HELP! My 15 yr old dog died Saturday, now my 9 yr old dog isn't eating or drinking. What can I do for him?

Answer 1

Dogs grieve just as humans do. Please, be patient with your dog. Explain to him that your 15 year old dog had a good, long life and had to move on. I know it sounds silly to explain death to a dog but he will understand the energy behind your explanation. Tell him not eating and drinking will not bring back his friend.
Good luck.

Answer 2

It depends on whether you think the dog is ill, or just grieving. If it's ill, take it to a vet right away and get treatment started. But if the dog is just sad and lonely, try to spend a lot of quality time together. Offer treats, soft foods with a high water content (such as meat baby food or prepared baby oatmeal) often do the trick, or give a little baked/boiled chicken because few dogs will refuse it. If you think the dog may be dehydrated, try an electrolyte solution (unflavored pedialyte for an example). Your vet can also give fluids intravenously if the dehydration is serious, and can also administer supplements to increase appetite. Keep the dog in a cool, quiet location to decrease stress. And tell him that he is important to you and you love him and want him to feel better soon. Dogs may not understand your words but they are very good at reading your feelings toward them.

Answer 3

If the other dog was sick when he died, I would take it to the vet. If not, the dog might be feeling a little depressed. Sometimes they get a little down when they lose their "friend". Believe it or not dogs sort of mourn too. Try spending a little extra quality time with it to see if the extra attention helps it snap out of it. This has happened to me before and a few extra trips to the dog park and some treats seemed to help the dog recover.

Answer 4

You dog might be experiencing a bit of depression. Reaction based depression: it is the consequence of an important shock or a state of stress. It can be due to the loss of a companion, an accident or an important change in the dog's surroundings. The dog stays still, it doesn't eat and can be moaning constantly. The case in which the dog has lost an animal it has lived with for several years, is very significant.


Often, reintroducing fun into their lives is just as beneficial and a first step to recovery. Consider scheduling play dates with other dogs and joining them in the activity. Doggy Daycare is another option that can provide many stimulating outlets. Even getting another dog is an option.
Dogs are very intuitive and can pick up on your own grief,when you think of your dog who has passed, think of the wonderful life he has lived.
If he continues not to eat and seems to be getting worse..see a vet

Answer 5

I'm assuming your older dog did not die of an infectious disease. If he did, then your other dog needs to be checked by a vet ASAP.

Otherwise, dogs can become depressed when their packmate dies. Give him lots of additional attention and affection. Encourage him with favorite foods. If he does not start drinking and eating in the next day or so, see a vet about medication to reduce his stress.

Answer 6

I would take him to the vet, just to make sure he's okay. If you don't have the money for that, or it's not an option than I would make sure you check up on him often and play with him (just to make sure he has energy an isn't becoming lethargic). Love him, try new and enticing (sometimes expensive) food to see if that gives him an appetite. Good luck with your dog, and I'm sorry to hear about the "old" dog.

Answer 7

1st please don't take advice from any of the posters above!

Dog deal with loss much like humans, and chances are he could sense that the other dog was going. the best thing is exercise the dog, this will do 2 things it will distract him and get him hungry. However since it has been almost 3 days you may need to take him to the vet just to checked out, they may even put him on drugs for a short term or even on a IV just to rehydrate him.

good luck and sorry for your loss.

Answer 8

sorry about your dog. your other dog is probably depressed as he misses the other dog. maybe you could take it to the vet or ring them up and ask what's a good way to help your dog through its grieving. I know when my cat died the next door neighbours cat (was his bestfriend) kept coming in our house and searching around for my cat and then he'd go outside and search all around the yard. he didnt know what had happened to him animals arent stupid they grieve just the same as us humans do. I hope you and your dog feel better soon i know how sad it is to lose a pet

Answer 9

If your dog died from natural causes & not a disease this dog here is probably depressed because his friend is gone. I am currently going through the samething with one of my dogs. I just talk to her & give her more attention than normal. You may try cooking some rice & adding it to cooked / deboned chicken to try to pursuade your dog to eat something. I hope your dog will be feeling better soon!!

Answer 10

Give him special treats like cooked bacon and take him for long walks in the morning to start his day off as distracted. Then when he gets home he'll be tired, and only "dream" about the 15 yr. old while he naps. Good luck to both of you in dealing with this profound loss.