Anxiety issues
 

Well, my little Cami (female chiuahuah) is having separation anxiety issues. It started a couple of days ago. She calls to me at night. It's been going on intermittantly for months. She's terrified of storms. So I go into the den (where my dogs sleep) and I sleep either on my too soft couch or my husbands wreck of a recliner. She will usually settle down and get under my cover and go to sleep. Then she started calling me (little bitty yips) when there weren't any storms and clawing at the door to the hall (between our bedroom and her den). Needless to say, we can't sleep thru all of this so I get up and sleep with her. Then she started having issues when we both leave the house. Today we left her for two hours and she tore all of my gift wrapping supplies (4 huge sacks) out of the entry way hall closet (I'd left it ajar) peed and pooped on some of the paper.

She has puppy pads laid out for her in the utility room. No excuse for this. She was panting heavily tongue hanging out and climbed my leg when we came home. Followed me everywhere in the house and then when I finally got my clothes changed and sat down she scratched at my leg and was still panting, so I picked her up and held her. She was trembling violently and did not settle down until my husband came in the house and sat down accross from me.

We have started her on doggie prozac or something like that that the vet gave us. She's taking a tiny dose. But she sleeps heavily most of the day and most of the night. I'd really like my funny little happy dog back....minus the anxiety issues.

Any one have any ideas what caused this problem? I've always been able to leave her with my other two while I went to the store or doctor's or even for a trip to another town with no problems. Somehow I feel like it's my fault.

Billye

early am storms
 

The DFW area was hit pretty hard early this morning with storms. Did you see the damage in Plano and Allen on the news. I am not in that area, but was close enough to feel the rock and rolling.
I am on the board of a rescue group in Dallas. We see a lot of anxiety of all kinds. I do not know the ages of your dogs, but sometimes with age one can begin to intimidate another. My favorite dog who passed away was always alpha. When he began to get weak with illness and age, my female started picking on him (when I was away!) - I had to separate them anytime I was not around to monitor. (The dried slobber on his back from her standing over him and not letting him move gave her behavior away and his increasing anxiety).
But, I really think your problem is associated to weather. Dogs can tell days before violent storms arrive. They probably know before the weather man but cannot warn us. Maybe we are in for a rough Spring of storms. Is it possible for you to move her into your room in a (wire) crate with a small blanket. She could sleep near you that way, and also put her in it when you are gone. It gives dogs security. Play the radio or tv when you are gone also.
We have three dogs now. One sleeps on his bed in my office. When it storms he will move down the hall to our room and sleep close to the bed.
Just a thought.

ML