SIGforum
Depressed dog after bad week.

This topic can be found at:
https://sigforum.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/320601935/m/2720053834

February 27, 2018, 10:20 AM
maxdog
Depressed dog after bad week.
We had a very bad week 2 wks ago. We had 3 dogs: a 10 yr old long haired red mini dachshund female (Carmen), black/tan 11 yr old male dachshund (Bob) and a 12 yr old Beagle Dachund mix (Buddy). Carmen developed a seizure disorder. She began to fall over periodically. She would lay on her side knocked out for about 20 seconds and then get up dazed.

Vet tried some drugs but ineffective. Seizures became more frequent. Last Wed, wife called vet re meds. Vet said bring her in. Wife got into the truck. There was a tragic accident when Bob got under a wheel. We rushed him to the vet but he was gone. Bob was our most robust and healthy dog. Two days later Carmen died from her seizure disorder. We lost 2 of 3 dogs within 2 days.

Sad week at our house. The dogs were close to-each other, playing, pranking together and sleeping in the same box for the past 10+ years. Remaining dog Buddy seems quite depressed. We’re trying to give him as much attention as possible. I believe he’s depressed. Any ideas what we can do to help him?
February 27, 2018, 10:23 AM
sreding
Oh no! To lose two in such a short time would be awful. Frown I don't have much for recommendations for cheering the other pup up unfortunately. They can be 'heartbroken' just like people at times. Giving extra attention is good - maybe daily walks (if you don't already do that?).

Shawn.




I reject your reality and substitute my own.
--Adam Savage, MythBusters
February 27, 2018, 10:24 AM
vinnybass
Oh man, that's awful! I'm so sorry for you all.



"We're all travelers in this world. From the sweet grass to the packing house. Birth 'til death. We travel between the eternities."
February 27, 2018, 10:30 AM
sigmonkey
Buddy needs a buddy.

Time for a rescue.

It is not too soon, and your heart and lives have the capacity to welcome another.

And you are not "replacing", but adding to all of your lives.

I am very sorry for your pain and loss.




"the meaning of life, is to give life meaning" Ani Yehudi אני יהודי Le'olam lo shuv לעולם לא שוב!
February 27, 2018, 10:32 AM
h2oys
We had 2 dachshunds who were brother & sister. When Bud died we buried him and let Wendy sniff everything throughout the process. It might be in our own minds, but, we think that gave her closure.

Is it too late to do something similar for Buddy? Even if you've already buried the others, dachshunds have great noses and you could take Buddy by the grave site.

Later we added a new pup, Gretchen, so Wendy had a buddy. They got along but not like the way Bud & Wendy used to play. When Wendy passed we went through the same burial process so Gretchen would "know" Wendy was gone.

Since then we've added a rescue and a Humane Society dachshunds so we have 3 now.

Best of luck with Buddy and very sorry to hear about Carmen & Bob.
February 27, 2018, 10:32 AM
41
Dr Karen Becker had an article about the stress on a dog when he losses one of his companions today and what to do:

https://healthypets.mercola.co...-deal-with-loss.aspx


41
February 27, 2018, 10:53 AM
maxdog
Thanks for your responses. The vet artl was especially helpful.
February 27, 2018, 10:58 AM
Sig2340
Like my primate brother, I am very sorry to hear of your pain and loss. Pet deaths are especially hard because of the bonds created.

As for Buddy, he needs a clowder of kittens.

No one can be depressed when attacked by a clowder of kittens.





Nice is overrated

"It's every freedom-loving individual's duty to lie to the government."
Airsoftguy, June 29, 2018
February 27, 2018, 11:12 AM
arfmel
That's awful. Condolences of the loss of your pals.
February 27, 2018, 11:35 AM
Rick_Perry
I am so sorry to hear this news. I really feel bad for you guys. Very sad news.


_________________________

Einstein defines insanity as "Doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results"
February 27, 2018, 11:36 AM
Hound Dog
Sorry for your loss.

We had two Bassets, who lived together for 12 years. When we lost the older one (the black one in my avatar), the younger (brown) one was depressed and sulked for months. He was lost, in that he was never without his buddy for his entire life - they did everything together. He eventually adapted to being in a 'one dog home,' and he recovered. His personality changed some, as the older one was definitely the dominant one of the pair, but he came into his own.

They say 'time heals all wounds,' and there is a lot of truth in that.



Fear God and Dread Nought
Admiral of the Fleet Sir Jacky Fisher
February 27, 2018, 11:44 AM
Ryanp225
Sorry for your loss.
If you are able, I also recommend going to the shelter and look to adopt another buddy. You'd be rescuing them and your lonely pup.
February 27, 2018, 01:24 PM
Skins2881
I'm so sorry. Frown



Jesse

Sic Semper Tyrannis
February 27, 2018, 01:55 PM
pwelch001
So sorry maxdog, I'll keep you guys in my prayers
February 27, 2018, 02:27 PM
rusbro
Sorry to hear about the double whammy.

At times like this the best thing you can do for Buddy is to remain positive and consistent. Don't throw "pity parties" for him, because he won't benefit from them. Try to find new says to fill time, to give him something to look forward to. Humans tend to grieve much longer and more intensely than dogs, and they often project their understanding of human grief onto their dogs.

Some ideas:

1. Long walks, especially where he gets to sniff new areas.
2. Obedience for rewards - You CAN teach and old dog new tricks.
3. Hide and seek games, where he either finds a toy, a family member, a treat, etc. - This is a really good game for Beagle, since they are hunters. The nose of a dog can be extremely powerful in motivating the body to move.
4. Puzzle solving for food - search Amazon for "dog puzzle toys."
5. If you sometimes sit on the sofa and watch TV but don't currently allow Buddy to join you, considering starting to do that, so he can have a replacement for the physical contact he had with his lost packmates.
6. Think about if you have any neighbors, relatives or friends who have a friendly dog that could spend some time with Buddy, even if it's just for daily walks.

Best of luck. Stay upbeat.
February 27, 2018, 02:32 PM
P226RN
Oh my goodness. I am so sorry. I hope your little one and you all feel better in time. Just awful.



If it won't matter in 5 years don't give it more than 5 minutes.

February 27, 2018, 02:46 PM
Jim Shugart
So sorry for your double loss.

I agree with the monkey; get a rescue or a puppy ASAP for all of your sakes.



When a thing is funny, search it carefully for a hidden truth. - George Bernard Shaw
February 27, 2018, 04:31 PM
Pal
Very sorry for your losses.

Jim
February 27, 2018, 05:55 PM
Oz_Shadow
Sorry for your loss. Around here there are a few boarding places that do daytime doggie daycare and let the dogs socialize with each other.
February 27, 2018, 07:28 PM
hapevo
I am so sorry for your loss. When our Silky passed away, our Norfolk terrier didn't miss a beat. They had been in together for about 12 years. Neither did the other two younger pups. Kinda odd.

But me, on the other hand, still grieve two years later.....


______________________________________________

"Saving one dog will not change the world, but surely for that one dog, the world will change forever." - Karen Davison


"Man can measure the values of his own soul in the look of the eyes of an animal he's helped" - Author Unkown