behaves that way also--he is so petrified since he was smaller and heard the first thunder clap. He tried to get out the window and broke the glass. Thank heavens my neighbor came in. Dogs ears are very sensitive to sound so it's much worse when they hear it. He will get somewhat used to it, but a dog is going to react that way usually.
bettyk

Answer 2

I have two ten yr old shih tzu's and there still scared of storms and fireworks. What I do to calm them down is I bring them into the basebment, turn a radio up loud, so it drowns out the sounds of the thunder storm. they eventually fall asleep. I have the exact same problem. When it rains at night my one shih tzu pants and breaths heavily. She'll cry every once in a while too. I think we gave her pills to make her sleep once and to calm her down. Good luck with your baby :)

Answer 3

I have not tried this but have heard owners on Dogster.com mention the anxiety wrap. they say it was a last ditch effort, but they were going crazy. $60-70 ? I think. One golden retriever owner says it saved her sanity, literally. LOL!

I know of what u speak, although mine is not to that intensity. they say an anxious dog can't be changed. I have two tzu's, both female, one could care less about noises and the other is frightened of thunderstorms, now even if it's only sprinkling she tries not to go outside when I know she needs to "go" She has just begun to pant. she used to jump off the bed and go hide behind the toiliet in the bathroom, now she runs right up next to us. She didn't even start the behavior/fear until she was two yrs old. we try to just let her get where she feels safest.

Have u talked to the vet about dosage of her meds. Someone suggested I give her a small amt of benedryl to help her sleep. Its only an antihistamine and could even be of help with breathing, due to sinus or allergies, espec during spring & summer seasons, and he's a short nosed dog? I haven't tried this yet, becoz I haven't discussed it with my vet.

I've never known of anyone to actually "cure" this, but a few ppl who like that anxiety wrap go on & on about it, I think Im about to order one myself. Good Luck.

Answer 4

He may relate night time with the fear now if the storm happened at night. I think time can possibly heal this but he is going to really really enjoy your bed and that will be hard to break. He does sound really really scared though. What else is there to do but slowly wean him from the bed if that is your goa, if now just sleep with him.

Answer 5

Take Charlie to the vet to get some anti-anxiety medication. It sounds like he has storm anxiety and separation anxiety really bad. The medication will help him relax and not be so scared.

Answer 6

If there is enough room, put your dog up to the top of the bed and pet it, maybe even give it treats. If that does not work or the other answers, I would call the Doctor and I bet they could tell you and give advice or pills to help you with your problem.

Answer 7

Hi,
Just give you dog lots of love. Let him stay in the bed with you. Or you can buy him a dog bed and put on the floor next to you.

Answer 8

Try to sit with him, sleep with him, talk to him, try to pretend you just got him and you need to bond with him. Eventually, do it less and less. That might take care of the seperation anxiety. Sorry but I'm not sure about the storm anxiety.

Answer 9

Play soft music when it's time to sleep.
Get a sleeping pill for your dog.
He'll stop this behavior eventually, but you need to keep tranquilizers and sleeping pills on hand in case this happens again.

Answer 10

Yea I would get him some medication or go to a dog whisperer to calm him down or somethin like that!