How can I get my dog out of depression?

Ok so on august 13 my bestfriend - a shihtzu I have had ALL my life passed away :( I have another shihtzu who is 6. She has been with my other shihtzu her whole likeexcept for like the first 6 months of her life. Since Tia (died) has passed away maui (other dog) will do nothing but be in her cage all day, cry, or beg for my dads attention. (tia was my dads favorite dog ever- he treated her like another daughter and fed her off the fork -both dogs-, but my dad has a special bond with them.) so Maui will just walk around with her babies (stuffed animals- treats them like. It is really alive.) she NEVER wags her tail except when my dad gets home. I am worried about her. How can I help her? She saw the last moments of tias life (she was in pain) and so could this affect her forever? I mean those dogs did EVERYTHING together. How can I get her out of this depression? Please help me.

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Answer #1

Well… you still miss you dog… and she picks up on that… Lots of exercise is the key… tire her out so that when she gets back home she automatically goes into a resting state of mind. That will help her to relax a bit. Also… try to play with her lots… and try to motivate her lots. The worst thing that you can do at the moment is feel sorry for her. Because in a dogs world… that is weakness.. and she will pick up on that and it may escalate into behavioural problems. Also… by feeling sorry for her… she interprets that as rewarding the behaviour…

So if you really want to help her… be a calm and confident and loving pack leader… keep a good routine… and remember

Exercise… discipline… then affection… Too much affection will have the opposite effect.

Good luck! Sorry to hear about Tia… =[

Jess

Answer #2

I had the same thing happen with 2 horses at the stable I ride at, the horses pasture mate of many years was sadly put down. The horse got very depressed and listless, refused to eat and ignored everybody. He did get over it eventually though, with lots of time and TLC from everybody. YOu have to show your dog that she still has something to live for. Spend lots of time with her, talk to her (animals love to hear human voices) brush her and cuddle her. Hopefully she will get over it and make you or your dad her new best friend. Good Luck, I hope she is ok.

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