We had to put down one of our dogs the other week and our pug, Bubbles, seems to be having some trouble adjusting to being the only dog in the house. At first his behavior seemed normal, other than following my husband and I around the house a bit more than usual. He was still eating and sleeping like always and was just as happy and funny as he always has been. We also have two cats and he was interacting with them the same ways - he loves to play with one of them and he avoids the other, older cat. This week (this is his third week of being alone) he has stopped eating and has become ill. We are taking him to the vet in the morning but in the meantime I was hoping someone might have some tips on helping him cope? I thought about doggy day care but the closest one around is an hour away!
Thanks in advance for any suggestions!
Replies
JanandSass (about 1 year ago)
Oh my goodness, poor darling. Perhaps take him where he can have puppy play dates and socialize. (Maybe a dog park or other park nearby?) You need to get a clean bill of health from the vet first. There are some calming natural herbal meds he might be able to take too, but clear it with your vet first. If really desperate take him to the pound so he can pick out a puppy - and no, I am not kidding.
three_cute (about 1 year ago)
I agree with JanandSass about a visit to the vet before you go any further...maybe he is feeling very anxious about the changes in your household and sad?
We have always been a household of one dog and one cat, and when our minpin died we brought stella our first pug home...she was only 4 mon. old and a rescue living with several other dogs...she was HORRIBLE behaved and we tried everything to settle her down, a few months later we brought her little brother home who was 12 weeks old, and shortly after that she settled down really well....looking back i think it was because she was so use to being in an environment with lots of dogs and she was anxious at our house, cos it was quieter etc. She is a little gem now, and Sam has grown into a wonderful brother, we now have Trudie who is 6 living with us also. We love the little rescue pugs so very much! Having three pugs is a challange and even two pugs can be one, so maybe just letting him play with other pugs is the key to him being happier. Don't you wish they could talk to us!
Barron VonBrindle pug's (12 months ago)
Soo very sorry for your loss, I know the feeling. I get phone calls all the time folks trying to make there pet feel better becouse of a loss of a pet mate. or just that there only dog has passed and the human is needing another furr baby to love. check out this site and see lots of pictures. https://sites.google.com/site/topqualitypugs/home ) we may be able to find you a puppy or just a companion for your lil sad furry friend. Yes" the dog park and any other outings is a great idea. Meet some of our pug family members and get more advise from folks who care and know what your going through. Sincerly Denise and Barron VonBrindle
Keebs (12 months ago)
Thank you everyone for your replies! We have located another pug in our neighborhood and hope we can get them together for some play dates soon. Our vet gave Bubbles a clean bill of health (besides being overweight but we're working on that too!) so his sickness does seem to be based on anxiety or stress from the loosing our other dog.
KatB (12 months ago)
Keebs, patience. When Sulynn passed away, China Rose took this very hard. Lots of love, and if you do have a neighbor that will have a play date with your pug, by all means try it. Can't hurt. It takes time.
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