Last Updated: 2026
Chihuahuas are known for forming incredibly strong bonds with their people. In fact, many Chis would happily spend every waking moment in your lap if they could.
While that devotion is one of the things we love most about them, it can also lead to a common issue: separation anxiety.
If your Chihuahua becomes distressed when you leave the house, they may be struggling with separation anxiety. The good news is that with patience and the right approach, you can help your pup feel calmer and more confident when they’re home alone.
Signs of Separation Anxiety in Chihuahuas
Every dog expresses anxiety a little differently, but Chihuahuas with separation anxiety often show some common behaviors.
These may include:
• Excessive barking or whining when you leave
• Scratching at doors or windows
• Chewing furniture or household items
• Going to the bathroom inside the house
• Pacing or restlessness
• Trying to escape from crates or rooms
• Loss of appetite when alone
Some of these behaviors can also appear when a dog is experiencing health issues, so it’s important to recognize other warning signs too. If you’re unsure, check out our guide on health warning signs in Chihuahuas.
Why Chihuahuas Are Prone to Separation Anxiety
Chihuahuas tend to bond very deeply with their owners. Because they are small and portable, they often go everywhere with their humans.
While that closeness is wonderful, it can sometimes make it harder for them to learn how to be comfortable on their own.
Some Chihuahuas can also develop behavioral habits related to overprotectiveness or dependence. You may want to read more about how to stop small dog syndrome, if your dog tends to become overly attached.
Other factors that may contribute to separation anxiety include:
• Major routine changes
• Moving to a new home
• Being rehomed or adopted
• A family member leaving the household
Helping your Chihuahua feel safe and confident in new environments can also make a big difference. If your dog struggles with changes, these steps to ensure pets feel safe and comfortable in new environments may help.
How to Help a Chihuahua with Separation Anxiety
Helping a dog overcome separation anxiety takes patience, consistency, and a gentle approach.
Gradual Desensitization Training
One of the most effective methods is gradual desensitization.
Instead of suddenly leaving your dog alone for long periods, start with very short departures and slowly increase the time you’re gone.
Training techniques like these are part of building confidence in your dog. If you’re working on training overall, you might also enjoy our guide on training a dog that isn’t motivated by treats.
Pair Your Departure with Something Positive
Another helpful technique is to give your dog something special when you leave.
This could be:
• A stuffed Kong
• A puzzle toy
• A frozen lick mat
• A favorite chew
Keeping your dog mentally engaged can reduce anxiety and destructive behavior.
Increase Mental Stimulation
Sometimes anxiety is worsened by boredom or pent-up energy.
Providing mental enrichment can help your dog relax while you’re away.
Try things like:
• Puzzle feeders
• Snuffle mats
• Training games
• Treat scavenger hunts
If your dog gets bored easily, you may also like these simple ways to keep your dog busy.
Create a Safe Comfort Zone
Some Chihuahuas feel safer when they have a designated resting area.
This could be:
• A cozy dog bed
• A crate (if they enjoy it)
• A quiet corner of the house
Senior dogs especially benefit from comfortable resting spaces. If your Chi is older, these tips for helping an elderly Chihuahua live comfortably at home may also be useful.
When to Talk to a Veterinarian
In severe cases, separation anxiety may require professional help.
If your dog begins showing sudden behavioral changes, it’s always wise to rule out medical causes. You can learn more about when to see a vet if your dog might be sick.
Final Thoughts
Separation anxiety can be stressful for both you and your Chihuahua, but with patience and the right strategies, most dogs can learn to feel more comfortable when left alone.
Remember that your Chi isn’t misbehaving — they’re simply feeling scared.
With consistent training, enrichment, and reassurance, your little companion can gain the confidence they need to relax while you’re away.
Frequently Asked Questions About Separation Anxiety in Chihuahuas
Can Chihuahuas outgrow separation anxiety?
Some Chihuahuas do improve with age, but most need training, patience, and support to overcome separation anxiety. Gradual desensitization, mental enrichment, and a consistent routine can help them feel more secure when left alone.
How long can a Chihuahua be left alone?
Most adult Chihuahuas can be left alone for about 4 to 6 hours, depending on their age, health, and personality. Puppies, senior dogs, and Chihuahuas with separation anxiety may need more frequent companionship and potty breaks.
Should I crate a Chihuahua with separation anxiety?
A crate can help some Chihuahuas feel safe, but for others it may increase anxiety. If you decide to use a crate, introduce it gradually and positively so your dog sees it as a calm, secure space rather than a punishment.
Do calming supplements help Chihuahuas with separation anxiety?
Some Chihuahuas may benefit from calming supplements, pheromone diffusers, or anxiety wraps, but these usually work best when combined with training. If your dog has severe anxiety, talk to your veterinarian about the best treatment options.
What are the signs of separation anxiety in Chihuahuas?
Common signs include barking, whining, destructive chewing, scratching at doors, pacing, accidents in the house, and panic when you prepare to leave. Some Chihuahuas also become extremely clingy and follow their owners from room to room.
How can I help my Chihuahua with separation anxiety?
You can help by practicing gradual desensitization, keeping departures calm, offering puzzle toys or special treats when you leave, and giving your Chihuahua more mental stimulation. In severe cases, a veterinarian or certified dog behaviorist may be needed.
Cathy Bendzunas
Pet Blogger
my little chihuahua takes all my slippers and anything of mine that she can carry and puts them on the back of the couch where she can sit in front of the window and wait for me to come home. she never does this if i’m home. also in bad weather she pants and shakes real bad. i’m afraid she will have a stroke or something. i think thats a panic attack. i don’t want to put her on meds. what can i do??
The slipper thing is a way for her to comfort herself with your smell when you aren’t home. I do that with my dogs when I go out of town. I’ll put down a tshirt I have worn the day before on their bed so they can smell me when I’m not home.
She probably won’t have a stroke about the bad weather but she is clearly having some anxiety issues about it. You may have to resort to meds but of course, you only need to use them when a storm comes through. You can also try a thundershirt. They work well for many dogs. They aren’t cheap and they don’t work for all dogs, but it’s worth a try if it means you don’t have to medicate your dog. Here’s an Amazon link so you can see what I’m talking about: http://amzn.to/2G2hXYa
I have a Thundershirt for my Chi and it works. Get it at Bed, Bath, and Beyond – $39.99 and you can usually find a 20% off coupon. Plus, no shipping fees and no hassle returns
I got a thunder shirt on eBay for only $11. New and in the box. Helps slightly.
That’s a great price for it Jessica!
I purchased a puppy oil from vita vity called peaceful pup. I rub it on her little ears her shoulders and down her back and around her little neck. She looks forward to it when she sees me get it from my night stand. It smells great too.
When I leave I give her a few little snacks and leave the radio on for her on a Christian music station she serms to like the music a lot. When I get home her little back side wiggles like crazy. If I could take her with me every place I go I would. She is a very good traveler and behaves really well in the motel room. Never makes a sound. One thing I started doing when I first got her was carrying her around and now she wants me to carry her around all the time. I have no one to blame but me. Except outside, she loves the yard. I go outside with her because she is little, I don’t leave her outside alone. They sure are loyal little fur babies and so devoted. When ever I get sick, she will not leave my side. She lays right up against me. Yes she sleeps with us.!
You sound like a great fur mom Lupe!
We have a 2yr old male. He doesn’t like my husband. When my husband leaves or comes in the door my Chi goes after him and barks constantly at him, not only that if my Chi spots him napping he goes over towards him and just barks at him repeatedly, when he comes out of the bathroom, bedroom where ever my husband is my chi finds him and starts his attitude. I wish I knew what I can do to stop this from going on. I need some help with this matter it’s been going on for to long.
I have this problem also but not to the extent you do….my Chi (rescue) is fearful of my husband and will leave the room he is in ….shakes when he pets her…just wants nothing to do with him. The trainer suggested that my husband be the head treat giver….I can only give her a treat when I take her out and she does her “business”….any other treat is to be given to her by him….just started this and it does seem to help a bit.
I wonder if maybe she was abused by a man before you got her Deborah?
Wow I’m not sure what to do in a case like that Deb. Maybe if your husband could take him to a training class so your chi will learn to trust and respect hubby. I just posted your question on the Facebook page, maybe someone will have some advice for you there. Here’s the link: https://www.facebook.com/ILoveMyChihuahuaClub/posts/683104211818024
I have found that by letting my husband feed my chi he learned to like him much better. Now, I have no problem with that.
Great idea Chi lover!
I love my little chi’ (as I’m sure you do too) but, if i , (or my wife) had one and it was behaving like you were saying, (as much as i would hate this) i would have to consider giving it away.
It may be easier for me saying this because, my little dog has bitten me a couple of times.
And I’ll say this, those teeth are “just like needles”. “BUT” obviously i have let that go cuz i can’t help but love that little dog. So….all in all…who knows what to do once you get attached. Huh?
Yeah they sure do have needle like teeth, don’t they Matt.
Per your request from reading the separation anxiety article– my little guy seems to do ok when I leave for a short while (errands, Dr app.) I leave a blind open and his bed on the corner of the bed by the window so he can look out and see what’s going on while waiting my return. When I leave I day go get in your bed mommy will be back and he does great! My big concern is going on vacation for a week! I have a person who comes and walks him when I am gonna for more than 6 hours or so…and she is going to be spending lots of extra time periodically when walking him twice a day my fear is how he will be at night because he sleeps with us…we always try to leave a tv on when we are gone…please ask for any tips in your upcoming article! Thank you!
Hi, my Winnie is 3 years old and she pees & poos in my bedroom when I’m gone…I have weewee pads in the house which she does use plus she goes outside, but she still goes in my bedroom…she has never been crated. She even barks when I go to a different room so I’ve gotten into the habit of telling her it’s ok and to come with me. She was rescued from a crack house when she was very little and it’s been a struggle training her, but I will never give up on her….thank you for any advice…
My Chi does the same thing when I go out of town but she always does it in my office in front of my desk and I believe she is letting me know how unhappy she is by doing it there. I now keep the office door closed and hope a family member doesn’t leave it open when I’m gone. I’d suggest you make sure you close your bedroom door when not in there. Also make sure you clean the area she goes on really well with white vinegar or an enzyme cleaner. Praise her big time when she potties in the right spot too.
Hi, my Piglet freaks when I have to leave her at home. I have tried without success some of the suggestions mentioned here and nothing seems to work.
Am I to late as she turns 3 years old in November and yes it breaks my heart to hear her cry. She isn’t one to damage herself or anything no messing in the house either, she just yelps and howls like she is being killed.
Regards, Paul and Piglet.
My little guy screamed and cried
when I would leave…I started giving him a treat as I left, and I think he began to associate something yummy with my departure….he is now 16, and blind, and hearing impaired…but I still give him a treat when I leave.
I did that with my Joey who would just mourn when I left him. It worked very well since he was so food motivated. After awhile he seemed excited to see me leave which almost hurt my feelings. LOL.
Hi Paul, You may need to get some help from a specialist if nothing else works for Piglet. Or possibly get her a friend (another Chi)? If you can afford it, she might also be a good candidate for doggy daycare where she can play with other dogs.
Thank you for the feedback I am currently looking for another chi for her to bond with.
Hey I am a new chi Mom. My baby is 7 weeks old I took a few days off work to be with her. My baby will be alone while I go to work and my husband too. I will crate her because we live in a apartment. I hope she will be fine. I will come home for lunch and make sure she’s walked.
I’m glad you are coming home during lunch. That will help. Be sure to make the crate a comfy place with a soft blanket and a few toys for the baby. Sometimes leaving the radio or TV on for some background noise helps too.
@Mitzi Blankenship, When we adopted our 1st chi we had a big crate and put in kitchen . We had a babygate for entry so he had whole kitchen to eat/ play/ wee pads to use and radio playing ( i had radio on everyday) and when we took a vacation to bond we would test him to be alone by saying be right back to take out trash & when back pet him & say good boy. This took a while and as it got easier to leave ( work) he had livingroom & kit hen to roam and he did fine. We kept batbroom / bedroom doors closed while working and he would great me all happy . I would see if any accidents/ damage ect. If none i say good boy . If issues he would watch me clean up and be like oops my bad.
When he got lonely after our cat passed we bought 2nd chi home she was 7lbs to his 15( he is considered a standard ) they got along for thw most part until he passed from an illness . She is 15 and has seperation anxiety not matter if me or hubby is away. I take her with me when i can since most stores allow pets. She is ok for a little on own & since we live with friends for now at least someone is around to check on her if we have to be somewhere and can’t take her.
If have an appt we take turns in car with her & she’s good on long trips ( Jersey to maine) 9hrs 3 stops. My boy didn’t like ar rides . Hope all this helps with your little one. Good luck.
My 3 year old male neutered Chi is very aggressive towards people. Anytime someone new comes over it takes half an hour of barking and lunging before he settles down. Then usually after the new person doesn’t murder anyone right away he becomes friendly. When they get up to leave he starts again. To the point of actually snapping at heels. As much as this is annoying for all the humans, it has to make him miserable. We are also concerned that our second dog is learning this behavior from him.
Your other dog very well may be learning the same behavior from your 3 yr old. You may need the help of a trainer to work on this behavior but there are a few things you can try first. You will need the cooperation of your visitors. When they get up to leave, have them get up slowly. If your dog does okay with them getting up, have your visitor offer them a small treat.
The other thing you can do is just hold your Chi when your visitor gets up to leave so he can’t go after them.
I believe holding your Chi is a ‘reward’ for bad behavior?
Normally yes, but if your dog is straining to get away from you to attack a guest, they aren’t thinking of you holding them at that moment as a reward.
I have 2 chi’s…9 year old female, Ruby, and 5 year old female, Pearl. Ruby is an angel & has never had an issue about anything. Pearl has always been rather high-strung. She has a hard time meeting new people. You can tell she wants them to pet her but when they do, she bolts. It usually takes her a long weekend with a guest before she starts to let her guard down. I have a crate that the girls share. They stay in it when I’m at work. I learned early on, when Pearl was young, that she cannot be crated alone….only with her sister. If Ruby is spending the day at the vet or something, I have to leave Pearl out or else she will distroy everything in her crate. When leaving her out, she has always been fine as far as I know with the exception of an accident or two if I’m gone all day (the reason they have a crate). If I’m running a quick errand, I have always left the girls out of their crate with no issues. However, within the past month or two, Pearl freaks out! I have food bins below the kitchen window by the back door (the door I come and go thru) and she started using the bins to get into the windowsill when I’m gone. She broke the blinds & proceeds to get on the kitchen counter, knocking everything off of it. She started clawing at the door jam, scraping the paint off. Today I ran out for about 45 minutes and left the girls out. Before I left, I pulled the bins away from the wall so Pearl wouldn’t be able to get in the window or on the counter. When I got home, it was obvious that she had tried…pulling down the hand towels hanging from the handle of the refrigerator and knocking anything that was close to the edge of the counter onto the floor. I hang bells from the back door so they can tell me when they need to potty & those were broken & on the floor when I got home.
She has obviously always had some anxiety but what would make it worsen at age 5??? I’m afraid she is going to hurt herself!
Something definitely seems to have spooked her. It could be something as simple as a scary dream that she may not realize was just a dream. I think I would crate her for awhile until she gets over this.
You could try leaving her in a room where she can’t cause too much trouble (like a bathroom) and leave a few of your dirty clothes on the floor so she can smell your scent and see if that calms her while you are gone.
[…] Another article that might help you with this (if you aren’t taking your Chihuahua with you) is Separation Anxiety in Chihuahuas […]
Our Chi is 8 years old and has always been a handful. He guards everything. Food, water, toys, even me, from our other two dogs who are older. He’s recently started the separation anxiety behavior, but only when I’m gone. My husband and son can be here, but he whines and runs back and forth looking for me, they say. No matter what they do, it doesn’t help. The guarding thing has got to stop. He is attacking the other two now if he perceives they are getting to close to me. He outweighs them both, so I really need some help here. Thanks.
What may help for when you are gone is to wear an old tshirt for a few hours and right before you leave, take it off and give it to your dog. I’m not sure what to do about the attacking the other dogs other than giving him a time out whenever he acts up. Would you like for me to post your question on the facebook page Vicki and see if anyone has some good advice for you?
I got a Jack Russell he is17year old when I have to go somewhere he bark all the time I am gone he didn’t use to do this
This happens sometimes Charlotte with elderly dogs. Your vet can give you something to calm your old guy down or try CBD oil or treats for dogs.
I take my chi with me in a dog bag or get a dog sitter since day one n she is 10years
Does she do okay with a dog sitter? I’m a dog sitter myself and some do fine and others not so much.
Our Chi, Lexi, is 11 and started having separation anxiety about a year ago. We would come home and she would be sitting on the rug inside the door shaking which caused weight loss. She has always been tiny, under 3 pounds. We put another bed by the front door with a warm snuggle safe and a blanket. That seems to have worked as she is always in her bed when we return.
That’s great that such an easy fix helped her!
I adopted my Chi when he was 5 months old (he is 14 months now) from a home where he had 2 siblings and his mother still there. The human was retired and always had people over. This was great for socializing him…he’s the friendliest little dog to all people, kids and animals. My husband is retired and I work from home so he is not used to being alone. This led to severe separation anxiety. After months of training and cleaning up his destruction when we leave we adopted a sweet female cat. They have bonded so much that we can leave for 4-5 hours and there is nothing destroyed and no accidents either. He just needed a friend. We honestly adopted the cat for the dog.
Yeah they do get lonely very easily. I’m glad he has a kitty friend now and you are lucky he likes other people. So often they only like their human(s) and that’s it.
My chi always every time escapes my house and when I’m not looking jumps into my trunk of my car
So I guess she wants to make sure you take her with you?
I have Chi and I have bought a couple interactive food puzzles, kong toy, couple squeak and shaking toys and her favorite toys and I rotate them throughout the week. I don’t know if this helps her but I feel better than just leaving her alone everyday. I bought her a huge crate that she can run around and get exercise.
Great ideas Lu!
I sold my house after my husband died and moved into a 55+ community with 4-year-old chi. I didn’t dare leave him for the first few months because he howled like he was being murdered. I gradually acclimated him to his new home with a small backyard and a pet park right behind our apartment. I started to leave him for short periods of time, starting with the five minutes it took to take the garbage out. (I used to take him with me.) When he got used to that, I took the garbage out and then went to the coffee chat they have here. It took over a month to get used to that, and now he seems to know where I’m going and will crawl under the bed to his place of comfort. I started joining in on the variety of activities that are available here, and he was doing fine. If he seemed anxious I’d give him a calming treat the vet recommended. But, I still had trouble leaving him to go with my daughter to shop or lunch. He’d howl mournfully and claw at the window. This went on for quite awhile until I decided figure out what the difference between my leaving him for an activity in the apartment complex and when I left to go somewhere else. Then it dawned on me. He was comfortable when I went out the front door, which a solid door and no windows. However, when I would go somewhere with me daughter I would go out the back door to the parking lot. There were two big windows and a windowed door. So, I solved the problem by having my daughter pick me up in the front of the complex. I can use the walking exercise anyway. So far that has worked.
That’s a good way to handle separation anxiety and interesting about the door thing. Thanks for sharing Mary,
I give them their kong toy with stuff inside. They only get that when I leave for the day. But getting some excercise is a huge win win
What kind of stuff do they like in their Kong Susan?
Our little three year old has MAJOR separation anxiety. He actually foams at the mouth and even if we are gone for one hour his neck is wet with slobber. Poor little guy is panting heavily when we get home. We are concerned he could give himself a heart attack!
I think I would try some CBD oil about an hour before you leave and see if that calms him down. I pet site for a dog that is just like that and I got his parents to get CBD oil for him and it’s helped tremendously with his separation anxiety.
We have two rescued chis just under a year now.
Pablo standard 4kg and Sweetie smaller breed 2 kg.
They are company for each other when we go out, however, they’d both like to sit on my lap and get attention at the same time which is beginning to be a concern. Sweetie is the boss and she has only to growl at Pablo and he moves away. Sometimes she does not even growl, just looks at him with a vibe and he’s off.
He likes to know where she is at all times and will follows her to check out her whereabouts. Sometimes she attacks him but he just puts up with it.
She has a cataract and we are considering surgery.
They are wonderful company.
Loretta
Definitely sounds like Sweetie is the alpha.
Great advice, although avoiding responding to constant attention seeking from my new puppy has been tough! Its me who needs that aspect of training.
When I realised I had a very clingy dog (literally) on my hands I took up most of my two weeks puppy-leave from work just helping him get used to spending time alone. For the first 4 days I couldn’t leave his line of sight without him crying and the nights were sleepless for both of us. I was really worried about going back to work. But by week 2 he was comfortable in his cage with the door open, then the door closed for increasing periods, and by the time I went back to work today I’m confident he can chill in his cage as long as I come back on my lunch break. Its been an emotional rollercoaster but dogs are smart and learn quick that separation is only temporary and that they can cope on their own. One thing that seemed to work was standing behind the bathroom door for a second at a time, then increasing the time I spent ‘hiding’ while never making a fuss, just acting calm and ignoring when he whined. I felt silly but I think it helped him realise I’m sometimes not going to be accessible but he can still be OK.
Love the site, BTW.
You sound like an awesome pet parent Kas.
I adopted a 2yr old chihuahua 8 months ago she still won’t let me hold her and she won’t come to me I don’t know what to do, she acts scared all the time, She also hides when someone comes to the house, I live alone. How can I get her to trust me?
I adopted a 2yr chihuahua from a shelter 8 months ago, she will not come to me or let me hold her she hides when any comes in the house, how can I make her feel more comfortable, I don’t think she ever had human contact, the home were she came from had 50 other dogs in one room, the shelter said it was tarable.
It may take awhile so be patient with her. I’m sure she has trust issues coming from the background she came from.
Is she food motivated at all? If so, take a high value treat, something she wouldn’t normally get but loves, and just set it in your hand or your lap while watching tv or just chilling out. Let her eat it if she comes to get it and just talk quietly and sweetly to her as she does it. Do this for a few weeks to show her that being close to you is a good thing. After awhile, you may be able to get her to sit in your lap.
My Chihuahua, Rondo. Barks alot when I leave him He has separation anxiety.I could use some ways that works for them,I live in an elderly building, so I could really use some helpful advice.he is very quiet and loveable otherwise.
One thing you can do it to leave a shirt that you have recently worn but hasn’t been washed yet in her bed or wherever she likes to hang out so she can smell your scent.
Consult with a veterinarian about medication or supplements that may help reduce anxiety. Some dogs benefit from prescription medications or natural supplements like CBD.
Consider using calming aids such as pheromone diffusers, calming sprays, or calming vests like the ThunderShirt to help your Chihuahua feel more relaxed.
I have a 11 yr old Apple head full blooded chi and came to my husband n me when she was 11 weeks old Being my husband was disabled he was mostly home when I went out to the stores etc. When we both went out we had other dogs her to keep her company.My husband passed away 3 yrs ago n due to financial problems I can just afford her.Though she always was n is my dog since my husband passed she has been more “clingy “ then ever. Thankfully my best friend has 2 toy poodles when she comes over leaves them here n we going out shopping. I hate leaving her alone she grow up always having someone in the house when I went out .I am 76 yrs old and can’t bring myself to leave her alone n wish I could bring her with me to more places ..Now with my husband deceased she is my day to day support and everything.Is it to late to make her feel not so stressed out if I have to leave for awhile alone?
One thing you can do is to see about getting her certified as a support animal, then you can take her to more places. You can get more info about that in this article: https://ilovemychi.com/what-to-know-about-emotional-support-animals/
Also, just like I told Melody in previous comment (in case you didn’t see it), give her one of your unwashed shirts that you have recently worn. The smell of you on it will comfort her. And you can try a ThunderShirt. That helps some dogs. CBD oil is good for calming them down too. I got several of my pet sitting clients to give it to their dogs that had separation anxiety issues. If all else fails, ask your vet for a mild tranquilizer to give her on the days you have to leave her alone.
Your information and suggestions are great for anxiety for my pup.
But. Can u suggest what would be good for “Car Sickness”?
One thing to do is not give your dog food for about 2-3 hours before you get in the car. And you can give them CBD oil to calm them down.
Our chihuahua Liam had anxiety when we left him. We taught him a phrase. Watch the house. Every time we leave we say this and now he knows that when we say watch the house we are coming back. This helps a lot because it doesn’t matter where we are. We just say the phrase and he knows we are coming back. If we are going on long trips we take him with us. We don’t leave him with others. He is 15 now and that is too hard for him. Love him. He is wonderful.
That’s a good idea. I always tell my dogs “I’ll be back” but I still have the feeling they think I’m never coming home.