Expert: Have4Paws - 1/15/2009

Question
I have a 7 month female beagle who is healthy for the most part she eats her dry food and i give her wet food on occasion.I have been noticing that that last couple of weeks when diamond is sitting down she will shake or shiver. I think she might have some sort of anxiety and i don't know what to do. and the vet isn't really a option because of money issues. She doesn't like being in her crate when i leave and she tears up the metal on the cage it extremely bad for her teeth iv tried other things like leaving her in the bathroom while i leave or letting her have the house to herself but she stresses out and tears up the whole house and stools around. And she is potty trained . she knows better than to do it in the house but im all out of options and im not sure what to do for her anymore besides the obvious thing would be to take to the vet. please help if u can thank tou.

Answer
Hi, sorry to hear about your problems with Diamond. She is  experiencing separation anxiety. I personally am not into crating but there are people who swear by it. I prefer secluding them to a small room and a bathroom is a good choice as long as you aren't closing the door. You should be using a baby gate so she can see and stripping the room of anything she can get into. As well, it might help to put on a radio for her and leave her with some rawhides or stuffed Kong toys that she ONLY gets when you leave. How long is she being left alone? Beagles are pack animals and do not usually fair well on their own a lot, they either need another canine or people around.

By the way, I would cut out the wet food, she doesn't need it, it isn't good for her teeth and causes loose stools. If you are using a good quality food she will get everything she needs from dry food. Also no human food, beagles are very prone to obesity,

Leaving her loose in the whole house until she is more mature and well trained is a recipe for disaster. his would be good time for a trainer if you can afford it. Sometimes just a couple sessions are enough to get things on track if you faithfully follow what they tell you.

Hope this helpful.... Good Luck!