My 8 year old Boxer had to be put to sleep 4 hours ago because he had a brain tumour. We really hurt, he was having seizures in the last few days of his life and was really destressed etc. my trouble now is the dog he left behind. I`m really worried about our other dog, we got them as young pups together, they`ve only known each other, she`s an insecure terrier and relied on her big boxer friend - how do I deal with her grief?
2007-02-12 12:35:12 · 11 answers · asked by vivi-mac 3 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
Dogs do grieve when they lose a friend, but not to the extent people do.
Act as normal as possible with the terrier. Dogs tend to follow your lead, so if you act troubled, the dog will be more troubled. Don't make the mistake of "sympathizing" with her grief; she will think you are upset, and if you are upset, things must really be bad!
You could take some extra time with her, maybe even take her to an obedience class, as this would probably improve her confidence.
2007-02-12 14:23:47 · answer #1 · answered by The First Dragon 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've had a simular situation with my dogs. The dog left behind does grieve and might be off the food for like 3 or 4 days. I had buried my dog in the yard while I buried my dog I let the other one set there while I dug so he could see his buddy being buried. He laid on top of that grave for a solid two weeks. Time is the only healer I know unless you want another dog which might help.
2007-02-12 12:47:44 · answer #2 · answered by Extra Blue Note 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am so sorry for your loss. I lost my dear friend about 3 years ago. First thing I did was to let the other animals smell the friend they lost. They knew then that she was dead. Then give your remaining dog time, attention, and love. They have to go through the grieving process just like you do. Cuddle with her and let her know that it is ok. Don't over power her though. Let her grieve and then when the time is right, give her another friend to love. I feel for your loss and hope you will give yourself some time to grieve too.
Dogs do understand death. She knew that your other dog was ill. They can sense and smell it. With time, your other dog will adjust.
Take care and God Bless
Dee
2007-02-12 12:42:18 · answer #3 · answered by deegayle4me 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I have been through this myself. I bought a daschund at six weeks old and a few weeks after she turned three months old I got a new puppy and had her for a year. Well the new puppy got hit by a car two days after she turned a year old andn my daschund was depressed. She stopped eating and wouldnt do anything. So I gave her a few weeks and then got another puppy and she has been fine ever since. So you might think about whether this would be an option for your dog or not. It worked wonders for mine.
2007-02-12 15:19:53 · answer #4 · answered by JENOA1 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Of course dogs grieve. Haven't you ever seen _Where the Red Fern Grows_?
All you can really do is shower the other dog with extra love and attention.
I'm sorry for your loss.
2007-02-12 12:43:05 · answer #5 · answered by Dave R 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
spend alot of time with the dog and time will be your best healer. If you think that isn't working after a period of time, get another dog for her to play with and bond with.
2007-02-12 12:39:32 · answer #6 · answered by zzkoontza 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, they do grieve. You will need to spend a lot of time with him or another dog that he can bond to.
2007-02-12 13:09:33 · answer #7 · answered by Auburn 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Of course they can. I'd say much of the animal kingdom does. I'm sorry for your loss.
2007-02-12 13:25:06 · answer #8 · answered by purplepizza 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yea htey can grief
2007-02-12 13:14:20 · answer #9 · answered by sarah_see_123 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yeahh im sorry:(
but you should like spend time with her and stuff make her feel better:\
2007-02-12 12:43:13 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋