Chihuahuas have an irritating habit of whimpering when they need attention, food, or are dissatisfied. The crying frequency will depend on each particular dog’s temperament, satisfaction, and training.
Once you hear your Chihuahua howling, the first step is to identify a reason for such behavior. The next thing to do is to find a way to solve the problem of crying Chihuahua. In some cases, these dogs can develop crying as an irritating habit, so you should give your best to prevent that.
Be aware that Chihuahuas are often anxious and prone to overreacting. Believe it or not, not only do baby Chihuahuas cry, but also adult Chihuahuas often do that for numerous reasons.
It’s up to you to determine if the reason is severe or your pet is only bored. Let’s see the most common reasons for such behavior.
Your Chihuahua wants something
It is the most apparent reason for crying Chihuahua. This breed is known as demanding, and you can expect your buddy to start weeping as soon as it wants something. The problem is that it includes virtually anything, even asking for water, food, playing, or a stuck toy underneath the couch.
Sometimes, your four-legged friend will become furious because your family cat has taken its place or you have moved its bed to clean it. Whatever the reason, your dog will calm down as soon as you identify a problem and solve what bothers it.
However, you should be very careful about Chihuahua screaming. It is OK to feed it when it is hungry, but offering it treats as soon as it starts crying will result in inappropriate behavior that will worsen over time. It can quickly happen to get stuck with a spoiled dog.
Your Chihuahua needs attention
One of the primary reasons why do Chihuahuas cry is to get your attention. Sometimes, your pet will try to alert you about strangers walking around your home, want some petting and playing, or to go outside playing.
When something like that happens, you should pay attention to your tiny dog and try to understand its wishes. In most cases, these reasons are crucial for your pet, but there is no need to be concerned too much. Once you fulfill its requirements, your Chihuahua will stop crying.
Your Chihuahua ask for entertainment
It is possible that your Chihuahua cries for no reason or only asks for some fun and playing because it is bored.
Keep in mind that your puppy is full of energy and needs some walking, running, and jumping. As soon as you notice it starts wagging its tail and jumping around you, be aware that it needs some exercise. Once your furry friend becomes satisfied, it will stop howling and crying.
Your Chihuahua is distressed
One of the reasons for your Chihuahua’s howling and crying is stress. In such a case, your pet has some emotional, mental, or physical problems you should take seriously. It is on you to give your best to help it overcome that concern.
Your Chihuahua is scared
Chihuahua’s crying can be a way of letting you know that it is anxious, worried, or scared. This condition is often followed by panting and trembling. The problem is that many things can upset this toy dog, including sudden guests, loud kids, and the prolonged absence of a family member.
In some cases, your buddy will start crying right before you leave the house. That means your baby dog suffers from Chihuahua separation anxiety that sometimes results in destructive behavior.
Your Chihuahua is in pain
Be careful when Chihuahua howls after some injury. It is an indication your dog is physically distress and probably in pain. For instance, dogs that suffer from arthritis or joint pain usually cry while jumping or going upstairs.
Your Chihuahua is sorry
In rare cases, you can see howling Chihuahua as a result of submissive behavior. It is its way to accept you as a pack leader or apologize for rude behavior.
You can see such a scene when scolding your pet for mischief, such as chewing shoes, destroying flowers, or overturning the trash can. In such a case, accept its apology and let it go.
Understand Chihuahua Crying
Once you face crying Chihuahua, you should find out what the problem is. If you pay attention, you will quickly learn the connection between your buddy’s barking, body language, and desires.
Unfortunately, it is not always possible, but some signs can help you understand what your dog wants to tell you.
Body language
For instance, jumping and wagging a tail are usually signs that your Chihuahua asks for entertainment. The tail tucked between the hind legs and lowered head are sure signs that your dog has done something wrong and craves you for forgiveness.
Finally, panting, shaking, and trembling means your Chihuahua is scared or feels uncomfortable.
Tone
Dogs are not much different from humans, and you can understand what your howling Chihuahua wants by recognizing its tone. While high-pitched quick barking usually means the invitation for playing, weeping followed by moaning is probably a sign that your doggy is in pain.
What to Do When Chihuahua Cries
Introduce your new Chihuahua to other pets
Always calmly and leisurely introduce your new puppy to other dogs or cats in your household. Keep your voice low, try to encourage a frightened puppy, supervise new buddies’ playing initially, and reward friendly behavior with some treats.
The crucial thing is to offer equal attention to all animals in the house to prevent jealousy and aggression. Play with all of them equally and offer a bit more treats than usually for a couple of days.
Monitor the new puppy’s food and water intake and prevent possible dominance that other pets may show. Stealing food is unacceptable, and you should make it clear right away.
Create a cozy and safe place for your dog
You will often see your Chihuahua under covers while taking a nap. Provide a model with an opening over a bed cushion to provide a warm and comfortable place for it. You should also place its bed near yours if possible or put the T-shirt with your scent inside.
Use soothing music
Soothing and soft music is always an effective way to make your puppy feel safe, comfortable, and calm. Sometimes a running fan offers reassuring background noise that creates a peaceful and protective atmosphere.
That can help your new family member relax and stop suffering after leaving its mom or feeling scared.
Let it enjoy an animal TV show
Some TV animal shows can help your puppy remain calm, especially when staying alone during the night. It will also help it when you need to leave your buddy and go away from home for several hours.
Ticking clock
A heartbeat emitting toy or old fashion ticking clock will remind your tiny dog of its mom and safety. In most cases, the sound these items produce will calm it down and soothe it back to sleep.
Reward desirable behavior and ignore misbehavior
Avoid punishing your dog, especially if it suffers from separation anxiety. It is necessary to establish a line between providing comforting reassurance and fulfilling every requirement at the first sign of weeping.
Since Chihuahua is an intelligent breed, your buddy will quickly understand what you consider good behavior and what is not allowed.
Use a pet gate
Put up a dog gate next to your bed and allow your puppy to see and hear you. It will be comforting and calm it down.
What Avoid When Chihuahua Cries
Crying Chihuahua is not something unusual. In fact, you should expect a Chihuahua puppy crying from the first day it comes to your home.
Unfortunately, this knowledge won’t reduce your frustration with annoying howling and whining, but be aware that shouting, punishment, and rage can’t help in these circumstances. Your goal is to determine the problem and calm its anxiety.
Another thing you shouldn’t do is to fulfill the dog’s every wish just to stop crying. The only result will be a spoiled animal that will howl every time it wants something and won’t stop until you satisfy its wishes.
Watery Eyes
Remember that crying is not the same thing as watery eyes that you can often see in Chihuahuas. Approximately 25% of small dog breeds have an issue with tears overproduction (epiphora) and tear stains development. The most common reasons for such a condition are:
- Conjunctivitis (pink eye)
- Irritation by fur overgrowing around the eyes
- Entropion, inherited health issue when eyelids turn inward
- Glaucoma with increased pressure inside the eyeball
- Allergies to common allergens, like pollen
- Blocked tear duct with dust, tiny debris, or grass particles
- Congenital disabilities like narrow tear ducts or absence of tear duct openings
- Unfiltered water and poor diet
Conclusion
Chihuahua puppies’ crying is natural and expected, so you shouldn’t be upset when your small furry ball starts weeping once it comes to a new home, far away from its mom and siblings.
Take care of your tiny dog and know it well to recognize what its tears mean. Never mix regular howling with a painful cry or watery eyes that often appear due to pain or health issues you should take care of.
