Doggy Depression

Question

Recently my dog, Willow, has been very down lately. She keeps hiding in another room on her dog bed, she hasn't been as energetic even with her favorite toy, she rarely wags her tail, and she just, in general, seems sad. A few months ago we had to put down one of our other dogs (we currently have 2 dogs and 2 cats), Chelsea. Chelsea was the only one who ever played with Willow because all the animals we have right now hate each other except Willow loves everyone. We had been worried before when Chelsea was alive, how Willow might react when Chelsea passed since Chelsea was very old. Along with that, my dad and brother have been gone for about a week or so now. Willow is my dad's dog. My mom makes small jokes now and then about Willow having doggy depression, which however much I hope it is not true, may actually be. I have researched it, and I'm not sure. If she does have doggy depression I'm not sure what to do. I try to give her as much attention as possible, however, I have schoolwork all-day, every day. I've been planning on taking her for a walk tho, to see if it helps. I'm very concerned. If any of you can help or offer advice, it would be appreciated.

 

Edit-

I figured out that the dog bed she has been laying on (she has two in the room she's been hiding in) is the one we had our dog Chelsea lay on in our car when we went to put her down. She is likely reminded of Chelsea on that dog bed.

Comments

Dear Luna,

  First, Just give him all the attention you can and try and hook him up with dog buddies to play with.  Next, always check his water and food bowl ik im sad without my soup. Then, keep walking him it might activate his playfull side. Also, try and play catch with the toy it might make him jealous and wanna play to. Then, if he shows any playfull sighns and plays with you or runs on the walks give him a treat but HOLD THAT LEASH. Lastly, during your walks try and have a very fast pace so he has to run to keep up. That's all the advice i can give,

May the Force Guide You,

THE_REAL_BABY_YODA

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Thanks for replying. First, it's a she. Two, she's a pitbull bulldog mix, she drags me through the town while I hold on for dear life when we go for a walk. Three, I have several animals, I check their food and water constantly. Four, we can't really have buddies for our dog. Little dogs would get hurt by Willow being playful, big dogs she may get along with. However we can't take her to dog parks because we would have to let my other dog come too, but she is a biter.

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Dear Luna,

Maybe try to get her to play with the other dogs. Also, have you gotten a new dog lately she might feel jealous because you got a new dog when you already had her. I wish i could help more i will be responding to this topic constanly till its solved

May the force guide you

THE_REAL_BABY_YODA

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Willow is the newest dog.

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Dear luna,

Hes jealous or reminded of her .

Answer 1

I am soo sorry. I know how it feels. I dont know if your family would be up with this but you should get a new puppy. I think it would bring the mothering insticts out of chelsea and she wont be as lonely. I hope im helpful!

Comments

Chelsea passed, Willow the sad one. And my dad would get a hundred dogs in a heartbeat. My mom doesn't want any more animals, since we already have 2 dogs and 2 cats. But, we did consider getting a new dog to try and give Willow someone to play with before. So maybe.

Answer 2

Hi Luna,

I’m so sorry about that. Is Willow doing better now?

Hope so,

  RocketAlein 

(I own 1 dog and I’m a dog nerd!)

Comments

Now my dad decided to move out and take Willow. So now she's away from me, mom, our other animals, our house, and now she's in a strange place with strange people and a new dog she doesn't know. I have no idea how she's doing. Dad shouldn't've taken her, because to Willow, I'm her owner, not dad. Dad is only legally her owner, in all other aspects, Willow is my dog.