Depressed dog

[clio57]

While we were away for 4 weeks our 8 year dog stayed with a dog sitter. He appears to have had a fantastic time as there was a puppy there and they played all the time.

Now he's back home he doesn't seem as content as he used to be even though we are all back in our old routine. He isn't as enthusiastic to see us as he used to be and seems restless.

My family are urging us to get another dog to keep ours company but that is not going to be practical.

Any ideas on how I can cheer my dog up?!

[carmalee]

clio - if you think about re-homing another dog, it should be because you want it, and it will fit in with your life style. Another dog shouldn't be got as a companion to fill a void.You have so sensibly said this is not an option so why not think of taking your chappie to dog training, gentle agility, whatever, -- sounds as though he enjoyed the one-to-one interaction with the sitter plus the attention of the pup and feels not sufficiently stimulated at home now. It's always an upsetting time for woofie when Mum & Dad go away (thank goodness you had a great sitter!) and it will take him a while to re-adjust - I house sit several properties with different breeds and they all react differently. One needs to be surgically removed from my left thigh when I leave, he appears to love me to pieces but I suspect its only him reacting to the situation whereas another lives in my pocket 24/7 but when Mum & Dad come back, I don't exisit. My advice is to just continue with your routine because he has to adjust to that but maybe try and find something extra to stimulate him on a regular basis - he obviously enjoyed the challenge. -keep us posted.

[clio57]

Thanks Carmalee. I am sure like us that he is having post holiday blues. As I write he is asleep on my lap. He has a long walk every day and meets other dogs and people and hopefully he will get back to his old self.

[carmalee]

Good stuff Clio -glad things seem to be back on track - aren't they just delights!

[Connemmara]

just stepped into this thread and found funny enough that I am only back after a 4 day break and find my dog a bit depressed. Nobody believes me - he seems to have quietened down which suits me. But it was my young niece looking after him and I think he loves young people. I am old unfortunately over 50. They definitely change when their owners go away but after a few weeks (I say) they settle down again. The weather is blowy here in Ireland but come the nice sunshine he will be out and about again.

[clio57]

Thanks for all your responses. After a very difficult night where the dog just wouldn't setTle, was so out of character and very distressed we took him to the vet.

Devistated to find that he has developed a heart problem. Vet says that if it has developed due to some tick then the pills might resolve it. We have to go back in 5 days to find out if it was ticks and the pills have worked or if it is something worse.

I'm just glad that we did something quickly.

Wizard - we're going to treat him to a night in with pizza and a dvd! Will keep you all up to date.