We have two dogs we had to put one to sleep and the other is starting to act different. how can we comfort the other dog?
2007-02-03 14:26:57 · 17 answers · asked by Jennifer T 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
We cant get anther dog right now. So we need to find anther way to help it.
2007-02-03 14:40:07 · update #1
The same thing happened to my Great Pyrenees when my Samoyed had to be put to sleep. Your dog is also upset that he/she has lost a member of there "pack" I'm sorry about your loss. Just reassure him/her they are loved, it might take time for your dog to be fine again (just depends) for mine it did. Don't get another dog right away, it wouldn't be good for the dog you would be getting or your dog. It is unstable emotions for the dog you would be getting -from everyone still being upset for the dog you had to put to sleep- And your dog may not take to kindly to the new dog because he/she is still upset about the loss of your dog. Truely sorry about your dog.
2007-02-03 14:41:28 · answer #1 · answered by Julia 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, there are several ways, depending on the pooch's personality. Extended lap or petting times are good, and talking to the dog in a cheery tone will help. Some dogs will pout and pine for a short while, if so there is not a lot you can do but allow the dog to heal. Dog memory mercifully fades fast, I would bet in a week or two pup will enjoy being the only dog.
Sorry for your loss.
2007-02-03 22:41:07 · answer #2 · answered by steve.c_50 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They grieve like people do. It's harder if the one put down was the alpha/pack leader. Extra play time and loving will help the process. Show excitement anticipating and actually during walk times. Another dog when timing is right will do wonders, too. Then this dog is the one that becomes alpha. Our dog ages are staggered; it would be too hard on us to lose them both back to back. Introducing a puppy with a puppy scent will bring out the soft side of the remaining dog, too. Sorry for your family loss.
2007-02-03 22:38:53 · answer #3 · answered by skylight 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Your dog has just lost its best friend, or closest family member. He/she is going to be confused, and senses the pain that you and the rest of your family is enduring, as well. This is totally normal behavior. Just lavish some extra attention on the dog, I know this is hard because you are trying to grieve the one that is gone, but the other dog needs to know he/she is still loved and a part of the "pack" (family).
It is going to take a couple of weeks before the surviving dog stops looking for the one that is gone, and a lot of patience on your part. I wouldn't recommend getting another dog right away; you don't want the dog to feel like you are replacing his/her "brother or sister", and the dog needs time to grieve the loss as well. Some extra attention, like walking, brushing, sleeping in your bed if that is unusual, may help him or her feel more appreciated as well.
In time, the dog will realize that his/her buddy is not going to return and will begin to act more normally but just realize that the same grief that you and your family are experiencing over the loss of your pet is affecting the other pets as well.
I'm so sorry for your loss, and good luck with the recovery period. I've been there many times. Have you looked at the "Rainbow Bridge" sites on line? Sometimes it helps to light a candle for your lost pet, it did for me.
2007-02-03 22:40:15 · answer #4 · answered by Avon Lady 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
First let me say I am sorry for your loss. It is difficult for owners as well as the other pets to lose a member of the family. The other dog will want to seach for the missing one for several days. Let it have full access to any areas it wants to explore. But it will just have to roam the house and will eventually accept the fact that the other dog is gone. Remove all items that belonged to the dog you had to put to sleep as this (because of its smell) will only serve as a reminder to the remaining dog. Other than that, just pay alot of attention to your dog, lots of affection and reassuring. Only time will heal.
2007-02-03 22:37:26 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It may be expensive, but find a doggy day care to leave him in for a few days and maybe it will take his mind off of it. Another idea might be to find a dog park in your area. Just run a search for it or go to http://www.ecoanimal.com/dogfun/. It might distract him to play with all the other dogs.
Sorry for your loss--I know it's a hard thing and then your other dog is mopey on top of it!
2007-02-03 22:57:37 · answer #6 · answered by Lindsay 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They will notice. My Chihuahuah died around 2-3 years ago, the pommeranian acted very different for quite a while. He got aggressive towards everyone. There is no way to explain to the other dog what has happened, it just takes time for them to get over it. Show the other dog lots of extra attention now, let him know hes still special.
Its sad i know.
2007-02-03 22:32:20 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Spend more quality time with the dog. take for walks, drives etc..
He is lonely - dogs are pack animals and need to be with other dogs or people to feel secure. If over a period of time your dog
doesn't come around, than you may want to add another dog in the home ...
2007-02-03 22:31:39 · answer #8 · answered by petlvr 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Bless your heart, and your pooches heart also. Yep its grief. Don't know what you can do except give him lots of extra love at this time. What I have done in the past is let my remaining dog have something of the other dog's. May have been my imagination but it seemed to help.
2007-02-03 22:56:58 · answer #9 · answered by thankyou "iana" 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This must be a very hard time for you. You should get another dog to comfort your other. It will take some time to having the dog gone
2007-02-03 22:31:34 · answer #10 · answered by Dazzle101 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋