Should I get a new puppy to keep him company?
2006-12-28 22:24:26 · 16 answers · asked by rax s 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
First off, you should make sure your dog's lack of eating isn't related to (or causing) a serious physical problem. Please make an appointment with your veterinarian for an examination and some bloodwork, to rule out any other potential causes of your dog's anorexia.
You should only get a puppy if you want a puppy. Your bereaved dog may very well not like the noise and chaos that a new puppy will bring to the household. If you want to adopt a new dog, you might want to consider getting an older, adult animal. A quieter, more mature companion might be more reassuring to your dog.
But remember, regardless of the new dog's age, it won't be an instant replacement for your pet's lost companion. In fact, for some dogs, a stranger in the house will only make the situation worse. Your dog may or may not adjust to and bond to a new friend; it depends on his personality.
Whether or not you get a new companion for your dog, he's probably going to need some time to adjust to life without his old friend. You can help him by keeping as many things the same as possible. Give him routine walks and feedings and keep his old, familiar toys and blankets around. And be sure to give him a little extra attention and love. If he's still not eating,
you can get him started by tempting him with some extra-yummy canned food or treats, but don't let him eat them for too long. If days go by and he continues to resist even the tempting treats, it's time to enlist your veterinarian's help.
2006-12-28 22:49:14 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Probably too soon for that. It's a lot like people. You just need to give him lots of attention and be patient. Long walks will help the dog relax and wrap his mind around new stuff in his surroundings. Long walks. Warm hugs. Yummy ffod will eventually do the trick. I would wait awhile before considering another pet which may make him feel like you're replacing him because a new puppy would definitely take YOUR attention off the death not your pet's.
2006-12-29 06:44:54 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, but don't show the new puppy more attention that your existing dog (at least when existing ***** is there) because that could make the existing ***** feel even worse.
The ***** loses his buddy so feels depressed and then feels replaced, if you get what I mean.
Also if you do this, be prepared for the puppy to perhaps suffer the same depression when your existing ***** dies someday as bad as that sounds unfortunately.
2006-12-29 07:35:22 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You did not say how your dog died......if he did not die from an accident, then you need to find out if what killed him is contagious and if maybe your other dog also has whatever the illness was. If he died from an accident this is not an issue, but you will still want to take the dog's age into consideration before you get a puppy - take your dog to the animal shelter and see if he picks out his "New" friend for himself.
2006-12-29 06:38:55 · answer #4 · answered by kim 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No you should not. Your vet is the person to talk to. Just like people, dogs can also get depressed, and they also can take anti-anxiety or anti-depressents prescribed for them. A puppy may put an unpredictable factor into your dog's life, as well as your own.
2006-12-29 06:34:12 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I am very sorry about your dog. It must be very upset. Yes, I think you should get him a puppy to keep him company.
2006-12-29 10:30:07 · answer #6 · answered by Nitin T F1 fan 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You better get the dog a companion..My dogs died 2 weeks apart
2006-12-29 07:30:24 · answer #7 · answered by peg42857 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you can handle a new dog, I would try that but if you are not ready for that, give your other dog a week to cope with the lose, He should get better on his own but if it worsens and he is not eating at all, take him to the vet to get checked.
2006-12-29 06:33:03 · answer #8 · answered by Daisy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i seriously think u shud buy another puppy, becoz dogs tend to get very connected to every1 they live with, and if their close ones leave suddenly it hurts them, it will take time for ur depressed doggie to adjust with the new puppy, but dont worry, everything will work out soon, until then, force him to eat, feed him urself, otherwise he might so sick..
take care
2006-12-29 06:27:27 · answer #9 · answered by wacko 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most definitely get a new puppy for him. It will definitely help the dog's disposition if he takes to the new member of the family.
2006-12-29 06:26:04 · answer #10 · answered by r_a_i_n_m_a_n_5_9 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋