Is my dog depressed?

[CocoBichon]

Last Saturday my gorgeous 10 year old Bichon Dyson suddenly became sick, by Sunday I had to make the heart breaking choice to have him put to sleep after the scans showed a large mass around his kidneys. I was completely devastated. I also have a 13 year old Bichon Diva. She has not been very responsive and seems to avoid me and just lays in her bed all day. I am taking her for extra walks to meet up with other dogs, which seems to cheer her up. Once back home she seems so distant. I'm really trying not to to be upset in front of her. I'm sure she can sense my sadness. Can anyone suggest what I can do?

 

[JoanneF]

This is so sad. There was another similar post some months ago, Gypsysmum gives good advice especially on behavioural issues. Have a look http://www.dogforum.co.uk/topic/83489-dog-pining-away-help/?fromsearch=1

 

[dogmatize]

Yes your dog will be depressed. I had experience of this 14 years ago when my old boy died and my younger 2 year old became so depressed he lay on my bed all day, only getting off to eat and then retreating to the bed again. I tried buying him extra treats but nothing seemed to help.We have other dogs in the house but it seems the bond with my old boy was particularly strong.

I had also been told that it was important that in order to process their loss the dog left behind should see the body of the dead dog.

I have since then decided that that is nonsense. Indeed when he realised he was dead he physically recoiled and ran up to my bed where he pretty much stayed for 2 weeks.

The breakthrough came when I bought a toy monkey with big eyes. As soon as he saw it he leapt off the bed and grabbed him and from that point he seemed to recover fairly promptly.

 

[gypsysmum2]

The theory behind the dog seeing the body is that the dog becomes aware of what has happened to their companion. If they are not able to see the body it can make them feel insecure because there is no closure and maybe another companion might just disappear? Of course we cannot really tell that is what is going on in a dog's mind but it seems fairly sensible to me.

Rest assured that your dog will, in time, come to terms with losing his companion. Just try to keep basic routines the same but add in some special treats to cheer him up. Grieving takes time. Be kind to yourself.

 

[Raven oaktree]

I'm so sorry to read of your loss. Even when it's the right thing to do and knowing they had a full happy life , it's still heart breaking beyond belief.

My very old dog grieved for his much younger best buddy when we heartbreakingly made the choice to put him to sleep. He laid by the door and didn't move for 2 weeks. He wouldn't play , he wouldn't come to bed , he barely ate..when we attempted to go for a walk he would put the brakes on and refuse to leave the drive ..watching the door ..waiting for Marley. It was heart breaking. Be gentle with yourself its an awful time and you will all take time to heal x

 

[CocoBichon]

Thank you for all your kind words and suggestion. Can only do my best and keep on loving her and trying to heal myself xx