Is my puppy depressed because he knows his friend died a horrible death?

Question

Last night my 4 month old Australian Shephard was apparently dognapped out of my yard by a coyote and killed.

I took my 10 month old AS with me to go find her and he found her body in an adjacent property with her guts hanging out.

Now my 10 month old AS just looks sad all the time. In the past he used to jump on everyone cause he was happy all the time but now he just approaches us but doesn't jump, just kinda groans. I mean he was high energy but now he seems like he has no energy at all.

So what can we do? Get another puppy for him to play with? He really loved her and always played with her.

Answer 1

Sorry you lost a pet. That one was obviously the "alpha" or leader of the puppy; also, dogs are by nature very social. So not only did he lose his leader, he lost a friend. The best thing you can do is to make sure you are "alpha" to your puppy, spend lots of time with him. If you don't know the tv docu-series "Dog Whisperer" you should check it out (it's on Discover or TLC or one of those type channels). That guy is very good with dogs, and I learn something everytime I watch his programme.

Answer 2

That's so sad for both you and the puppy. You can get the homeopathic remedy Ignatic 30C at a heath food pharmacy. A one time dose for the puppy and you will greatly reduce the stress of the loss. You might give the puppy one-half of the dose just to be careful because of his small size. If it doesn't seem to be helping him give the rest of the dose.

If you can get it at the 6C level use that for the pup and take more for yourself.

Answer 3

Another puppy would probably be a good idea.
& any idiot that says dogs don't know and don't have feleings is wrong.
When my dog's biological mother died (was run over by a car) he was very depressed. He was sluggish and cried/whimpered at night and during the day. he was miserable, but then i got him a new puppy and they became wonderful friends and he's happy now!

Answer 4

Awww so sorry to hear about your puppy. Just give him a little time. He knows his little friend is gone so there will be a readjustment perioid. I wouldn't go running out to buy a new puppy as that might make matters worse, your current dog may resent it. Just give him plenty of love and attention and he'll be fine.
Then get a new puppy :)

Answer 5

Yes, dogs grieve just like we do. Give him lots of extra love and affection right now and a new puppy may be a good idea. So sorry you lost one in such a tragic way.

Answer 6

while Ur dog might not be depressed about how Ur other dog died, he is likely depressed that his playmate is gone. now he feels lonely. another dog would be great in this situation, but are u going to keep it outside at night where the same thing could happen again? really think about if Ur able to keep the dog secure

Answer 7

Another companian might help, but the 10 month old might shun the new puppy because he just misses his old friend. He might just need some time to be alone.
Good Luck!!!

Answer 8

i don't know but let me tell you something strange.i had 3 basset hounds.one of them was hit by a car Monday.and my poor baby died.her name was Samantha well Samantha use to play all the time where my other ones would just lay around.now that Samantha isn't here my other basset Tabitha is acting just like Samantha.this is strange so yes i guess your dog could feel the affects.

Answer 9

Yes, that is a distinct probability. They have feelings just like us (even my fish grieved over the loss of her buddy! :( ) If you can and have the room / time / etc, get him another playmate. But be sure you introduce the two of them before you make any decisions. Your poor baby!

Answer 10

Im really sorry about what happened. Yes maybe you should get anothher pup but you should wait awhile so he can get over it a little. Also until then spend a lot of time with him and give him a lot of love. Once again im truely sorry. :(