Need help with the dog

[staylor]

Boo is not taking the loss of Crash very well. He is laying around nonstop, not eating much, will not come to bed at night (he has a dog `bed next to my bed where he has slept since he was a puppy) and just overall depressed. I have been giving him extra love and walks to try and pull him out of it but it does not seem to be working. All he wants to do is lay on the bed he and Crash shared since he was a puppy(it has been replaced many times over the years but it was always their bed to share). I thought about taking the bed for a little while or replacing it but I think that may make it worse. Its hard enough dealing with this without having to watch the dog struggling with it too. Any tips on how to help my dog deal with the loss of our other dog?

 

[li]

Dogs do mourn as we do. He Boo is going to need time just like you. I would do what you are doing...extra love, nice long walks and maybe start a new ritual that is different that it would have been with Crash. I WOULD NOT suggest running out and getting a dog to fill the loss. You and Boo need time to mourn before "replacing" Crash.

 

[staylor]

We have Boo and Ugly so we are not getting another dog for many more years. I just hate to see him so sad

 

[li]

It is hard, but there really isn't a whole lot you can do. Unfortunately dogs do create bonds with their housemates and when there is a death, they have to mourn.

 

[li]

http://www.petplace.com/dogs/do-dogs-mourn/page1.aspx

 

[staylor]

Thanks for the link. I did not realize how common it was for them get depressed. I knew it affected them but out of all the dogs I have had growing up we never saw any changes in them one one passed.

 

[Jiffy]

Awww, that is sad that Boo is upset too. Hugs to you and the family

 

[staylor]

Thanks. We did not think he would take it well so we got Ugly about a year ago so he would not be a "replacement" dog and Boo would not be alone when the time came, but it looks like it did not work that well. Boo is playing with him but that is b/c he doesn't have a choice. Ugly will just keep trying until Boo gives in and will play with him for a few minuets just to get Ugly to leave him alone, then its right back to laying on the bed acting old and depressed. Boo is 8 so the low activity levels would not be so sad if it were normal for him. He is the kind of dog who does not know his age, he still thinks he is a puppy, just with manners, a typical Lab.

 

[li]

He'll be fine...just give him time. Don't forget, you cried when you thought about the dog hair. Think about Boo....smells. His sense of smell is huge and he probably smells Crash everywhere but knows he isn't there.

 

[staylor]

Looks like Boo has gone from depressed to clingy. I know he is still sad but I would rather him be stuck to my side then sleeping all day. Step in the right direction? I am thinking maybe it is

 

[Pogie]

He'll be fine...just give him time. Don't forget, you cried when you thought about the dog hair. Think about Boo....smells. His sense of smell is huge and he probably smells Crash everywhere but knows he isn't there.

It is so sad when youre totally helpless like in this situation. But what Lisa wrote made me think. Dont know it will help or even if you have done it Sandra. But maybe wash the bedding / dog bed if possible to make Crash's scent a little less?

I hope Boo feels better eal soon. My cat that I hand raised from 1 week old died beginning of this year and I still cry sometimes when I see one that resembles her or when I think of her. Like with us it gets easier with time. Time is the key here (I know that doesnt help much)

 

[staylor]

I washed everything that day, Crash shed A LOT so everything was covered in his hair and he had the old dog stink. Crash's stuff was washed 1-3 times a week depending on how much hair was on it or how much it stunk. I know he will get better I just want him to hurry up

 

[Pogie]

Awwwwww poor guy. My heart bleeds for him.

Another thought to get him so maybe sleep calmly at night. This is an old trick that works for puppies when taken away from the mothers but its worth a try. Since Boo and Crash used to sleep toghether.
Take an old alarm clock, the kind that makes loud ticking sounds and place under a towel in the dog bed. The pups (Hoping Boo will too) thinks its the moms heartbeat and sleep soundly with their ears near the ticking clock.

Still hoping it gets better soon, even if this doesnt work :-\