My Shih Tzus

Question
QUESTION: My ShihTzus one day just wondered to my house and wouldn't leave. We walked him throughout the neighborhood hoping to find the owners. But no success. My children feel in love with him and we decided to keep him. However, We noticed that he does not like being alone. The first time we left him alone, he jumped out of our second story house through the children's bedroom window. And when we arrived, our neighbor brought him back to us. Also, other times, he will scratch the door so hard that he scratched the panel off completely. And when we arrive home, he seems to be in such a panic and runs and gets his toy to play with us as if he is saying please don't leave me and play with me. Now last night which is now the second time he has done this, is that he will scratch on my bedroom door as that is where he sleeps at night as if he is asking to go out. He is potty trained. So, I would let him out and one night we let him out and he ran away. Someone found him sitting in the middle of a semi busy street 3:00 in the morning. And last night he wanted out again. But this time I only let him out of my bedroom knowing that he might run away again. Now this time, the scratch the door so much that he actually removed the entire side of the door panel. My son took him in his room and he was trying to jump out of the window. So my son put him in the garage and he scratch a hole in the foam insulation of the garage door to the point where his paws were bleeding. I'm not sure what's wrong with him or what he wants. Any advice you can give would be appreciated. Thanks

ANSWER: Oh Boy!  Wow.... A very stressed little shih tzu..
How about you try a few supplements to help calm his nerves.  Also, he will try to do this if he is not neutered.  This is common INTACT male behavior.
So, first my question is .....?????  Is this boy an intact male?
If not, let me know and we can try some supplements.

I am sure you know what my answer is if he is not neutered...? right

Get back to me..
thanks

Marie




---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for your quick response... To answer your question about if he is neutered or not, well he is in fact neutered. And as a matter of fact, just last night, he was asleep and when we all went to bed, I guess he didn't realize we had all left the room, and when he noticed it, he started barking like crazy as if he was afraid to be alone. So we called him up to the room and he was shaking and wanted to be held. I believe he is an older dog. Like I mentioned before, he was a stray that wondered to my house. Do you think this might have something to do with his age. Or he is just really spooked about something. Ive never seen a dog act like this before. Or maybe he is sick? Please advise me of your thoughts.  

Sincerely,

Concerned

Answer
Well, he could have had some trauma in his life?  Hard to say!  I wish they could talk to us and make sense!  Right?
YOU may want to have a vet check him over for Urinary troubles or even Thyroid...JUST some basic blood work.  
I can offer you a few supplements to help calm him down and take some of the anxiety off of him.
The vet can give you some Doggie Valium for his nerves.

Wish I could do more for you.
Sorry


Marie Peppers LPN MA


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