Will my remaining dog be OK?

Question

For about 5 years, I have had two dogs living in my backyard. One was considerably older, and has recently passed away. Needless to say, she wasn't very active in her later years, living to be 18. Now that she's gone, I'm wondering if my remaining dog, who is 6, will be OK as the only dog. Has anyone had experience with this?

Answer 1

It all depends on the dog. Some adjust well, others not.

I had a Chow and a Min Pin. My Min Pin passed away and my Chow went into depression. I got another little puppy, but that's not what he wanted. He missed his old friend. I believe he died from a broken heart about a year after.

I'm not suggesting to get another dog. Just see how he does with the loss.

Answer 2

depending on how attached the dogs were,your younger dog will probably look for her friend for a while,and jperhaps mope around and be depressed. give her lots of attention and love. this should wear off after a while,but if she becomes listless or starts leaving her food,you may need to get her interested in a new friend quickly. i had a 6 yr old dog who just layed down and died after his much older pal passed away. we did not realize how sad he was until too late. so watch your dog carefully, and you willknow what to do.

Answer 3

Depending on how close the dogs were your living dog might become depressed for a while. Just make sure you give this pet lots of attention and love. Eventually, just as in people, the dog should stop mourning and move on.

Answer 4

It depends on the dog.
I know of several when I worked in vets offices that would mourn so bad that they would dye from a broken heart.
Others are just fine and yet others do better with another dog.

Answer 5

she will more than likely go thru a period of mourning just like u would. Give her time and maybe a few months down the road, u can get her a new companion.

Answer 6

i have. My older Basset died leaving my younger one behind. He later died.