Grieving Boxer Dog

Question
Hello Jana

My adult boxer Rambo was laid to rest 2months ago due to cancer -  our vet mistakenly misdiagnosed a lump on his hind leg as fatty tissue which further caused much trauma to our family as our vet operated in the final stages in a desperate attempt to save him. A month after surgery, medication, special meals and daily monitoring, nothing helped and our best friend was losing his balance and mobility. Rambo leaves behind his daughter - 6 years old this year - female boxer. I believe she may be fretting. After Rambo's passing, she seemed okay - i believe her fretting may have been delayed and perhaps gave her mind a rest to the traumatic experience of all as she was by his side every step of the way. Today is day 2 that she will not eat or drink. She has been keeping to herself for a while and even had a familiar family dog stay for a week to keep her company who left days ago. She (Mishka) had no interest in her new friend at all - the entire time.
Please advise me? Rambo's passing left us heart broken - we are worried that this may continue.


Answer
Dogs do grieve Lynne, no doubt about it. However, after two months time they should be coming out of it, not going into it.
My younger dog grieved and fretted when I had to put down my beloved Cameo. She was truly depressed for about three weeks then slowly came out of it. She never stopped eating or drinking, but she was listless and had no spark.

I have seen many dogs go through this- but it was always right after the death and not postponed by two months.
So that leads me to believe your dog is actually ill and that she needs to see the vet.

He can determine if he thinks that she is depressed but I feel it is something different entirely.
So a good exam is in order here.