How do you cure canine depression?

[GreatBiscuit]

Our beagle is having issues!

DW is out of town for 3 more weeks. (SIL having 1st baby). Everytime I come in the door, the dog says hi then sits staring at the front door, cocking her head and whining. When I tell her DW isn't home, she hangs her head and goes under the bed. All she'll do now is sleep, and stare out the window. She still eats okay...I don't know of any beagle who refuses food. Any ideas?

 

[LadyBears]

I feel that dogs are more like people than most think. They have fears & anxieties too. She doesn't understand why her normal routine has changed.

Let your DW talk to your dog on the phone. If that helps, have your DW leave a message for the dog on your answering machine so you can play it for your Beagle when she gets sad again.

Let your dog snuggle with something that has your DW's scent on it - like a sweater or pillow.

Get her involved with a puppy playgroup or doggy daycare - her attention will be averted for a little while.

Perhaps you can spend more time with her?

 

[The Mystery Machine]

When you come home take her for a walk/play so she will be happy to see you!

 

[DawnCt1]

Take her bye bye in the car. There are very few dogs that do not cheer up and thought of riding in the car.

 

[poohandwendy]

There are very few dogs that do not cheer up and thought of riding in the car.

LOL, my dog is the exception. He shakes from 'head to claw' in fear when we take him in the car. He was a rescue, so I think it may have to do with his previous experiences. We have tried many things to get him acclimated to car rides, but his fear has never lessened. I wish there was a way to reassure him.

 

[ilovepcot]

I feel for you. My DH would definitely feel for you! I was gone 5 weeks (nursing my sick dad) recently and my puppy had "issues" also. DH was hardly getting any sleep and could tell the poor pup was suffering. (Had never been away from me.) DH decided to bring the pup to where I was when he got a few days off work. Puppy did fine riding 800 miles in car and I just KNEW when they arrived at my parents home the puppy would squeal and run into my arms. NO WAY! He was sooo put out with me that he ran to my mom (a TOTAL STRANGER to him) and looked back over his shoulder at me with a hurt look. Took a couple of hours for him to even let me hold him. By the time DH and the pup had to leave, he was once again "momma's baby." Was 2 more weeks before I returned home but he didn't pull that sulking thing again. He squealed and ran into my arms. Been there ever since. Gee, I don't know what to tell you. Dogs are as complicated as children. No 2 are alike.

 

[ashjohnson80]

you give them a nice hat to wear like the one I gave to bogart,

that should cheer them up. it will at least cheer you up!

 

[GreatBiscuit]

Thanks for all the advice - tried the walk/ride approach - cheered up a little bit - I guess next step is an Intervention....maybe let her go after the stupid cat that's always leaving paw prints on my windshield...it may not help the dog, but it would at least cheer me up!

 

[ashjohnson80]

all joking aside, i really hope your doggie starts feeling better

 

[Sandy22]

Do you have a video starring your wife (no not THAT kind of video! ) From a family vacation or something? My dogs like to watch DS on TV...I know it's a little weird.

I think you should go buy another dog to cheer up your first one!