Terminally ill dog

Question
Hi Patti,
I have a 14 year old cairn terrier who was diagnosed with several forms of abdominal cancer last week. Her health has declined very rapidly since then. We also have an 8year old westie who has been with her his entire life. I'm wondering if he will go through a grieving process when she is gone. Is there anything we can do to help him with the transition to being the only dog in our home? Will he understand what has happened? And if you have any advice on feeding, it's been very difficult to get her interested in almost any food lately, I would really appreciate that as well.
Thank you do much for your help.
Ashley

Answer

Hi Ashley,

I'm sorry to hear about the declining health of your Carin Terrier. I know how difficult a time this is for you.

I don't know if dogs understand death, as humans do. It is thought that dogs do feel grief over the loss of a companion animal or person. They surely know that something is different, and their beloved companion is missing (you may see her looking for the Carin), and she also knows when you're stressed.

You might see that your Westie shows symptoms similar to a person who is grieving, such as loss of interest in her favorite activities, possibly not eating, sleeping more than usual, become disoriented, or become more clingy.

If your surviving dog is showing signs of grief provide her with more attention and affection. Try to take her mind off her loss by engaging her in a favorite activities. If she enjoys human company, or has other dog "friends", invite friends that she likes to visit and spend time with her. Use environmental enrichment techniques such as balls filled with treats to help keep her busy. Hide toys at her favorite spots for her to find during the day. If is is able, increasing her daily leashed walks or providing her with more exercise can also be helpful. If your dog is too depressed over the loss, she may not respond to extra activity right away. Time heals all wounds, and it's going to take time. As the pain of the loss begins to subside, she'll be more like her old self.

If she seems particularly depressed for a long time, you may want to talk to your veterinarian about using an anti-anxiety medication. If you are thinking about getting another dog, wait until you and your Westie have adjusted to the loss. Forcing her to get to know a new dog before she's ready will be too much of a stress.

Mixing in special things to her regular food to entice her into eating is always something to try. The danger with this is, she may come to demand these extra mix-ins, and turn up her nose when her food doesn't have anything mixed into it. You can try mixing in scrambled egg, a little canned dog food (if she usually eats dry food), or a little cottage cheese. Warming the food a little releases the smells, which can also jump start her into eating.

Dogs can go surprising long without eating before it's considered to be dangerous. It's actually more important that she continues to drink water. If she absolutely won't eat, try using an over the counter appetite enhancer/calorie booster such as EnerCal, DogSure Liquid Meal Replacement, or Nutrical Gel. Getting a little extra exercise is also works as an appetite stimulant.

I hope I've been a help.
Best of luck,

Patti