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Why is my senior chihuahua sleeping and not eating after a scare?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Chihuahua | Female | spayed | 22 years and 10 months old

Senior chihuahua, service aminal, might have PTSD. Apartment manager allowed cleaning crew to steam clean carpet. Everything was changed and she was outside on Porch waiting, I walkded in she was hiding. Never has been the same dog as before. She just sleeps. Eat very little, Does drink water

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Jessica Keay, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on March 12th, 2018

I am sorry to hear about your chihuahua. Because of her age and her symptoms (lethargy and decreased appetite) I would definitely recommend an examination by a veterinarian. We can certainly see medical problems in older dogs that can cause these symptoms such as kidney disease, infections, liver disease, and more. An exam by your vet and some bloodwork may help to be sure there isn't a treatable medical issue. If there are no abnormalities found, then they may recommend some over the counter products that can help with anxiety such as Adaptil which is a pheremone product available as a plug-in or collar, Zylkene or Composure which are calming supplements, a thundershirt which is a compression vest that calms some dogs. And in some cases prescription strength medication may be necesssary from your veterinarian.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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