Grief issues or something else?

[mlrlucy]

Hello.  Eight weeks ago, I had to put my collie to sleep, and at first there didn't seem to be much of an effect on my 11-year old Beagle (they were companions for 4 years).  Then, about 4 weeks ago, my beagle started eating only one meal a day and became more lethargic. A week ago I took her to the vet just to rule out physical causes.  They did a physical and blood tests and didn't find anything but suggested switching her food in case she is tiring of that.  So, I switched her to a duck & potato diet (she's been on vet diets always for allergies), and is only eating one meal a day of that too.  We don't give her table scraps, but I did give her a few treats and a tiny bit of chicken just to see if it's her appetite, and she ate those no problem.  I assume her stomach is bothering her, because she has had alot of gas and wants to eat grass, but there are no abnormal stools.  Now, in the past 4 days, she's seemed to have an allergy flare-up....shedding terribly and chewing on her legs. I started benadryl from the vet, and now he's prescribing a steroid, which I'm afraid to put her on because of the immune system supression.  The doctor doesn't need to see her again unless there is a change, so I'm thinking maybe this is all from grieving?  He suggested getting another dog. Thank you for your opinion.

[mlrlucy]

Thank you for your suggestions.  I did buy some new toys and get rid of the older ones with a smell on them, and we cleaned the carpets really well.  So, hopefully that will help.  Two walks a day and a few car rides seems to have helped also. I like your idea of letting my dog pick the new dog...,great idea!

[nella37]

I'm very sorry for your loss!  I have a friend who had two Pomeranians and when one passed,the other got very depressed and quit playing, eating, etc.  She took her dog to a no-kill shelter with a doggie meet and greet play room and let her dog pick their new dog.  The vet also suggested that she de-smell everything that might smell like the dog that had passed and it worked wonders.  Her dog was back to normal almost immediately.  I don't know which worked but something did.  Good luck!

[Aleda M Cheng, D.V.M., C.V.A]

Dog's do feel grief, and every dog experiences it in his or her own way.  In the first month she may not have realized that your collie was not coming back, and as time wore on she finally realized the truth.  

The suggestion by your vet is a good one.  Getting another dog may be very helpful.  It might be best to get an older rescue dog since your beagle is 11 years old.

About your dogs allergies:  A low dose of steroid for a short period of time is not enough to suppress her immune system.  I would give her the steroid to give her some relief.  Atopica is an anti-allergy medication that helps for all allergies, including food allergies and may be worth investigation for your dog.