Why Do Chihuahuas Cry - Ways To Calm Your Chi

Last Updated on July 12, 2021 by Marco

Why do chihuahuas cry is a common question among Chi parents. But, if you want to learn how to calm your pet – our article’s your best bet!

If you’re the brand new parent of a Chihuahua, it can be a little distressing to see actual tears in its eyes. We don’t blame you for thinking that something you did made your pet sad. However, the truth is, the reasons behind a Chihuahuas can vary – from allergies to sinus infections. So, you can stop feeling as if you’ve failed your furball in some way.

And, we’ve got more good news. Our article will focus on explaining the most common reasons why Chi’s cry and what you can do to help your pet calm down. All we need you to do is scroll down to get all the answers you need.

Table of Contents

Why Do Chihuahuas Cry – The Reasons

If you’re guilty of searching for the term – why do Chihuahuas eyes water – don’t worry, you’re not alone in your concern. In fact, the sheer popularity of this question from pet parents is what prompted us to put together this article.

As uncomfortable as it can be to think about Chihuahuas crying – it’s necessary to understand that there’s always a logical reason behind your pet’s behavior. So, you don’t need to worry about your canine parenting abilities just yet. Here are some of the usual culprits behind why it looks as though your canine is genuinely crying.

Allergies

Believe it or not, the reason behind your pet’s watery eyes can be allergies. One of your pet’s natural mechanisms against irritants entering the eyes is the production of tears via the tear ducts to expel the allergen from its system. Chihuahuas are quite vulnerable to the following irritants –

Pollen
Fungi
Mold
Dust
Grass

Apart from the above, your pet can also be susceptible to food allergies. The easiest way to tell food allergies apart from seasonal allergies is to think back on the timing. For instance, it’s possible for your Chi to develop food allergies right after you’ve altered its diet in some way. On the other hand, seasonal allergies are more common during the spring or summer.

Sinus Infections

Yup, another common reason for water eyes in Chis is sinus infections. You may not think so, but your pet is just as vulnerable to pathogens like viruses and bacteria as you are. When these pathogens enter your pet’s system, they cause the nasal cavity to become inflamed, leading to symptoms like sneezing, watery eyes, and even sneezing.

If your pet displays one or more of the symptoms mentioned above, it’s a good idea to take your Chihuahua to the vet for a confirmed diagnosis. Your vet may prescribe your furbaby with medications like antibiotics or antifungals to help clear out the infection.

Blocked Tear Ducts

Is your Chi displaying signs like red or puffy eyes, red-tinted tears, or excessive pawing of the eyes? If yes, then the cause behind your doggo’s liquidy eye is blocked tear ducts. Your Chi’s tear ducts can become blocked due to several reasons. These include injuries, cornea ulcers, or genetic predisposition.

Treatment of blocked tear ducts will require an urgent visit to your favorite animal doctor. Your vet may prescribe your Chihuahua antibiotics (in case of infections) or anti-inflammatory medications to reduce the swelling around the tear ducts. However, severe cases may require surgery to reset the situation and widen the tear ducts.

Why Do Chihuahuas Whine vs. Why Chihuahuas Cry

There’s another possible reason behind your Chihuahua crying, and it’s known as the Small Dog Syndrome (SDS). However, in such situations, there are a lot fewer tears involved and much more whining.

The terrier-like tendencies in Chihuahuas highlight a stubborn streak. And, sometimes, this stubbornness can lead to your pet acting out in weird ways. Chihuahuas with SDS will not only try and act like they’re towering creatures but will also whine or growl when they’re feeling uncomfortable.

However, you need to understand that your Chi isn’t acting that way to annoy you. Generally, Chihuahuas can feel anxious or distressed when they feel lonely or alone. Their whining is more of a cry for help. For instance, if your puppy has taken whining during odd hours – it’s struggling to adapt to its new surroundings. On the other hand, if your adult Chihuahua is the one making the racket, it can be due to separation anxiety or a change of environment, among others.

How To Help Your Chihuahua Overcome Its Whining And Crying

The first step in helping your Chihuahua overcome its Small Dog Syndrome is to understand that whining is a behavioral concern. That means you’ll need to take certain measures to help your furbaby get over its feelings of apprehension and nervousness. One of the easiest ways to do this is to build up your pet’s confidence by giving it defined tasks to perform.

Obedience training will not only help your pet develop its skills, but it’ll also allow you to give your pet your undivided attention. This will have the two-fold effect of making your dog feel more confident about itself and create a deeper bond between you and your pet. You can start the process with simple commands, such as sitting before mealtime. Also, when your Chi follows your commands, don’t forget to boost its self-esteem by praising it and giving it treats.

However, if you feel that you may have the necessary knowledge to handle the situation, you have the excellent alternative of enlisting the help of a qualified dog trainer.

Hiring a professional to help your Chi’s behavior won’t mean you have to stay out of the process. In fact, it’s highly recommended for you to attend your pet’s sessions with the trainer to observe techniques and methods. This will help you train your dog at home.

Conclusion

There you have it, people! We’ve reached the end of our comprehensive Why-do-Chihuahuas-Cry article and hope that you know more about your pet Chi now than when you started.

Chihuahuas may seem all devil-may-care at times – but underneath all that bravado beats a sensitive heart. You’ll be surprised at the stuff that can throw your Chi off. The good news is that a little TLC and some extra effort and attention on your part can help your pet bounce back to its happy self.