What can I do for my grieving dogs?

[Ilsa]

One won't hardly leave my bedroom. I guess he's afraid I will "disappear" like my husband did last month (sudden death).

The other one is even more mopey. She doesn't want to play. She barely eats her dog food, but she'll hang around for table scraps. They both have lost weight.

It's hard enough on us. but now my dogs are hurting too.

[LakeArenal]

1. Get them outside Even if they are mopey.

Just sit outside. Breath fresh air. Good for all of you.

[secondwind]

2. Best idea!

[ratchiweenie]

3. If you can do it, walks and drives. Maybe even a no no like taking them for

fast food (my dogs love fish tacos). Just get them out of the lonely house. I know how hard that is after all you have been through but they are dogs and it's pretty easy to distract them at least for a while. Or if that's too much, just get some nice chicken or beef and cook it up and spoil them for a while. I wish you and them the best. So sorry for all you have been through and all that the three of you are going through.

[2naSalit]

6. +1

[hlthe2b]

4. I agree with getting them outside, exercise, new areas to explore and if they like other dogs,

maybe a dog park. Help them find some joy again.

Were the dogs present when your husband died? (I don't mean to be indelicate nor intrusive, but that may have made a big difference).

But disrupt their routine with new activities away from home and walk, walk, walk, walk. That is my go-to, myself when grieving. It does help.

I am sorry for your loss--for ALL of you.

[Ilsa]

5. They haven't been near the spot where he died.

I managed to keep dogs and my sons away from him. It was traumatic enough for me.

[emulatorloo]

7. My heart is aching for you all.

[SlimJimmy]

8. When our Bichon was grieving for her little sister (Bichapoo) we took

her for walks and drives (something they both dearly loved). It took a while, but she finally came around, and got back to her normal Bichon self. About a year later we adopted a Havanese and they are now best buds. I agree with you, and suspect that the outdoor activity will help the OP's puppie.

[Donkees]

9. A reminder that a dog's brain is mapped for scent, and these scent pathways are deeply connected

to emotions and memories, as well as linked to their vision. You can help them tap positive pathways by scent of favorite places, foods, people, etc.

In addition, hard chewing gnaw treats help them release stress chemistry, as does exercise.

All best wishes go out to you.