Depressed Dog....

severnmiles

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14 November 2005
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As some of you may know we lost Willow yesterday, Beano one of our little JRT's looked on her as mummy, they slept together, she cleaned his ears and other areas
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and really mothered him, they played for hours on end chasing each other and were best buds, since she's gone he's curled up in his bed, doesn't want to know us (VERY unusual as he's a real people person), he hasn't eaten anything, doesn't want to go for walks (or even get out of his bed) and hasn't drunk anything.

Has anyone ever experienced this? Is it best to leave him to it or try and get him eating and take his mind off of things?
 
Similar thing happened to our Ridgeback when we lost her buddy in July. They had been together since they were pups. She ate and drank but was obviously depressed. We had the opportunity to rehome a rotty who was 6 months old and took her in. It took a few days but we have almopst got our old Ridgeback back. She still misses her friend and I think she always will but getting a new playmate helped her and us.
 
I'm sorry to hear about your dog, I really do sympathise. When Wurzel our JRT was put to sleep a few weeks ago we never really gave a thought as to how it would affect Morgan, but she really pined. I suppose even though she is a much bigger dog, Wurzel had been her mum even though we never thought of her as such. Morgan became very clingy with us, and although she didn't go off her food she did lose weight, which is quite a common thing in boxers when stressed. Now, she is fine, and is back to her old bouncy self and full fighting weight - in fact, she is thoroughly enjoying being an only dog and lapping up the attention. It just takes time and patience, make a lot of extra fuss of your dog but don't try and force him into anything. He will deal with it in his own way.
 
Hi S. First time on line for few days. So very sorry to hear about Willow hun. Its quite natural for some dogs to grieve just like we do. Plenty of walkies, games and cuddles. Big hugs coming to you. H x
 
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