Tara's depression?

[David]

Since Tara's dead puppy was removed by ceasarian op. and her ovaries removed she has been off her food, ultra affectionate, very sleepy and has a constantly warm nose. She carries around one of her soft squeeky toys all the time.
Her vet says her problem could be depression after losing the puppy. Does anyone have ideas of how to simulate her when she cannot run, jump or play with other dogs. She seems to enjoy the sedate walks that she is allowed, but obviously can't chase balls or anythingthing like that.

 

[corbinam]

Does she enjoy learning? My dogs seem to relish time with me while we teach a new trick. It makes them think, and it builds confidence when they are successful.

 

[Caro]

That is tough. I agree with Ashley that occupying her with learning is a good way to keep her active. Another option is 'thinking games' with treats - like hiding her food, treat bottles, or one of my favourites - the cup game (just hide a treat under a cup and get her to work out which cup its under).

Human research has shown that sunshine makes a huge difference to depression/adjustment disorders. In particular, being active in morning sunshine has a big impact on mood. So think about taking her outside in the mornings for her walk and teaching commands. I would try to keep her out in the sun as much as possible or at least keep her near a window so she is getting natural light during the day. And if she is getting mopey try taking her outside.

 

[David]

Tara's depression

Thanks to you both for the suggestions. Will certainly try. At the vet's suggestion I have removed all her soft toys in case they were reminding her o 'puppies'. Poor little lass, but her affection is sweet.:sadsmile:

 

[dawns2shelties]

Thanks to you both for the suggestions. Will certainly try. At the vet's suggestion I have removed all her soft toys in case they were reminding her o 'puppies'. Poor little lass, but her affection is sweet.:sadsmile:

That's so sad....My girlfriends cat lost her kittens and every day for the rest of her life she carried her 4 little yarn balls to her food dish would leave them there for about an hour and than take them back to her kitty bed.
I hope your pup gets better soon I also think the training thing will boost her ego and spirits.

 

[Chris]

Thanks to you both for the suggestions. Will certainly try. At the vet's suggestion I have removed all her soft toys in case they were reminding her o 'puppies'. Poor little lass, but her affection is sweet.:sadsmile:

I'm not sure I'd take her substitute babies away. She has all the hormones saying "snuggle something." I recommend give her back her squeaky toys and lavish her with love. And the learning something new is good, too. Dogs do grieve -- even my pet rat grieved when her babies died.

 

[mbfrench]

I'm not sure I'd take her substitute babies away. She has all the hormones saying "snuggle something." I recommend give her back her squeaky toys and lavish her with love. And the learning something new is good, too. Dogs do grieve -- even my pet rat grieved when her babies died.

I totallly agree with you.I do think it is her way of saying,she needs to have something to snuggle as well.Thinking games,would be a great way to keep her mind busy.

I never really thought about the being in sun theory,but I do know I have read this for humans.

 

[granite]

I would also let her keep the soft toys. I know that Emma has become much more attached to soft toys since her spay surgery. She also grieved when her puppies were adopted away; but this did ease over time.

She will never, apparently, forgive the front door for being the portal thru which her babies went to other homes. Any time that the front door is open she barks ferociously at the storm door.

 

[dawns2shelties]

She will never, apparently, forgive the front door for being the portal thru which her babies went to other homes. Any time that the front door is open she barks ferociously at the storm door.

Awww, that's sad.
I agree with you all I wouldn't of taken her toys away either. I think it is comforting to her.

 

[David]

Thanks to all

Thank you all for your help. Toys and TLC worked well. Tara came back almost to her old self..... THEN, but I will have to post that bit in the other forum!!!

Thanks again