this girl I know has been babysitting her parents dog while they are on vacation. the thing is the dog misses them soo much that he doesn't eat & drink as much as he used to. he almost can't sleep either. i suggested giving the dog a piece of clothing that belongs to the parents in order to remind him of the smell, but is there anything else. any tips?
2006-08-05 06:27:12 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
Chamomile tea works very well, and is safe for him.
Dump it out of the teabag, and use 1 teaspoon for small breed, up to 1 tablespoon for a large breed. Mix it in a little canned food, such as Mighty Dog, or Cesar's, It will keep him happy, but reduce stress. It can be given as needed.
If your grocer doesn't carry chamomile, you can use 'SleepyTime Tea' as it is the same,but with added herbs. Plain chamomile tastes better to a dog.
Also, ask her to gently stroke him over his eyes..and wipe him with a damp washcloth..he may fuss about this, but do it anyway..It is like mom dog washing his face..and nurturing him.
2006-08-05 06:34:59 · answer #1 · answered by Chetco 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
What the dog is going through is called separation anxiety. The dog will not starve its self, it might go a couple of days without eating, but it should be fine. Giving the dog an article with the owners scent on it is a good idea. The only other thing that I can think of is to spend as much time as you can with the dog. Right now it is just scared, and doesn't understand what is going on, and why he can't see his owners.
You could also try hand feeding it, just sit down with him and see if he will eat out of your hand. Good luck.
2006-08-05 13:36:04 · answer #2 · answered by venus 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
This isn't uncommon...many dogs eat less when their owners are away and act anxious. My advice would be to mix in a little sodium free chicken broth, plain boiled chunks of chicken (not too much) or some plain rice with his food to tempt him to eat. Also, if he likes ice cubes, try giving him these with his water to get him to drink.
She should also be sure to walk the dog several times a day. When the dog is hungry enough, he'll eat. Exercise may also improve his mood.
Other than that, there's not much she can do.
If he acts like he's getting sick or VERY skinny, she should take him to see a vet.
good luck.
2006-08-05 13:55:02 · answer #3 · answered by k 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Many dogs (especially Shepherds and older dogs) get very depressed when their owners are away. In addition to the excellent suggestions about speaker-phone calls so the dog can hear their voices and unlaundered clothing for comfort, she should try long walks. That takes the dog's mind off it and the exercise improves the dog's appetite. Good luck!
2006-08-05 13:38:01 · answer #4 · answered by Danger, Will Robinson! 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
try letting the dog hear there vioce on the phone and ask the owners how they treated there dogs if they spoiled it or played wit it and letit sleep with them at night then you do the same try making he enviroionment seem like he's at home with it's family if that doen't work give it lots of loe tender care so she will feel relaxed if not give it a room and redecorate it and start dog sitting more often so that room can be just for dogs
good luck<333
p.s i have a labrador and he tore up a cooler when we left to go on vacationhehas like this thing where he think we have left him nd there wont be anyone to take care ofhimbut he' over ir now i think it's called seperation angziety or something
2006-08-05 13:36:19 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have heard of this before. One of my friends dog will not eat when they go on vacation. I have never left my dog for more than one day. But I do know that my dog does not eat any food when I am not there. I do not know why dogs do that. I just wanted to let you know that other dogs do that too. Sorry that I could not answer you question.
2006-08-05 13:33:00 · answer #6 · answered by sarah 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The clothing is an excellent idea. I would also suggest some extra exercise..............which might distract the dog, and wear him out more so he can sleep.
2006-08-05 13:35:19 · answer #7 · answered by arak4 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There isn't much more you can do...weird as it may sound, perhaps give the parents a call and let the dog hear their voice, maybe it will comfort him a bit.
2006-08-05 13:33:02 · answer #8 · answered by diyta 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
clothing sounds like a very good idea, Iam keeping my daughters dogs ,she has been moving and trying to get things organized. They miss here and I was wondering that to . thanks for the tip
2006-08-05 13:34:13 · answer #9 · answered by jingles_200 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
leave a baby monitor with him at all times when they r gone. That way he can listen to the sound of their voice.
2006-08-05 13:31:22 · answer #10 · answered by California Dreamer 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋