Extremely Needy 3 1/2 year old Westie/Bichon

[rondee57]

Hi!  I have a very sweet loving, obedient 3 1/2 year old Westie/ Bichon.  She looks like a typical Westie.  She has had health issues related to allergies, was on Steroids, then cyclosporine for about 6 months, took her off of that and found out she is basically allergic to Wheat, corn, beef and chicken.  I am feeding her a limited ingredient diet, grain free which seems to be helping her at the moment.  She even had her tonsils removed when she was a mere 1 year old pup.

Her problem is that she is literally attached to me, I cannot move, go to the bathroom, sit down, go to bed without her always under foot.  She will literally stare me down.  She relies on me for everything including being her playmate.  I am not well and can't be playing with her all the time.  Another dog companion for her is out of the question.  What can I do to make her less needy?

Rondee

[ginger899]

I am sorry to hear that, and hope your health probems improve in the future, and any treatments you receive really do the job for you.
Under the circumstances,  think the best thing is to accept her ways. But if possible at all, try to keep the usual "doggy routines" going because that will help to give her a sense of stability.
Bless her, she is keeping a watch, isn't she? They know, when something is upsetting us, or we are not feeling well. If she seems OK with this -not stressed or unbalanced in any way, I would allow her these ways.
Although because of your own health problems it might not be possible to do very much, whenever you CAN get out with her, do so, because it will help to widen her horizons. She will get the chance to meet other people and dogs.
If you have a friend (?) who can come round sometimes, play with her, maybe take her for a walk? That might help too.
I am sorry you're unwell, and really do wish you all the best for the future.

[rondee57]

Hi!

Thanks for your reply!  I think my dog is like this because she has had so many health issues and is sensitive much like we humans are when we are facing diversity!  I am not well myself and I think my dog picks up on that and wants to be by side continuously!  I ahve triple negative breast cancer and MS.