Helping Your Teacup Pomeranian Deal With Separation Anxiety

Teacup Pomeranians originated from the Arctic region and were first raised as household pets in Pomerania. These pups were bred as sled dogs. Teacup Pom Pom is a smaller version of Pomeranians. The body of a teacup Pomeranian is short and compact, with a soft yet textured double coat. These pups are one of the most intelligent, playful, and extroverted breeds you will ever meet. Many names such as miniature Pomeranian, pocket Pomeranian, mini Pomeranian, Teddy bear Pomeranian, and toy Pomeranian know this breed.

Teacup Pomeranian Separation Anxiety Explained

Separation anxiety in teacup dogs refers to a condition in which a dog becomes distressed and develops behavioral issues when separated from its owner. Pomeranian anxiety shows within minutes of the owners’ departure. It is unclear why some dogs experience separation anxiety while others do not. The anxiety might result from an underlying medical problem, and it varies in every breed.

Teacup Pomeranians are most likely to bark a lot when they develop separation anxiety. They might bark or howl nonstop for hours while you’re gone. It is curable in certain circumstances by training, behavioral change, and medication.

Separation anxiety is different for every teacup Pomeranian; some dogs will start barking the minute you leave, whereas some will be fine for a while but become restless and show signs of aggression after one or two hours. The anxiety varies according to age, gender, and other factors. It mostly happens when dogs become mature and aware of the feeling of being alone.

Causes of Separation Anxiety in Teacup Pomeranian

Teacup Pomeranians are frequently so bonded to their owners that they experience separation anxiety when left alone. It causes both emotional and physical stress. Separation anxiety can develop gradually if indicators of extreme stress go ignored and untreated.

Separation anxiety in a teacup Pomeranian can arise because of traumatic incidents in the dog’s life. Dogs re-homed or adopted from shelters after losing their families are more sensitive to developing separation anxiety.

Also, if a close family member leaves, such as through death, moving away to college, or divorce, the teacup Pomeranian may experience anxiety because of that loss. Relocating, stressful circumstances such as a huge earthquake, severe storm, or another natural catastrophe can also increase separation anxiety in this dog breed. Dog owners often complain that their Teacup Pomeranian is showing signs of destructive or disruptive behavior when left alone. The dog may chew, bark, howl, or urinate in the house. Although these issues may indicate that your Teacup Pomeranian might need some training, all of these behaviors also show that your dog has separation anxiety. You might also notice escape attempts by your Teacup when left alone. It is important to note that escape attempts can often be extreme and can harm your Teacup Pomeranian.

How Separation Anxiety Can Affect Your Teacup Pomeranian

Teacup Pomeranian dogs who suffer separation anxiety cannot feel solace when left alone or separated from family members. They frequently manifested this anxiousness in behavioral problems, including urinating and defecating in the house, damaging furniture, and furnishings, and barking.

These dogs can feel agitated and anxious when their routine or schedule changes significantly. They rely on regularity to feel safe, and any abrupt change in what they expect can cause personality and behavioral changes. Some dogs become clingy, while others act out with behaviors such as gnawing, digging, and excessive barking.

True separation anxiety is a specific behavioral shift that happens when the owner, or another person with whom the teacup Pomeranian has a deep attachment, is not present. Symptoms may be minimal and resolve quickly, but in difficult situations, the dog may damage itself or suffer from health concerns because of excessive stress.

Physiological health problems can also occur because of persistent anxiety. Anxiety and stress change hormone levels in the teacup Pomeranian puppy and lower natural immunity to a variety of health conditions.

Life Expectancy of a Teacup Pomeranian With Separation Anxiety

A teacup Pomeranian has an average lifespan of 12-16 years. These dogs live a long life because of the love and attention they receive from their owners.

However, separation anxiety triggers a tremendous amount of stress in dogs. Veterinary medicine gives no evidence that pets die of heart failure because of stress. Still, observations show that pets experience behavioral changes and even death when they lose an owner or a friend, implying that separation anxiety can affect life expectancy.

Signs That Your Teacup Pomeranian Might Have Separation Anxiety

Teacup Pomeranians suffering from separation anxiety may urinate or defecate quickly after their owner leaves, even if they have just gone outside. It’s one sign of separation anxiety. When left alone or separated from his guardian, a dog suffering from separation anxiety may yelp or howl. This type of barking or howling is persistent and appears to be triggered when alone.

Also, when a teacup Pomeranian with separation anxiety, left alone or separated from his guardian, he may attempt to escape from an environment. The dog may try to dig and gnaw through doors or windows, resulting in self-injury. Separation anxiety may trigger the dog’s escape habit, but separation anxiety does not happen while his guardian is around.

Some dogs with separation anxiety may also chew on objects, door frames, or window sills when they are alone. These activities can lead to self-injury, including broken teeth, cut and scratched paws, and damaged nails. If separation anxiety triggers a dog’s chewing, digging, and damage, they normally don’t occur in the company of his guardian.

When left alone, some dogs with separation anxiety may also walk or trot along a specified path in a defined pattern. Some pacing dogs move in circular patterns, while others walk in straight lines back and forth.

Some dogs defecate and then swallow all or some of their feces when left alone by their guardians. If a teacup Pomeranian consumes feces because of separation anxiety, he most likely does not do it in the company of his guardian.

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

Preventative Measures

You should not scold your teacup Pomeranian if he does anything you don’t like while you’re away. He is not misbehaving; rather, he is experiencing a panic attack.

It’s not suggested to use equipment that might be harmful or frightening to your dog. Shock or citronella collars will trigger symptoms of anxiety and may even worsen your dog’s dread. If you have not completely conditioned your teacup Pomeranian to enjoy his crate, don’t leave him in it alone.

Avoid leaving your teacup Pomeranian alone for longer than he is comfortable. He will not simply “get over it.” Your terrified dog requires help. As a canine guardian, it is your responsibility (and honor) to ensure that your dog is secure, happy, and comfortable.

What Steps Must a Dog Owner Take When Faced With Separation Anxiety

Before you leave your teacup Pomeranian, you could give him a puzzle treat, a new bone to chew on, a new toy to play with, or some other enjoyable diversion. This will reduce boredom and allow the dog to focus on anything other than its missing owner.

The owner should remove any departure clues. Dogs suffering from separation anxiety quickly pick up on behaviors that suggest an impending departure. Picking up car keys, double-checking locks, or putting on a coat are all indications that you are ready to leave your teacup Pomeranian, and his worry will begin. Change those cues to assist your dog in relaxing; for example, putting on your coat but sitting on the sofa to watch TV instead. You could pick up your keys, but keep them in your pocket as you prepare dinner. The dog’s fear will progressively reduce as it stops connecting those cues with being left alone.

Start with brief absences. Dogs can get more worried if they fear their owner will never return, and they lack the memory ability to understand that a workday is several hours long but that you will return. Allow your teacup Pomeranian to understand that being alone does not imply you will not return. By leaving for short amounts of time at first, and then gradually increasing the length of those absences, will help your dog adapt to longer times alone.

Keep calm when arriving and departing. Rewarding a dog’s worry with an extended goodbye or a joyful reunion will encourage his behavior. Instead, be cool and comfortable while leaving or coming home, and ignore your teacup Pomeranian for a few minutes after you arrive before greeting them with a friendly word or a little stroking. This will assist the dog in understanding that arriving and departing isn’t a big issue and that there’s no need for frantic behavior.

Owners should consider crate training. Some anxious dogs react well to crate training, especially if you use the crate solely at night, at mealtimes, or during other times when they are not alone. They’ll learn that the box is a secure, pleasant place, and they’ll be less worried when they see it every time you leave. Putting a recently worn shirt or another piece of clothing with your scent in the kennel will help keep the teacup Pomeranian calm by reminding him that you are still close.

Also, maintain a healthy lifestyle. Inadequately trained dogs who eat poorly and receive insufficient exercise are more prone to developing anxiety difficulties. A healthy lifestyle for your dog that includes nutritious food, correct feeding, enough exercise, tough discipline, and effective training will keep them psychologically balanced and able to tolerate separations without distress.

You could also hire a dog trainer. If your teacup Pomeranian becomes anxious just being alone, it may be beneficial to hire a dog sitter or look into doggie daycare services to keep the pet company when you can’t be there. This is not a suitable option if the anxiety is extreme, as the teacup Pomeranian will be nervous in your absence.

If none of the above measures are adequate, consider getting medical help. Some medications can help with a dog’s separation anxiety. However, only consider these therapies after thorough consultation with a veterinarian.

Is There a Way To Reverse Separation Anxiety With an Altered Diet?

Even though diet alone may not help cure separation anxiety, there are a lot of foods that help ease it. Blueberries, which can help dogs cope with stress, are a tasty and healthy food option. A couple of them in your dog’s dish can give a low-calorie treat because they are high in fiber and vitamin C.

Kale has a variety of minerals, including vitamin A, B6, K, calcium, manganese, copper, potassium, iron, fiber, and antioxidants. When supplementing with antioxidant-rich foods, be wary that high fiber content could lead to an upset stomach. It also contributes to bone and heart health.

Sweet potatoes are another antioxidant-rich food. Aside from its anxiety-reducing properties, its high levels of beta-carotene, fiber, and vitamins B6 and C make it suitable for a dog’s digestive tract. Just make sure they’re not raw and that they’re always cooked.

Beef is a natural antidepressant rich in B vitamins, and your teacup Pomeranian will most likely enjoy it. It’s a fantastic source of protein and a popular component in a lot of dog foods.

Turkey is an excellent source of L-tryptophan, so it’s another protein-rich dish that can help your dog if they’re anxious. Often included in many types of dog diets and treats are turkey and beef.

Oily fish is high in omega-3 fatty acids, which decrease adrenaline production in dogs’ fight-or-flight stress response. Fish may assist with more than just their mental health; salmon, sardines, and tuna are also healthy for their coat and skin and are simple to digest for sensitive stomachs.

Besides finding some healthy options for your pet, you need to ensure that you’re feeding your teacup Pomeranian a well-balanced diet.

What Treatment Options Are There for Separation Anxiety?

Situational or event-based medications are also an option. They are most effective when used often and when the owner receives advance notice of their departure. The latter is critical to the medicine’s success since the medication requires ample time to take effect, typically at least 15 minutes, but sometimes closer to an hour or more.

If, for example, a person must leave their teacup Pomeranian at home alone twice a day, six days a week, it is challenging to manage separation anxiety with situational medicine. Those instances usually respond better to a maintenance medicine.

A daily maintenance medication may be used, along with situational medicines. They might also reserve these medications for times when leaving the pet alone for unusually long periods, such as during very hectic departures.

However, a successful separation trea0tment is totally reliant on the owner, dog, and the underlying source of the problem. Some dogs recover with training and persistent routines, while others may require a change in lifestyle habits or may require long-term medication to reduce their anxiety.

Helping Your Teacup Pomeranian Live a Fulfilling Life With Separation Anxiety

Even though dogs with separation anxiety lead a stressful life, there are things you can do to make sure their life is as fulfilling as any other happy dog.

It would be best if you had a consistent routine for your teacup Pomeranian. This is a subtle characteristic that many people ignore in their four-legged companions. Uncertainty in routines might cause anxiety or tension in your dog. They seek a steady routine since dogs are creatures of habit and follow patterns. Playing into their natural propensity to seek ways that may benefit them, making them happy and hence making you happy.

Also, take your dog outside. Your dog would prefer to be outside smelling, running, and exploring than being confined in the home all day. Going out, walking, and other outdoor activities bring sheer joy to all dogs.

Another technique to help your dog stay happy is to stimulate his brain. One approach is feeding him meals in various food puzzles regularly, which can minimize boredom and help keep him out of stress.

Food puzzles may stimulate your dog’s hunting drive, promote physical exercise, and challenge his mind. These puzzles, which come in various forms and sizes, also keep dogs from eating too quickly.

Dogs, like people, require frequent exercise to maintain a healthy and fulfilling life. Exercising boosts endorphins and lowers stress chemicals like cortisol. Allowing your dog to venture outside the familiar stimulates his thinking.

Assuming you and your doctor agree that your teacup Pomeranian is physically capable, you can continue to take him for regular walks, outings to the dog park, and fetch games far into his senior years.

Your dog’s brain, like his body, needs regular exercise to keep him happy. A dog that has developed behavioral issues because of separation anxiety might learn and perform new tasks to challenge its intellect. Another enjoyable approach is to challenge him with a smell game. You may train him to explore your house for hidden treats, or you can turn over two containers and teach him to smell out which one has a reward concealed within it.