My Labrador is grieving over the loss of her father?

Question

Our old Lab passed away in July, I brought the other Lab in the house for a brief period of time (she is up in age also). I put her back outside (she has lived outside her whole life. Her and the Lab that died were inseperatable) All she does is lay around, she won't eat, I have changed her food, I have added other stuff in her food just to get her to eat.I don't want her to starve to death. She just sits and stares at the back door. I let her in about every other day to spend some time in the house with us, I have to drag her back outside. I spend time with her outside on the days I dont let her in, brushing her, pampering her, walking her.What can I do about a grieving dog? Has anyone gone through this? what was the outcome? I don't want to get another dog, It wouldn't work out. If anyone has any ideas, PLEASE HELP

Answer 1

Dogs grieve just as people do. The longer the dogs were together, the more they grieve and by the sounds of it, these 2 dogs were practically each other's only companions. What this poor old dog needs is companionship which means actually being part of your family, rather than confined to the yard. All dogs get over their grief, providing they have something to occupy them. Give this dog the companionship she needs.

Answer 2

I think your dog might need more attention too. Maybe more days inside or a doggie door so it can go in and out as it pleases?

I however do not suggest that you get a puppy. Some dogs, especially older dogs, see a puppy as their "replacement" especially after another dog has already passed away recently. Sometimes this can cause the older dog to give up and pass away sooner. I personally have seen this with my own dogs. When I was much younger I begged for a puppy until my parents relented. As soon as we brought Seanee home, our older lab mix Cricket got jealous. When she saw Seanee wasn't going to be leaving, Cricket kindof gave up and her condition deteriorated rapidly and she died about a year later. The vet was completely baffled as to why she was deteriorating and dying because before she had been active and healthy. Also a friend of mine that has been a dog breeder for over 40 years told me about this happening in her experience too (many times not with her dogs).

If you do decide to get another dog, consider getting an older one from a Humane Society. There are often older dogs that people don't adopt as much because everyone wants puppies.

I think your dog will do one of two things- she will go through a grieving period and slowly begin to perk up and respond to the extra attention

Or she will stay mopey and might slowly "fade" away.

I think it depends on the level of involvment you and your family put in and the age and condition of the other dog.

I am sorry to hear about your loss. Losing a family pet is always hard.

Answer 3

Ok, I know that cats and dogs arent the same but, my old cat Fluffy passed away about 2 years ago along with my dog Shamrock. I also had another cat, Frisky. He was so lonely all he did was mope. He turned into an attention sponge, were he soaked up attention, and still couldn't get enough of it. He started acting like a dog. He was greeting us at the door, and everything. It took us two years to find the perfect cat, so I can understand why you don't want another dog. Sometimes it can take a while to find another pet, because your trying to move on, but its kind of tough. Maybe if you have to let your dog live inside your house for a little. Obviously she's lonely and living outside isn't helping the situation. maybe yu could take her to a dog park so she could socialize with other pets. I'm also really sorry that your other dog died and wish you well with the other dog. Also maybe it's her time to go, I know you don't want her to die but maybe her friends in heaven want her with them. I hope everything works out!
xox Meg~ :D

Answer 4

From what you described, your dog have more problem than just grieving. Let him in the house. It will comfort him more and help him get over the grief just being with you guys. Also, if you are grieving too, he will pick the signal from you and it worsen the situation. Try bringing your dog out to do some activities like frisbee at the park to cheer him up and spend his energy while it is good for him, it will be good for you too. It will pass by. Dogs do grieve but not forever so hang in there; bring him out and bring yourself out and away from the house for some fun activities.

Answer 5

Dogs do grieve just like humans, especially over the loss of a companion or master. I went through the same experience with my brother's Pit Bull. My brother recently passed away from cancer and him and the dog were inseparable. The dog grieved like crazy, he stopped eating, he mopped around and would go in my brother's room and whimper. I was beside myself. I called the vet who told me to do exactly what you are doing. Spend lots of time with the dog, take him for walks, brush him, and to add a little gravy to the food to entice him to eat. And if that did not work he could go on an antidepressant Prozac for dogs. Luckily it did not come down to medications. Right before my brother passed away he had gotten me a Lab puppy, and that puppy became my brother's dog's best friend. He had a new playmate and I started to do the things with the dog that my brother used to do. The gravy did get him to eat and with time he started to come around. It has been a year and he still looks for my brother, and can get depressed but he eats and plays with my Lab. You may want to consider going to the vet and get their opinion. I know it takes time for them as it does us. But it really important you spend time with her because loneliness will only add to her loss and make her miss her companion more.

Answer 6

Yes, your surviving dog is grieving. As you say they were inseparable, and now she has lost her mate.

You say that another dog would not work out, but have you considered a puppy? You may just find she will want to be Mum - and I certainly don't think she would fight with it.

Answer 7

Your dog could use Xtra exercise and family contact. Additioally some 'dog' socializing' would be bennificial. Dog park? friends w/dogs?.If you decide to get a 2nd dog ,involve your dog. Pick candidates and introduce your dog. Evaluate their interaction. A new dog could help,but the wrong dog could make her miserable.

Answer 8

it probably would help her to be in the house more with you guys, if your dogs are considered part of the family they should be with the family. It also might help her if you got her a new friend to be with her outside, if thats were she is all the time and thats whats she's used to.

Answer 9

No he did not and might't undergo in recommendations any of the adult men interior the kin having a mustache! My hubby had one and it became into like a cord brush! He had to shave it off because of the fact my face became right into a large number! purple bumps!

Answer 10

She needs company. If you can't get another dog, then my only suggestion would be to bring her inside and keep her there.

Best thing though, would be to get another dog to keep her company.