Question about a dog mourning the loss

[linsleyd]

I'm not sure how to title this one! We had to put our Shepherd down two weeks ago and our lab is depressed. She barely eats (which is a huge thing, if you know labs) and is just not the happy dog she normally is. Any idea how long her mourning will last for? We've been taking her for more walks and trying to spend more time with her but it's also hard with the time we work and a baby. I feel so bad for her.

[LakeMartinGal]

It's sad to watch, isn't it? We had a similar experience when Toby died, but we were going to be traveling, and couldn't get another dog right away. It took about 3 weeks before Riley would be interested in anything else (except food -- he'd been a stray before we rescued him, and he'll eat, no matter what!). He just moped though. He picked up after about 3 weeks, and then we got him Tanner, a new golden, to play with!

[Beth]

We had a similar issue with a cat who just quit eating and drinking -- she laid in all the places that were favorites of the cat we lost and was just heartbroken. Cats can't go that long without eating before they have problems, and despite all our best efforts, she went into liver failure and resisted the treatment for that.

I would call you vet and tell them you are concerned. Dogs can go longer than cats, but you don't want him to get too weakened and wind up with a problem. Not eating makes them feel weaker and probably adds to the depression. Maybe you can get an appetite stimulant to try to help him perk up. My cat with kidney failure is getting one whenever she doesn't eat well for a while and it really perks up her appetite. Dogs are so much easier to pill -- I'd definitely be willing to try that. They may have some other things to suggest also. Maybe socializing her with some other dogs?

I have a lab too. I know what you mean about the eating well -- she always eats well unless she is sick -- and then she looks for treats too. Hope you can help her perk up.

[LadyWild]

If it gets severe enough talk to your vet. When I was a kid, we had 2 Shar-peis. The old grumpy one always pretended to hate the young one but when the young one suddenly got ill and passed away he went crazy. He destroyed furniture, would walk in circles, and cry constantly. It was terrible to watch. The vet put him on antidepressants for several months. That helped him come back to his old beloved grouchy self.

[hollysmom]

Though YOU may not be ready for a new pooch, maybe a friend will shake your current dog out of his doldrums. Take him to an animal shelter and see if he finds himself a friend - maybe even another adult dog rather than a puppy.

SSM

[Beth]

Just wanted to say I hope he's doing better. ((( )))

[fldivegirl]

I hope you lab is doing better. Jack is still sad and very clingy. We decided to start looking for a pal even though it has only been 2 weeks since we lost Jill. Not really hoping to find someone too soon though yesterday found what we think will be a perfect fit and I applied to adopt her.