R.I.P Max

[beenee]

Our golden labrador died yesterday of a tumour. Our other lab is obviously missing him since they were companions from birth. Can anyone tell me if dogs get depressed, what we can do about it and whether there are herbal supplements designed to lift their spirits? Thank you

[Wisebird]

I'm so sorry to hear about Max. Yes, dogs can get very depressed, I know this from years of experience with rescue dogs. Talk to your vet about any remedies. I don't know about herbal supplements. Try to give him loads of love and attention. A friend of mine in the same situation eventually got another dog to solve the problem, but it's too early yet for you and for Max's companion. Can he sleep near to you? Just being with people will help him.

[woofgang]

I find Bach flower remedies rescue remedy generally helpful for dogs and humans when they need a bit of comfort

[jills]

Just wanted to say so sorry to hear about you losing Max. hope you and his companion can come to terms with it soon, and that his old pal doesn't get too depressed. hugs to you all. xx

[Janetex]

aw, beenee, I'm so sorry. I would recommend bach remedies too.

[beenee]

Thank you all for your condolences. I'm still in shock since he was in such beautiful health before the cancer. He was a young, good, faithful dog and we're going to miss him desperately! I will get some rescue remedy for Nina asap! Thank you!

[andy hughes]

Hi beenee, so sorry for your loss. Loosing a pet is so hard, and I hope the support of all yuour friends here on the AB will let you know that you are in our thoughts. A xx

[apricot]

I had an 8 month old rottweiler who mourned an older rottie who had died. He had never been on his own and was so miserable and he stopped eating and having fun completely. I had to hand feed him every meal. Each night he used to walk the perimeter of the garden as the older dog had done but never seemed at ease with the responsibility. When we went out he would take the doormat upstairs and lie on it. He only really picked up when we got another dog which was strange because she is a rescue dog and she made his life hell. But he still preferred her company to being alone. When he died 3 years ago she was so pleased. She loved being alone. All dogs are different and some mourn very deeply, much the same as people.

[beenee]

That's so sweet of you andy, thank you!

[smudge]

Hi beenee, hope you & your family are feeling a little better today. It's so sad when you lose a much loved pet. You never think you'll get over it at the time, but I try to think of them all playing together up in Heaven. That may sound corny to some, but it's my way of dealing with it.

[savraj_uk]

Dogs are really intelligent social animals and forge deep and intricate relationships with each pack member. So it's understandable you've got a depressed doggy. try to cheer him up by giving loads of love and attention and treating him with cokked chicken/lamb or beef soup. Usually with my dog, chicken or lamb with a meat oxo cube dissolved in the boiling water works a treat.

[beenee]

Thank you smudge, it's actually just beginning to sink in that he's gone - not made it much easier though, I miss him so much.

savraj_uk we have been treating Nina with cake and biscuits (she loves them) in the hope to keep her sugar and thus energy levels up. She seems to be doing better everyday. I haven't seen much physical proof that the rescue remedy worked but if it has indeed enhancing her mood, then that's good enough.

Thank you all again for being so kind!

[savraj_uk]

Oh, ok. So sorry about it. It must be hard because you're trying to cheer Nina up and shes probably just moping around sadly. Dogs can be really unreactive when upset. I think you've just got to hang in there and just show her the love and care you always have.