Having one dog put down - how to deal with remaining dog?

Careful_with_that_Axe

We have 2 family greyhounds. One had been diagnosed with bone cancer and the vet is coming to put her down this weekend as there's nothing they can do for her.

The 2 dogs have been companions for 5 years and I don't know how to "comfort" the remaining dog.

Any words of wisdom will be gratefully accepted.

jinky67

I dont know but :grouphug:

geri1965_2

I'm so sorry to hear this. I can't help with your problem as I've only ever had cats, and when I had Spook put to sleep last year I don't think my other cat even noticed.

I'm sure someone will come along with some useful advice soon.

Errata

Sorry to hear your news. In my experience, the remaining dog(s) whether family pets or working farm dogs have never been that bothered when one goes missing in action. Others may have had different experiences of course.

Indie_Kid

Sorry to hear about this. It depends on how your dogs reacts to the other one not being around, I guess.

cinderellacomplex

I'm so sorry Thinking of you all

I would just carry on as normal really. I would be wary of paying the remaining dog special attention if they do get distressed, you don't want to reinforce that behaviour. Just give them plenty of attention normally and they should be fine, maybe take them walks to places with other dogs if they miss the interaction.

Some might think that it is a little unpleasant, but if they are especially close then you might consider giving the remaining dog the chance to see what has happened. Dogs do appear to acknowledge death, and it might be better than just letting him search for his friend afterwards. I don't think that is necessary unless they are very close though.

Amethyst_ice

Hello,

We had to give away one of our dogs after he grew up with his brother. Smartie was left and he actually became a much more confident dog when lucky left.

I would say give him time and see how he reacts. You could add some pro c to his meals, its a probiotic but i find it helps my animals through changing or difficult times.

I am real sorry for all its worth. It will be hard for you as well as your dog but comfort each other and see how it goes.

If he really pines for his friend you could consider getting a rescue dog, i would recommend a more submissive dog so your dog can maintain his dominance in your household.

Keep us posted and my thoughts are with you this weekend. Our dog kerry was due to be put down but she took the leap to doggy heaven herself.

Your baby will be chasing rabbits up above soon and sending love to you

xxxXxxx

Quackers

jinky67 wrote: »

I dont know but :grouphug:

Ditto

big squishy hugs to you xx

Careful_with_that_Axe

Thanks for all the hugs and replies.
Mills and Kates are best buddies and Mills has pined even when Kates has gone to the vets.

I had thought of letting Mills see Kates after it's been done - I suppose that'll really be down to the vet whether they think it's best or not and will take their advice on it.

I don't want to lavish attention on Mills just because I am sad; although she's never been a great attention seeker. I just want to ease any distress she has in this transition before she gets used to being on her own again.

I will consider another replacement greyhound. In time.

trudij

cinderellacomplex wrote: »

Some might think that it is a little unpleasant, but if they are especially close then you might consider giving the remaining dog the chance to see what has happened. Dogs do appear to acknowledge death, and it might be better than just letting him search for his friend afterwards. I don't think that is necessary unless they are very close though.

This is what we did when we had my old english setter put down - Katy was in the room at the time, and we let them have a couple of minutes for her to sniff at him and us to accept that she knew (though she probably knew before we did!) then they took him away.Was horrible for all of us - but Katy if anything did the comforting of us, animals have a wonderful way of accepting things that happen.

Quackers wrote: »

Ditto

big squishy hugs to you xx

And from me too - I have a greyhound at the moment, and even though I know one day I will have to choose the right time to say goodbye, I really am dreading it already...

foreign_correspondent

Careful_with_that_Axe wrote: »

I had thought of letting Mills see Kates after it's been done - I suppose that'll really be down to the vet whether they think it's best or not and will take their advice on it.

Most people who have done this seem to find the remaining dog adjusts far better after seeing their deceased companion, and giving them a sniff - it's as if they can then understand what has happened, and it stops them looking for their lost pal.

We had a golden retriever years ago and his companion, a little JRT constantly looked for him, pined, worried and went off his food for weeks - I think he felt the other dog was lost, and this made him anxious.

In future, I think I would try and let the dog that is left behind say goodbye.

So sorry to hear your sad news though,

take care