Need advice - kinda GSD Related - Page 1

I inherited 2 little lhasa's when my mother passed away.  On 3/12, we lost the older female.  The male we have, which was raised with her, has gone into total depression.  Getting another small dog IS NOT AN OPTION, and he does not get along with my GSD's...so it's just him.  He's not eating, drinking, or even interested in his toys anymore.  We give him a treat, he just takes it in his mouth and drops it.  He just lays in his kennel and whines.  Took him to the vet today, got some IV fluids in him, but vet just said he should get over it.  (He suggested another small dog, and I told him that was not possible right now.) 

Anyone have any other suggestion?

Find him a new home where there is another small female or someone who would get another age and size appropriate female. How old is the dog? Try also feeding him things he normally might not eat and that are palatable, but, unless he is very old or ill, in time he will probably eat.

What hodie suggested is a good idea BUT often not possible if we inherit the dog from a loved one that has passed away.  Emotionally too hard or a promise was made to keep the dogs and not rehome them with strangers. 

See if he'll lick up some Karo syrup for you.  It will pick him up and hopefully stimulate his appetite.  If he'll do the Karo, mix it with a little yogurt and see how that goes.  He really should get over it eventually but it may take a little time.  You can also buy some unflavored Pedialyte and syringe it into his mouth.

could you foster a small dog from your local rescue or spca?  Then you wouldn't have to keep it - sounds like another small dog may be the answer.  I have two small dogs, and I know it's not the same for everyone by any means, but for me two is much nicer than one, they keep each other company very nicely and can play/socialize "at their level" - they are best buddies and I could see that I would need to get another small dog if I lost one of them.

molly

I had a simular situation and it took about 3 weeks for the dog to come around. Have you tried cooked chicken?  Nutra-Cal is a good supplement and you could probably get enough down him to keep him going until he statred eating on his own. Just a small amount licked off your finger or stuck in his mouth would do the trick. 

 You said another small dog is not an option, how about a cat as a little buddy for him. I am truely sorry about your loss and hope the little one comes aorund for you. Norma

Hodie,

There are times that I wish I could.  But he's not the typical loving little dog that most think a Lhasa is.  His temperment is sometimes worse then my GSD's. 

MI - you are right on.  It was my mom's dying wish that I take her dogs, because she knew that I would provide the better home for them then my sister.  Jaydan (the male) is only 5, so he's alot more time.  I love having him in the house....he doesn't take up the whole bed! LOL  As soon as I post this, I will run to wal-mart and pick up the things you suggested.

Molly - great idea, but I would be afraid that with fostering another one, we would be in the same situation when the other dogs leaves.  Perhaps when I get rid of these other two GSD pups, I will be able to get another one for good.

Thank you all for your suggestions.  I'll keep you posted!

Christine

 Ladywolf,

Believe me, I see a ton of these small dogs whose temperaments are so poor it is not funny. And I do understand about the promise you made. So try some of the suggestions to stimulate his appetite that others have made. A second suggestion would be to ask your vet about a vitamin B shot....sometimes that can help appetites and certainly won't hurt.

Good luck. But in the end, don't make yourself nuts. You can only do so much when the dog is poorly socialized to begin with or has a flawed temperament.

Unfortunately, my family was faced with a similar situation when my brother's much beloved fiance passed away suddenly.  We were left with 2 dogs.  He could not take them as he traveled all over the world for weeks at a time for his business.  My parents ended up with the puppy, a Shi Tzu and a larger mixed breed.  The first was a puppy who adapted well enough after a few weeks.  Trinity was another problem.  I was willing to take her but I had 3 dogs of my own with limited room and a cold climate.  She lived in south Flordia her entire life (she is 10 years old) so I thought that might be too much in the middle of cold winter.

We finally found a home for her, but it is still iffy if the other dogs don't get along.  She is supper submissive and happy just to lay at your feet.  It took the adopting family quite a while to work her into their dynamic but so far (cross your fingers every one please) it seems to be ok.  They said they gave her a special place to sleep that is all her own, alone time with the mom to bond, and gave her space.  They too used melatonin for getting her to calm down a bit initially. (3mg per 8 hrs for 35-100 lb dog < 35lb is 1-1.5mg).

Good luck, time and love may do it.  Keep in mind that there are the occasional dogs that will not adjust to new family.  Good luck

Mindhunt - these 2 were also from florida, and moved to ohio! :)  i've had them here for over a year now, and as long as I keep them in coat in the winter, they were fine!  I have been around them their entire life, so them adjusting to me and my kids were not a problem.  With my mom having cancer, unfortunatly they were not out as much as they could have been, but my step-father did get them out on walks several times a day.  As long as I kept up their routine, they seemed fine.  That is the reason that I decided to keep them, and not place them.

MIGSD - you are the best.  I tried the syrup thing, at first he was reluctant, but after the second try, he took to it.  I was up every two hours giving it to him.  This AM, when I got up to let him out... he jumped up on my chest, licked my face and whent bouncing around the bed with a toy in his mouth!!!!   Now I'm not saying he's "cured"....but atleast he's working on it...atleast we are all working on it!!!

Christine