How to cheer up a sad dog

[Janeway]

My dad’s dog lives with me now. He seems sad, grieving. Any suggestions? I am open to drops or other soothing things. 

[hippymamato3]

Snuggles, lots and lots of snuggles and treats, and if you have something that smells like your dad...that would probably also be comforting. 

[Selkie]

Oh, poor pup. His whole world just got turned upside down.😞 I'm glad you're able to give him a home. It usually takes a few months for a dog to really settle into a new home, so just keep giving him lots of love. 

[MercyA]

Bless you for giving your dad's dog a home, Janeway. I would suggest a comfy bed, comfy blankets, yummy treats (in moderation), lots of petting, and lots of just being near you. Talk to him throughout the day, especially in a cheerful, encouraging voice.

I just noticed this heartbeat stuffed puppy on Amazon today and wonder if it would help? A lot of reviews said it is helpful for older pets, not just puppies.

[Kebo]

Poor boy.  I would also recommend plenty of time out of doors and exercise suited to his abilities.  If he is dog friendly, see if you can find a buddy for him to play with occasionally.  Then good food, lots of love, and some time. 

[Ausmumof3]

Oh poor puppy!  He will be so sad.  Lots of cuddles and outdoor time I think and talk to him like he can understand you, you never know.

[Pawz4me]

Thank you for taking him in.

IME it will take some time no matter what you do. Just like with humans, it takes dogs awhile to adjust to a new situation. I believe that many dogs go through something resembling a grieving process when they lose a beloved human or animal companion. Just like with humans, how and for how long dogs grieve is individual. But also . . most dogs are very adaptable. Much more than a lot of people want to believe. He's familiar with you, so that should help. Beyond that -- think about his personality. What did he enjoy doing with your dad? Is he mostly used to a sedentary life of petting and treats and being talked to? If so those are things you want to focus on (although of course careful with the treats). Outside time with his humans and age/size appropriate exercise is always likely to be beneficial. Again--most dogs are very adaptable.

If he's just sad/grieving I'd let him work through that. Calming supplements and medications are IMO and IME more for dogs with anxiety/phobias. I'm not against their use at all--one of my dogs (not the one in my avatar) has a standing prescription at the vet for Trazadone--but I'm doubtful medicating is warranted right now, unless his grieving is being expressed as anxiety, restlessness, something like that?

[Janeway]

2 hours ago, Pawz4me said:

Thank you for taking him in.

IME it will take some time no matter what you do. Just like with humans, it takes dogs awhile to adjust to a new situation. I believe that many dogs go through something resembling a grieving process when they lose a beloved human or animal companion. Just like with humans, how and for how long dogs grieve is individual. But also . . most dogs are very adaptable. Much more than a lot of people want to believe. He's familiar with you, so that should help. Beyond that -- think about his personality. What did he enjoy doing with your dad? Is he mostly used to a sedentary life of petting and treats and being talked to? If so those are things you want to focus on (although of course careful with the treats). Outside time with his humans and age/size appropriate exercise is always likely to be beneficial. Again--most dogs are very adaptable.

If he's just sad/grieving I'd let him work through that. Calming supplements and medications are IMO and IME more for dogs with anxiety/phobias. I'm not against their use at all--one of my dogs (not the one in my avatar) has a standing prescription at the vet for Trazadone--but I'm doubtful medicating is warranted right now, unless his grieving is being expressed as anxiety, restlessness, something like that?

I was told he had something for anxiety when he was given to me but not what it was. It was not in his things when they came here. Neither were the Christmas presents I gave. Now, in the last couple days, I am seeing high anxiety in him through him growling when people who aren’t adults come in to my bedroom (where he sleeps and relaxes) and licking his lips and blinking his eyes a bunch. He was very sedentary before coming here, only around elderly people. But he loves when the kids take him for walks.

[gardenmom5]

 

1 hour ago, Janeway said:

I was told he had something for anxiety when he was given to me but not what it was. It was not in his things when they came here.  

Did you talk to his previous vet?   do you know who the previous vet was?  your vet can call them if they won't give you that information.

 

 

[Pawz4me]

1 hour ago, Janeway said:

I was told he had something for anxiety when he was given to me but not what it was. It was not in his things when they came here. Neither were the Christmas presents I gave. Now, in the last couple days, I am seeing high anxiety in him through him growling when people who aren’t adults come in to my bedroom (where he sleeps and relaxes) and licking his lips and blinking his eyes a bunch. He was very sedentary before coming here, only around elderly people. But he loves when the kids take him for walks.

In that case I’d definitely do like @gardenmom5suggested and try to find some info about/from his previous vet. 

[Alicia64]

You're wonderful for taking in your dad's pup. What kind of dog?

Everybody gave great ideas, so I'll just add: lots of walks and exercise. Cool that the kids are taking him out. (They won't accidentally lose him, right? I'm paranoid).

The walks will absolutely help his mood.

I agree that having something that smells like your dad would help.

Hugs.

 

[Happy2BaMom]

Call me crazy, but in situations like this I talk to animals and tell them what happened. I have no idea how much they understand but I actually know an animal communicator who is scarily accurate (being able to tell things that have previously happened to animals w/ no prior knowledge) and she claims that animals grasp a lot more mentally (not necessarily the actual words) when we directly communicate than we humans give them credit for. Does the dog know your dad died? The dog could be waiting for your dad to come back. Maybe he's also worried that he's not going to have a permanent home, or what will happen to him. 

Talking to him like a person about what has & what will happen certainly won't hurt anything (other than you may feel somewhat foolish), and it's worth a try. Probably good therapy, too (for both of you).