What To Do When Your Teacup Pomeranian Has Separation Anxiety

teacup pomeranian sitting in the grass

Teacup Pomeranian puppies are extra small dogs with kind and happy personalities. Your Teacup Pomeranian has a unique and rich history, and they are companion dogs that need to be around their loved ones. This dog breed is adorable and a favorite amongst dog owners.

Teacup Pomeranian Separation Anxiety Explained

Separation anxiety is an uncomfortable condition that some Teacup Pomeranian puppies face. What is separation anxiety? Separation Anxiety is a cognitive psychological condition where a dog reacts negatively to separation. Separation anxiety is the most common among the different anxiety disorders suffered by Teacup Pomeranian puppies.

This condition primarily affects puppies and senior dogs, but keep in mind that all Teacup Pomeranian puppies have different stories. Sadly, not all dogs you adopt come from happy families and may have experienced trauma. As uncomfortable and sad as it is to see your dog suffer from separation anxiety, there are ways to prevent and treat this condition at home.

For a dog to be diagnosed with separation anxiety, it must exhibit specific signs over a long period of time. It is normal if your dog occasionally suffers from stress and nerves when they are alone. However, if your dog continues to react negatively when they are alone or separated from their loved ones, typically it is because they have separation anxiety.

teacup pomeranian standing on asphalt

Causes of Separation Anxiety in Teacup Pomeranians

There are dozens of causes of canine separation anxiety. Each dog reacts differently to stimuli and separation because of its past experiences and breed predispositions. For instance, some breeds, like Teacup Pomeranian puppies, have a predisposition for separation anxiety.

Trauma

It is a rewarding and lovely act to adopt your Teacup Pomeranian puppy from a shelter or organization. However, it is an enormous responsibility that comes with many factors! Sadly, some dogs are surrendered to shelters because they come from rough situations, and it is also stressful and nerve-wracking for your pup to be in an entirely new situation.

Teacup Pomeranian puppies are social dogs that love to be around their humans. Since your Teacup Pomeranian was bred to be a companion dog, they are more likely to attach themselves to you quickly.

If your Pomeranian dog has suffered from trauma or scary experiences, it could have a long-lasting effect on them. Some dogs react to trauma by finding a person, pet, or object to protect and comfort them. When you are the protection and comfort, it can cause your dog to develop a fear of being alone and away from you.

Separation anxiety does not take long to develop in Teacup Pomeranians with trauma. The more time you spend with your dog, the more comfortable they get with you. However, if your small Pomeranian dog gets too attached, they won’t want you to ever leave. It is okay for your dog to associate you with comfort and protection. However, your puppy should still know that they are safe at home alone.

Pre-Disposition

Some dog breeds are predisposed to separation anxiety; these include Teacup Pomeranian puppies. The exact cause is still not fully understood, and no one gene controls if your dog will develop separation anxiety. However, researchers have found that Pomeranian puppies are more likely to develop a separation anxiety disorder.

Since there is a hereditary link, pet owners should observe signs. Although separation anxiety is common in puppies, it can also develop in older dogs. As older dogs age, they lose their memory and cognitive ability. One common condition in senior Teacup Pomeranian dogs is Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD), similar to dog dementia. As your dog develops CCD, it will probably fear other people and being alone because of the stress that comes with CCD. Separation anxiety severely affects your dog‘s quality of life because it can lead to health concerns and personality changes.

teacup pomeranian sitting on blanket

How Separation Anxiety Can Affect Your Teacup Pomeranian

Separation anxiety affects Teacup Pomeranian puppies by causing health concerns and personality changes. It is not always possible to prevent this cognitive condition, however, you can decrease the risk by treating the symptoms of separation anxiety. The great thing to know about separation anxiety in dogs is that it does not affect their life expectancy. Teacup Pomeranians can still live long and meaningful lives with this mental health condition.

Digestive Health Problems

One primary health concern that develops because of separation anxiety is digestive health problems. Many dogs with anxiety feel flutters in their stomachs, similar to how humans feel ‘butterflies.’ Nausea is a big concern with separation anxiety and stress because it affects the entire digestive system.

Not only is it uncomfortable to feel nausea throughout the day, but nausea can lead to vomiting and diarrhea. If your dog cannot digest their food properly, it can cause stomach pain. Vomiting and diarrhea are dangerous to Teacup Pomeranians because these small and fluffy dogs are at high risk of heatstroke and dehydration.

A dog reacts to separation anxiety when they are alone. If your dog throws up and overheats, your dog can have a fatal heatstroke. All toy and extra small dog breeds are at a high risk of heatstroke because they can’t properly cool themselves. Since this dog‘s body is small, there are not a lot of heat outlets. A dog cools down by panting; some Teacup Pomeranians, however, have smaller flat faces that obstruct their airways, making it hard for them to pant and cool their bodies.

Aggression and Fear

It is not uncommon for Teacup Pomeranian puppies to change their personality because of separation anxiety. Your dog may develop a fear of other people except for their loved ones. When this occurs, a dog may react openly and outwardly. Dogs can make threatening and angry sounds like growls and barks to warn people and other animals to stay away from them. If your dog has a fear of men or children, they may act aggressively as a response or reaction to their separation anxiety.

These feelings and reactions limit the interactions your dog can have with others. Fear of others can alter the quality of life for your Teacup Pomeranian puppy since they won’t be able to play with other dogs or humans. If you go on vacation, for instance, and cannot take your Pomeranian puppy with you, they will be anxious until you come back. While some dog trainers and dog boarders have experience with separation anxiety, it is hard to watch and know that a dog is suffering.

teacup pomeranian laying on wood floor

Signs That Your Teacup Pomeranian Might Have Separation Anxiety

The most common signs that your Teacup Pomeranian puppy may have separation anxiety are pacing, destruction of property and digestive problems. If you notice that your dog frequently whines and cries if you are heading for the door, it could be because they don’t want to be alone. While it is normal for some reactions, your dog should not react loudly or for an extended period of time. There is nothing wrong with some whining or crying, however, it should not affect their daily lives.

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The most significant sign that your dog is suffering from this form of anxiety is destruction. Have you ever left your house and come back to a mess? When your Teacup Pomeranian feels stress and anxiety, this energy needs to go somewhere. If your dog cannot find relief, it will act out and destroy your home. Although the destruction is hard to bear, it’s not done on purpose or with malicious intent. If you struggle to pinpoint which pet is causing the destruction, you can install a pet camera to record movements. These cameras are inexpensive and available for purchase everywhere. The cameras pick up motion through their sensors and send notifications to pet owners.

Dogs can destroy not only furniture but also entry and exit points. Teacup Pomeranian puppies with separation anxiety are likely to scratch and chew doors and windows if afraid. Doors and windows are exit points, and most of the time, puppies want to leave the stressful situation they are in at the moment. However, the wood, plastic, and metal of these objects can be dangerous. It is best to prevent your dog from consuming these toxic materials by creating a safe and comforting environment.

How to Care for and Treat Your Teacup Pomeranian for Separation Anxiety

Separation anxiety in puppies is not always preventable. However, you can care for and treat separation anxiety in many ways. This psychological condition does not have to last forever. In fact, most dogs that develop anxiety disorders overcome them with time. It is best to start by soothing your dog, followed by training them to overcome their anxieties and triggers.

Soothing Separation Anxiety

Coming home and seeing your Teacup Pomeranian afraid and anxious is a sad sight to see. You should always start treating this condition by calming your dog. It is okay to validate your dog‘s feelings of discomfort and fear. While it may frustrate you to come home to urine, feces, and destroyed objects, remember that it is your dog‘s way of communicating. Since dogs can’t speak like humans, they express their anxiety and stress through body language and actions. Sometimes, the actions are destroying objects.

If your dog is cowering in the corner scared, try to get them to come out of their spot. Although it is okay for your Teacup Pomeranian puppy to self-soothe, it would be better if you hug, pet, and kiss them. These slight movements allow dogs to gather their thoughts and relax. If they know they are in a safe space, then they are less likely to react negatively.

There are also a few small things you can provide and change about your dog‘s lifestyle to eliminate separation anxiety. One of the biggest changes you may need to implement is consistent walks and exercise. Your dog is less likely to run and destroy your home if they are happily walked. Activities like running and playing can give your dog the exercise they need to rest when you are not home. Instead of pacing, overheating, and vomiting, your dog will relax and sleep. Exercise is especially important with Teacup Pomeranian puppies because they are small and energetic dogs. Pomeranian puppies are active and have joyful and exciting personalities.

teacup pomeranian sitting in teacup

Training

The only way to eliminate separation anxiety in dogs is to train your dog properly. Your dog will not stop being nervous and afraid when they are alone until they understand you are coming back. One of the driving forces of fear and anxiety in dogs is that they fear their humans will disappear. Sadly, many dogs in shelters have stories of abandonment where their owners left them. It is also not uncommon to see dogs in shelters whose owners have passed away.

To overcome the fear of being alone, you will need to start by limiting the contact you have with them before you leave. Instead of hugging and picking up your Teacup Pomeranian before you leave, you should ignore them. Train and teach your dog that there is nothing wrong with being alone and that you will come back by not placing importance on ‘goodbyes.’

This training method is easier said than done. It is hard to resist your Teacup Pomeranian‘s large sad eyes, but it is necessary to get rid of their separation anxiety.

You should use the same training method when you return home. Even if there is a mess, you should not pay attention to your Teacup Pomeranian for a minimum of 10 minutes after you return. The moment you give your small dog their treats and an excess amount of comfort, they will learn that your leaving is a negative thing. If there is a mess, start cleaning it up. However, try not to change your face or tone. After ten minutes have passed, pet your dog. As time goes by, you should notice a change in your home and dog. Your furry friend is likely to pace back and forth less. There should also be a lack of destruction and broken things in your home. When your dog starts to react less to their separation anxiety trigger, you can give them a treat each time.

Although experts recommend training as a treatment to use while caring for your Teacup Pomeranian with separation anxiety, it does take time, energy, and patience! It’s difficult to train your dog to overcome their anxiety, but the training and effort are worth it!

How to Help Your Teacup Pomeranian Live a Fulfilling Life with Separation Anxiety

Some dogs have lived with separation anxiety for their entire lives and are still happy! Unlike a general anxiety disorder, separation anxiety only occurs when a pet is apart from its owner, which means that the majority of your dog‘s time is happy. Your Teacup Pomeranian can live a healthy and long, fulfilling life if you teach them coping mechanisms and provide them with another pup sibling.

teacup pomeranian wearing a bowtie

Coping Mechanisms

Various solutions contribute to your dog‘s happy and fulfilling life. Since dogs react to stimuli and triggers when their owners are not present, creating spaces and techniques to self-soothe is important.

A common separation anxiety management technique is to create a calming corner for your dog. In this corner, you should place items that are meaningful to your Teacup Pomeranian. When you are not home, they can go to this area to help soothe their anxiety. The corner should contain a bed, an article of clothing that smells like you, and toys. The comfort items are a great addition to your home, and you can use them alongside your dog‘s training.

You can also use lavender essential oils in the air near their favorite spot. Lavender is a sweet smell that is safe for dogs. However, your Teacup Pomeranian puppy should not be consuming lavender. The smell of lavender is naturally calming, and studies have shown that dogs exposed to light levels of lavender oil are calm after showing signs of anxiety.

As your dog overcomes their separation anxiety, you can also provide them with mentally stimulating toys when you are not home. These toys can be puzzles and mazes that your dog must unlock to get a treat. This keeps your Teacup Pomeranian puppy distracted and happy.

Adopting Another Pet

Sometimes, separation anxiety occurs because of the loss of a loved one. If your Teacup Pomeranian puppy has lost a sibling or dog friend, you can adopt another dog as a companion. Some puppies prefer to be around other dogs as they build strong connections and relationships.

Although it is tempting to adopt another dog right away, you should slowly introduce your Teacup Pomeranian puppy to the new addition to your family. Your dog needs time to grieve and move on before meeting a new family member. It is best to introduce your new pet slowly and safely.

Conclusion

Separation anxiety is an uncomfortable psychological disorder that affects a dog‘s quality of life. Thankfully, there are various ways you can treat, manage, and prevent separation anxiety in your Teacup Pomeranian puppy. Your dog does not have to suffer their entire life with this condition.

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