My 6 year old Japanese Chin Rufus has always been a happy, goofy dog. But this past year he has been through 2 significant changes:
my aunt's 12 year old lab mix died (Rufus loved and idolized him...we live with my aunt), and I adopted a chihuaua from a rescue group. Rufus has never had to share me and his bed with another dog before. The new dog is also very clingy, so he's always wanting to be held, and I know Rufus gets jealous when he sees that. I do my best to not neglect giving any attention and love to Rufus, but he's still so depressed now. All he does is mope. My aunt says it could also be because he's getting old, but 6 is not that old for a small dog. Anyway, my question is, is it possible to bring my dog out of this funk he's in?
2007-01-02 15:39:08 · 8 answers · asked by ? 6 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Make Rufus feel like TOP DOG. Feed him first. Give him treats first. Take him out for walks or a car ride just the two of you. Hold and cuddle him too not just the rescue dog. Rufus will get over his depression he just needs to know that he is Alpha. Make him feel like a king and he will be the happy goofy dog you remember in no time.
2007-01-02 15:46:41 · answer #1 · answered by ESPERANZA 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go to your local health food store and ask if there are some herbs that you can mix in with your dogs food--I know alfalfa is good but just alittle for dogs are not grass eaters and if too much mixed in will not eat. As long as you give Equal Love,Attention there should be no need for jealousy-a dog is only clingy when the human makes him so for can't by himself get into your arms-sure you aren't being favorable to the new dog????You can hold the new dog and still cuddle the Chin at the SAME Time. The Alfalfa has health giving qualities- like will increase energy and give nutrients to give the best of health which should lift some of the depression but animals grieve just like humans and having his companion of many years die more than likely affected him the most and why you SHOULD NOT LOVE ALONE the new dog in front of him and it will take time for him. Take him outside,run with him,throw a ball and Play catch-the best medicine for him is time spent with him in play.- you can include the new dog in this activity--play should always include both anyway.
2007-01-02 15:53:02 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You're right, 6 isn't old for a dog. I hate to say it, but maybe get someone else to take care of the Chihuahua? If not, I say take some time every day for Rufus, like take him and only him on a walk at the same time every day so he knows he has his special time with you. Or maybe allow only him to sleep on the bed.
2007-01-02 15:43:19 · answer #3 · answered by Amanda 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Our family Pamerainan died over the summer and my dog Daytona was pretty depressed for awhile too. My other dog Luke gave jhim kisses and tried to cheer him up and then he cheered up sometime . Now he is fine just try and get your do in a good mood. good luck too try to cheer him up
2007-01-02 15:43:38 · answer #4 · answered by aceclaw2 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes. I would have special walks with him and play time on the floor with him everyday. Try this before you try Prozac and yes they do give antidepressants to dogs. Good luck. Have a great year.
2007-01-02 15:45:34 · answer #5 · answered by firestarter 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Talk to your vet about an anti depressant for your dog. My friend put hers on one and it totally changed his personality back to the way it was before he got depressed.
2007-01-02 15:46:14 · answer #6 · answered by Serinity4u2find 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He'll get used to it. For now give him bacon to forget his woes.
2007-01-02 15:47:10 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
give your dog attention and meat
2007-01-02 15:46:39 · answer #8 · answered by aoagroo 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋