My Chihuahuas are Suddenly Depressed and Aggressive

I have two Chihuahuas, Bubba and Abbey.

Lately Bubba has started acting a little depressed. He seems anxious and worried. He’s always been a mama’s boy, but now when my boyfriend goes into the kitchen, he cries at the door.

My female, Abbey, started attacking us all of a sudden every time we get home by sticking her tongue in our nostrils and mouths.

Is there a specific reason behind all this?

– Britt, Irving, Texas

Since these problems could be due to either a medical or behavioral issue, we asked both our Ask a Vet, Dr. Patrick Mahaney, and our Ask a Trainer, Eugenia Vogel, for their responses. Read our Ask a Trainer’s advice here.

Hello Britt,

Thank you for submitting your question.

It sounds like you have two canine family members that are both exhibiting behavioral problems. When it comes to determining the best way to improve your pet-person relationship, we have to consider the myriad of possibilities as to why these problems may be happening.

The best place to start is to take both of your dogs to your vet for a physical examination and evaluation of their day-to-day lives in terms of eating, drinking, bathroom habits, medications, supplements, activity, rest, etc.

Often, behavioral problems originate in physical problems, so see a veterinarian to get yourself and your pets on the road to a happy household.

– Dr. Mahaney

PHOTO: orderlyschism

Dr. Mahaney

Patrick Mahaney, VMD, CVA has a thriving veterinary practice in Los Angeles. His clients respond favorably to his combination of Eastern and Western medicine, including acupuncture. In addition to making house calls, Mahaney makes himself available via social media outlets such as his blog and Twitter. He is dog dad to i Love Dogs canine ambassador Cardiff.