depression

nickname: dog depression after other dog died? We have a family friend who just lost their 15 y/o amstaff to cancer. They have another 13 y/o amstaff and I was wondering if it might help if we let our dogs hang out with their dog. They've all been around each other before, our dogs are 2 & 3 but respectful around older dogs. I've heard that dogs get depressed after losing a doggie friend, I would be so sad if this dog suddenly stopped eating or something because shes depressed. Would it help if she hung around our dogs? Or is there not much to be done? Answers and Views: Answer by HavieHang around. When we had to put my dod to sleep my other dog was so sad and depressed that he would throw himself up against the back door, but as soon as we got a puppy he was more like his old self. If the two dogs grew up together then they have a real connection. Let your dogs visit it will do good.Answer by ScottieDogWhen I lost my first dog, my vet told me to expect my other dog to act depressed, but if it lasted longer than 2 weeks to bring him in for a check up. It took about two weeks for my dog to return to normal. I think the younger dog probably understood the older one was sick. While dogs don't understand cancer or death, they can sense things. In my dogs' case, when the female got sick, the male allowed her to sleep on his bed and he protected her. Normally, he wouldn't let her near his bed. Your friends need to spend some extra time with their dog and work through their grief together. Watch for loss of appetite or intense grieving that lasts more than 2 weeks. Let your friends decide if they want you to bring your dogs over. You can offer once, but then let them decide what is right for their dog. Added: my dog that passed was seriously ill for a long time. Three months after our dog died, we brought a dog the same age as yours into our home. The old dog was 13 1/2. They didn't play but I could tell the old guy enjoyed the new dog's companionship--he was deaf and dogs can communicate with each other. They were able to spend 9 months together and I feel this really enriched my old guy's life.Answer by southernfriedblondieIf your friend thinks it is a good idea then sure it would be great therapy for the older dog. Dogs are pack animals and almost always do better when they have other canine buddies.Answer by quickyweeh!thats a great idea youve got there.! let your dogs hang out with him so that he wont feel depressed and lonely.Answer by MoondogThe dog may cope with the loss of its companion better than the owners will. Not all dogs are depressed when another dog in the house is missing. None of my dogs stopped eating when we lost our dog to cancer. This was the dog they looked up and followed, though they did look for her. Dogs cope very well, they live in the moment. They don't reflect on what was or what might be in the future. I wouldn't do anything at all unless the owners ask you to. They may consider it to be intrusive. I'm sure if they need you to bring your dogs to their place they will ask you.Answer by SuzanneHang around. When I lost my first dog, my vet told me to expect my other dog to act miserable, but if it lasted longer than 2 weeks to bring him in for a check up. If your pal thinks it is a good idea then sure it would be huge treatment for the older dog. The dog might manage with the loss of its friend better than the owners will. Know better? Give your own answer to this question!