This happened two weeks ago. He has been very snappy and just wierd in general since he got back. (I didn't loose him the kennel did). Does anyone have any suggestions?
2007-01-15 06:08:16 · 9 answers · asked by hopadee 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
I took him to the vet right after I got him back and they said he had a low fever but it was probably from stress and he would be alright.
2007-01-15 06:16:44 · update #1
Is it too soon for him to start doggy obedience tommorow?
2007-01-15 06:34:03 · update #2
I have no doubt he is suffering from a little post-traumatic stress. He is used to a place where he is warm, safe, paid attention to, fed and loved. Dogs get used to routines and can become unhappy with changes or something out of the ordinary. As it was mentioned, he was alone, cold, lonely and had no familiar voice to comfort him when he was out there crying. And add the fact that strangers were around right before he got lost (or lost him for you, but I was being nice), he is probably pretty wary and watching everything closely. He is going to have to put his doubts and fears that he may have out of his mind one at a time, so be patient. There is no way of knowing what he went through.
I wouldn't over spoil him because when he settles down, you may have bad habits to break or he won't understand when your behavior goes back to the way it was before this occurred. Keep the same habits and routines and times that he is used to. Stay calm and gentle, and don't push him to play but let him know that you want to play and love on him. If he wants to watch you or have some space, let him. When mine are in a bad mood, I just touch them briefly as I walk by or adjust their blankets while they lay on the couch to let them know I am around and willing to pay attention, but I am not going to crowd them or let anything else bother them. That is the best you can do until he tells you otherwise, and it is tough because we only have their body language to go by. He is watching your body language as well, so talking to him constantly isn't necessary if it makes him more snappy. Reassuring looks help a lot. It may take time and it may not. It boils down to all being up to him, and not you, so don't judge yourself.
2007-01-15 06:33:42 · answer #1 · answered by Alanka 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's entirely possible that he has been traumatized by something that happened when he was lost, or just by the fact that he was lost and alone. It sounds like he is very scared and nervous now. It's also possible that he is irritable because he's got an injury or illness of some sort. Has he been to a vet? You want to make sure he gets a quick check because dogs can get all kinds of parasites in the woods, especially if they've drunk stagnant water. You also want to make sure he's not gotten any bites or wounds from another another animal or from a fall, etc. Also make sure he's up to take on his rabies.
Since he's young, he should recover quickly, just be patient and give him lots of reassurance and let him come around at his own speed since you can't be sure exactly what triggered it. As long as he doesn't start being aggressive towards you, he should be fine.
I would definitely contact the kennel and recoop any fees or board you were paying them, that is just rediculous that they lost him!
*Nope it's not too early for him to start doggy obedience. The sooner the better for you and him! Puppies can start puppy classes as young as 10 weeks.
2007-01-15 14:20:37 · answer #2 · answered by dog7788 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He's been through a lot, no one to love him or feed him or stroke him for days, he's been scared, cold and alone. Wouldn't you have some sort of post traumatic stress? Of course. Make a fuss of him, but keep calm, be gentle with him, take him for walks, avoid the woods for a while, stroke him often and give him treats, in time he'll be back to his old self. I'm assuming you did have him checked by a vet, if not, do so.
Good luck
2007-01-15 14:14:09 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Look him over for ticks, any damage to his skin? Taking him to a vet for a check up was wise. A nice bath and grooming would be good. If you have not, done so already go over him well, and look for ticks, bites, skin damage, ear infection, also look at his nails and pads well is there anything stuck there, or any cuts. Try a gentle massage. After he has stopped snapping, check his mouth teeth and gums. Proper nurishment should improve his condition quickly, and your loving care should do the rest.
2007-01-15 14:23:26 · answer #4 · answered by pooterilgatto 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have no idea what could have happened to him on those 5 days, give him a little time. I am not saying you should put up with biting, but take it slow with him. Some dogs are forever changed after being lost and he may never be his old self.
2007-01-15 14:16:27 · answer #5 · answered by whpptwmn 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, dogs do become stressed and behave uncharacteristically after such an ordeal, just as humans do.( especially children) It usually takes about 3 weeks for them to get back to their old selves. If he isn't better by next week, then he needs to be checked by the vet, to make certain there isn't another underlying cause for his behavior changes.
2007-01-15 14:19:02 · answer #6 · answered by Chetco 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He may have some sort of neurological problem. If he continues to act this way, please see your vet. They can run tests to determine if the dog needs medication for seizures or even a mental disorder.
2007-01-15 14:13:28 · answer #7 · answered by icequeen406 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
dogs are not like humans they came from the wild and there is still some of those traits in them. all this dogs needs is for you to take care of him, give him food and shelter and a soft voice to soothe him. don't think of dogs as humans , think of them for what they are,(animals)
2007-01-15 14:23:40 · answer #8 · answered by eddieteston 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
TAKE HIM TO THE VET IT COULD BE SERIOUS.
2007-01-15 14:12:58 · answer #9 · answered by girl_vday 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋