DailyStrength Pet Appreciation Group Community Group

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My furry best friend is depressed

bogey44
bogey44
HI,

Our dog of 12 years died. It was awful. We got a puppy. Our 8 year old dog (my baby), has become a shell of himself with the puppy. It has taken spirit away. My heart is broken and depression is setting in on me. I have even had him to the vet. She said to have my husband and myself play with the 2 dogs all together. The 8 year old is "my" dog and puppy is husbands. I have tried many things and nothing works. She did say that it would take time even months. It has been 2 months. Every time I think he is better, he goes back in his shell.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks
billwfriend
billwfriend
sorry not sure what to say...your older dog misses his friend...and the new puppy is full of spunk and spirit....I think it will change...he will either become aggressive around the new dog or he will be passive....it could go either way....hugs bill
gustokitty
gustokitty
Sorry for your loss and for the loss your other dog is feeling.
pd2012
pd2012
I'm not sure what the time frame was between the death of your older dog and bringing home the new puppy but I would also say that there's depression there with the 8 year old dog. In his mind he may just feel that his old friend was replaced with a new one. He's grieving the loss of his old friend. I would spend time with both dogs, equal attention, equal training, equal exercise from both you and your husband. The older dog will come around eventually.

We adopted two puppies 14 years ago, a male and female, when the male died two years ago, the female went into deep depression so I understand how you feel watching them suffer emotionally. It's sad! I would to start with, getting him into exercising, walks etc. to keep him busy. I can tell you too that your depression will affect your dogs behavior, he may be picking up on your emotional state.
bogey44
bogey44
Thank you
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