LoveToKnow Dogs:AllComments

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Hi Jane, and welcome to the site.

I think what you've observed is just some natural separation anxiety from this puppy because the main person she has bonded with is suddenly gone. She doesn't have the capacity to know her owner will return in a few weeks. It's alright if she's eating a little less as long as she keeps eating something.

Is there something you can give this puppy that has her owner's scent on it? She might find that comforting. Keep in mind that you have to be careful about the item you select because the puppy will likely chew on it. Maybe you can give her owner a call and ask what she/he says is okay to use. Perhaps a blanket from the bed? This should have some scent on it.

You can also help this puppy through your own interactions with her. Keep your attitude fun and calm. Don't play into the puppy's whining because you'll inadvertently reinforce her notion that something is wrong. When the whining gets too much, take her outside for some exercise and mental stimulation. That should also help release some of that energy.

Thanks for your question, and I hope you find these suggestions helpful.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

Hi Kelly,

A few days ago, my neighbour left for Korea and put me in charge of her 7 month old puppy while she was gone. I've been walking her (as she is a husky/ black lab) each day, and feeding her twice a day, but she's been eating less and whimpering all the time. I'm really scared that she is depressed, especially since the owner won't be back for another 2 weeks.

Please help! Thank you

-- Contributed by: Jane

Hi Kelly,

It may help your dog to get her out of the house for some daily walks and interaction with other people and pets. A change in perspective may give her a new lease on life. While you're out, take a water bottle with you to try to get her to drink (since walking will likely make her thirsty) and see if a drive-through hamburger sparks her appetite. If you can see some improvement while she's away from home where memories and smells remind her of her lost companion, hopefully she'll begin to pull out of her depression. Thanks for sharing your situation, and I hope things get back to normal soon.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

Help Kelly lost her campainion 3 weeks ago and is very depressed. Vet ruled out illness but was dehydrated. What can we do to get her to eat or drink?

-- Contributed by: Kelly

Hi Andy and Sage,

Here's what I suggest. Begin keeping a diary of when these episodes occur. Mark the date and time, and then try to write down anything particular that happened in the house around that time. After about a week or so, you might be able to see a pattern in your records that offers a clue to what's triggering your dog's unusual behavior at those times. If you can pick something out, you can then begin to address what's happening and try to correct it.

Thanks for your question, and I hope this suggestion helps.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

My Jack Russel Terrier, Sage, has never been hit, beaten and has never had a tragic event in her life. Yet, she recently started acting weird. In a scared way almost, she will creep around low to the ground, stay in my bedroom, refuses to go outside unless taken out, but she only does this sometimes. Anytime that she isn't doing this she is perfectly fine. We have 5 other dogs but she has always been ok with them. I'm just so confused on what this is coming from and why all of a sudden. Please help me

-- Contributed by: Andy and Sage

Hi Pamela,

My heart goes out to you and Sophie.

Did your vet happen to give Sophie a thorough physical exam? After a year, you could have expected her grief for her sister to have faded. It would be unusual for it to have lasted this long. Sometimes an underlying physical ailment can make a dog seem tired and depressed. Your vet should run a blood panel to check for any abnormalities plus give Sophie a thorough going over to see if she has any joint problems, etc., that could be causing her to feel unwell.

Thanks for sharing your situation, and I hope these thoughts prove helpful in some way.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

I have a 2 year old girl scottie her name is Sophie, and when her and her sister Sadie where about 1year old they were outside playing, and darted away,we looked everywhere all night and found out that Sadie had gotten killed up on the highway. Some people found Sophie and called us, we went right up and got her. But every since then she has been so depressed, we took her out finally to let her see if she wanted another puppy to play with, So for awhile it kind of seemed like it helped some, But then she started regressing back to the way she was. The little pup is now 1 year old and selfish with toys, So Sophie just dropps her head and walks away. Its killing me and my husband to see her like this. I talked awhile ago to our vet about this and he tried her on 15 MG of Prozac, I had her on it about 3 weeks but she seemed to get worse instead of better, so I took her off of it. She won't play or hardly eat, it seems like all she wants to do is sleep. Can you suggest anything at all we could do to help her. Thanks. Pamela Gibson

-- Contributed by: Enter your name here

Hi Sarah,

I'm so sorry to hear about what's happening to your new puppy. I'll be honest that the situation sounds very serious. If your pup isn't drinking, she could become dehydrated, and that's where the real danger lies right now. You need to continue with the antibiotics for the pneumonia, but try to entice your puppy to drink a little clear chicken broth. This will supply fluid and a little nutrition. See if you can get her to lick some off your fingertip. If that doesn't work, you can try using an eye dropper to place one drop on the front of her tongue. Hopefully this will get her started drinking on her own again.

I know the vet bills are tough to deal with. Most of us are in the same situation these days. However, you may be able to ask your vet to check the puppy for dehydration and if he/she would be willing to give a subcuetaneous saline injection to help hydrate her. This would give her more strength to fight the pneumonia.

I wish I had more advice to give, and I wish you the best possible outcome for your pup's recovery. Keep us posted.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

hi i just adopted a shepard/ spanniel and shes 8 weeks old she was diagnosed with pnuemonia and has been taken medication but shes lost her appetite sleeps 95% of the day and doesnt drink because she has a small heart im afriad she will die i contacted a vet but the only thing i can do now is give her the medication i can afford what are home remedies i can use and how can i get her to eat again? thanks

-- Contributed by: sarah

Hi Jane,

It really sounds like you're doing your best to help your dog through this trying time. Just keep including your dog in daily life as much as possible. Just by interacting with her in the ways that you can, you're engaging her mind, even if she can't be as physically as she wants to be right now.

I'm just curious, did you and your vet discuss anything about calcium supplementation to help the fracture heal a little quicker? Any type of supplementation needs to be approached carefully because overdoing it could cause more harm than good, but it might be worth asking your vet about it.

Thanks for your question, and I hope your dog heals as quickly as possible.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

My dog was recently diagnosed with a fractured sacrum. As a result, her usually active life (walks, plays and sessions at dog park) has been severely curtailed in the hope the fracture will heal in time.

Apart from the fact that she is most likely in pain at least some of the time, I think she might be depressed due to the sudden change in the level of her activity. She lies on the couch most of the day. She did go through a period when she was not much interested in food. Her interest in food picked up when I started making her food - mealtime is about the only time of the day when she seems much interested in anything.

In the evening she will pick up a toy and 'ask' to be played with, but, due to her fracture, we have to discourage any playing at all (she just can't play gently!)

I'm home most days and she gets lots of hugs and 'conversation'. It breaks my heart to see her like this. Given her, at present, necessarily very quiet life, how can I encourage her to feel better?

-- Contributed by: Jane

Hi Samantha,

Your dog may indeed be depressed, but it's usually best to ask your vet for a physical exam as a route to reaching a diagnosis because an illness can contribute to the way a dog behaves. Shedding and general lethargy may indicate a problem with your dog's thyroid gland or liver. These are just a couple of examples, but your vet should be able to figure out if this is a physical illness or basic depression.

Thanks for your question, and I hope dog gets back to being his old self soon.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

I think my 6 year old rottweiler is depressed. All he does is lay on the couch from morning to night, and if I try to take him for a walk, I basically have to drag him the hole way. He has accessive shedding and no matter how many times per day I brush him, the hair just keeps getting worse. He is also extremely lazy and wont even fetch a toy that I throw in our backyard. I am fed up yet worried about my dogs health. I dont know what else to do.

-- Contributed by: Samantha

Hi Nala,

It's very possible your older dog is fed up with the rambunctious pup, but at seven, your older Dane is likely entering her senior years. It would be good to get a baseline on her health with your vet, just in case she is developing a physical problem that's causing the depression-like behavior.

In addition, I think it would be helpful to get the puppy into training. Puppy classes are great for socialization and basic manners, but obedience training provides a lot more behavior control. I think your older dog would learn to live with the puppy much easier if you could help him tone down a bit. I'm also going to suggest that you begin taking these two for daily walks together if you haven't already been doing so. This would help establish them as pack mates. It would help burn off some of the puppy's energy, and the fresh perspective could help your older dog's mood. Hopefully this combination of suggestions will improve your situation.

Thanks for your question.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

I think my dog (7-year-old Great Dane cross) may be depressed. Over the last few days, she seems very moody, lethargic, not getting up when people come home. She is still drinking and eating, and gets excited about dinner time, but that's about all. About two months ago, we got a new puppy - they get along okay, but really, my older dog just tolerates the puppy. He comes up to her and slaps her in the face first thing in the morning, always tries to jump on her couch - just generally annoying. Do you think that (the puppy) is the likely cause of her bad mood?

-- Contributed by: Nala

Hi Luna,

It's wonderful that you were willing to adopt your mother-in-law's little Chi. Actually, it sounds like you're doing well so far. You're assuring him that he's loved, and you're including him in your family activities. At ten, the adjustment is going to be harder, but if you provide him with consistent expectations and treatment, he'll be alright. It's just going to take some time. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

Hi there! We were just given a 10 year old male chihwawa by my mother in law who can no longer take care of him. We've had him for 2 days and have been spending lots of time with him and taking him to the beach, etc. things that he likes to do. He seems depressed though and mopey. Any transition ideas of how we can help him adjust to his new home and new life?

-- Contributed by: luna

Hi Andrew,

The best recommendation I can make is that you take your dog to the vet for a physical exam. There could be an underlying medical cause for your dog's recent change in behavior and lethargy. Hopefully the vet will able to figure out what's troubling your pet and set the situation right.

Thanks for sharing your situation, and I do hope your dog will be back to his old self in no time. Best wishes.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

Hi Evelyn,

I'm sorry to hear your pet is having so much trouble adjusting to her new companion. There is no set amount of time for her to accept this new dog in her territory. It could take weeks or even months before she warms up to her. Usually it's best to bring a new dog and a current pet together in neutral territory to see how they get along before you decide whether the pair will be a good fit for each other. Since you've already brought the new dog home, its best to keep working on the situation.

It sounds like there's no aggression involved, so that is a good sign these two will eventually accept each other. Try to keep a regular schedule for your older dog, and that should help. Rather than give her extra attention, simply treat her as you always have. The extra attention may be reinforcing her notion that this newcomer is something to worry about. I also highly recommend you begin walking these dogs together on a daily basis. Traveling in a pack is a primal instinct for dogs, and if these two can learn to relax around each other during the walk, you should begin to see it transfer to their home life as well.

Thanks for your question, and I hope it works out for you. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

my dog has been very slugish and unhappy. when i took him for his walk he didnt wag his tail. he seems verys sad but there hasnt been any changes in his life. im worried sick over this please help.

-- Contributed by: Andrew

How long should it take for our only dog for 4 years to adjust to a new dog? Our first dog seems very depressed since the new dog came. Granted, she has been spoiled and used to getting all the attention, but we have given her extra attention. The new dog tries so hard to play and be accepted by the old dog who wants nothing to do with her. Is there hope for the new dog or should we return the new dog?

-- Contributed by: evelyn

Hi Sue,

It sounds like the addition of your second Xolo was very recent, and that your first dog is feeling a little put out of his own territory. I think you'll find that this situation naturally improves with time as these dogs get used to living with each other and establish their natural pack order. It's a very good sign that they play together outside where the territory is a bit more neutral.

To help make the transition easier, make sure your new dog has her own bedding, bowls, etc., so your first dog doesn't feel like he has to compete. Also make sure to give to give him the same amount of attention, and try to maintain his regular schedule. This should help relieve some of the stress he feels right now. It may also be helpful to confine the new dog for an hour or so each day to give your first dog time to roam the house without having to confront the newcomer. Things should slowly return to normal, but they won't necessarily be the same as they were before the arrival of your new pet. That's just part of bringing a new member into the family pack.

Thanks for sharing your concern, and I do hope Xolo regains his confidence soon.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

We purchased a xolo in Dec 2007 and just purchased another one the end of Jan. Zolo(first) seems depressed now. He plays well when outside with Boo but when they are inside he hides all the time any suggestions.

-- Contributed by: Sue Parker

Hi Alexandra,

Without being able to see your trainer in action, it's difficult for me to comment, but it's fairly rare for a dog to become depressed during training if the trainer is going about it right. All training should be carried out on a positive note, providing the dog with plenty of praise when he performs successfully. Training, although serious business, should still be fun for the dog so he doesn't become discouraged and possibly tune out. I think it would be a good idea to contact a different training facility and ask if you can observe someone else's training session. This way you can see how another trainer works, another dog's reaction, and try to gauge whether your current trainer is the right fit for your dog.

Thanks for your question, and I hope you find this suggestion helpful.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

Hi! My St. Bernard is a bit depressed since he started his training. He is 6 months and is on a 1 month training program. It is only for 30min. a day and I am observing him all the time during his training. He is treated with a lot of respect but the trainer expects a lot from him. I was explained that his depressed behavior is normal due to the stress he feels while trying to figure out what the trainer wants from him. Do you think this is normal? Is my dog in any trouble or harm? I think he has a beautiful "dogality" and wouldn´t want him to change or suffer. Thanks for your help.

-- Contributed by: Alexandra

Hi Rebecca,

Thank you for sharing Poncho's situation. I'm sure he is having difficulty adjusting to his new living situation, and this can be even more difficult for a senior dog. The new smells of the house are enticing, and he is probably trying to mark out some territory he can call his own. The loss of his beloved owner probably also has him feeling bewildered.

I would recommend limiting his territory in the home to a single room for the time being. He can be gated in with a baby gate. Keep his food, water and bedding there also. He will need to be retrained for his new home, and this means taking him out for frequent potty breaks until a new routine is established. The soiled areas in the house will need to be soaked with an enzymatic cleaner to fully remove the bacteria and urine crystals that leave trace scents and inspire the dog to come back and soil again.

It's going to take time and patience, but it is possible to retrain and acclimate this dog to his new environment if you remain consistent. I truly hope things work out. Best wishes for a happy outcome.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

Dear Kelly,

My brother-in-law just loss his mother in Augest, and he brought home to my sister and her son a small dog named Poncho. Now, he has never peed in the mother's home and never barked like he does now. I honestly think it's a sign of depression because of the loss of his owner. He is very skittish and only comes to you after he is handed to you by my sister or brother-in-law, and he is constantly peeing in my nephews room and their living room.

My sister is at her wits end, and is afraid that if Poncho doesn't stop she will have to get rid of him. He is very old and we are afraid that if they take him to a shelter then they will put him down.

Any advice and suggestions are very much welcomed! Even though it's only been a few months Poncho has become a part of the family. We don't want to give up yet!

Thank You.

-- Contributed by: Rebecca

Hi Jessica,

It sounds like your dog could be stressed with his living situation, but I just don't see how the vet would arrive at the notion he is depressed. If you refer back to the symptoms listed above, you'll see why I differ in my opinion.

A scratching and licking problem could actually be related to some type of allergy. It could be caused by something in the environment, an ingredient in your dog's food or even a parasite. I'm a little surprised your vet just made an immediate diagnosis like depression without trying to rule out the physical possibilities first. That said, I'm not against having a dog neutered, I just don't think it's going to the complete answer to your dog's case. I honestly think you should get another opinion from another clinic.

Thanks for your question, and best wishes.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

My dog is depressed. The doctor recommends to give him a vasectomy and that will help him --- is that true?

What happened is that my dog scratches & lick himself all the time. Two days ago, he was scratching so hard he started to blood. My mom took him to the doctor and that was when we found out that he is depressed.

We were trying to look back considering what cause his depressed.

1. I was the one that took care of him since he was born. But since three years ago I move away from him and was not able to visit him but once a year. He still lives with everybody in my family.

2. He is still virgin, but he never expressed it or acted like he was aroused.

3. Since my niece was born and now she is 2 1/2 years old. She spends 2 weeks every month with my family at their house. My dog gets jealous and sometimes he tries to run or jump on my niece when she is crying and screaming. They would keep my dog behind a gate much of the time when my nice is at the house. He has never been locked up like this in the past 8 years.

These are the main reasons that I would like to ask and if we decide to let the doctor give him a vasectomy would that solve the problems (scratching, being calm).

Thanks.

-- Contributed by: Depressed dog with scratching
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