Tilly has just turned 4 and since molly died a few month ago shes not been the same im not sure really because she doesnt look for her anymore etc and she has had this anal glands issue thats clearing up so not sure if its anything to do with that?? i picked her as a pup raised her trained her etc she slept with me we were very close, i spoil her rotten. But now she doesnt seem interested in me at all she doesnt come to me in the mornings anymore or go crazy when i come home from work, i go to hug her or play and she pulls away or steps back it hurts. i dont know if its me or the anal glands thing but thats nearly cleared up now can anyone help
I'm so sorry to hear this. Nothing worse than feeling rejected by the dog! Has anything else changed, such as: Is someone else feeding her? Someone else walking her? Someone else doing fun things with her? I ask because I notice that with Snowie -- who is largely "my dog" -- at certain times he ignores me and favours my husband. And that's because he's motivated by what's coming next. So, for example, in the mornings my husband gets up earlier than me so he feeds Snowie breakfast. At the moment my husband will wake up, Snowie leaps onto the bed and immediately burrows his head into my husband's neck and snuggles up to him. I might as well not exist in that moment. But interestingly, when my husband has said he wants to sleep in and I must feed Snowie, Snowie somehow got the memo (it is quite amazing that he knows!) and jumps onto the bed and comes to lie on top of me and kisses me. Do you think this could be the case? Or do you think there might be more health issues that are making her feel too ill to get excited? I really feel for you -- you've been through so much!
Please hang on in there when Doug died in March Moomin was the same . She was depressed and I'll for a little while. She's rallied , she's happy again. She's old and frail now but that spirit that had dulled with her grief is just as strong. It just takes time you've all Been though do much. Just keep doing what you have been doing. It's so hard when you're still grieving yourself . I hope you are both are able comfort each other soon. I'm sorry it's been so hard for you both. Hugs from us all here.
aww ty, i feed her walk her etc so dont really understand it! suppose once shes had these meds she might be different not to sure though
Dogs don't think like that! I think she is depressed from the loss of Molly and probably feeling unwell with her anal gland problems. Don't take it personally She may feel too poorly to want fuss at the moment, just give her space and time and I am sure once she feels so much better she will be as she was before.
Yes, I agree with Stacia. Try not to read too much into her behaviour in terms of her not loving you anymore. She will come around, just give her time. It's all been a big upset and not feeling well doesn't help matters. Just keep up with your regular routine as much as you can, that will help Tilly through this time as well.
I remembered something my vet told me when Snowie's anal glands were constantly full and we would know a seizure was coming when he smelled "anal" (very smelly!). She said that anal glands fill up for various reasons, and one of them is when a dog is anxious; she said Snowie was probably very anxious when he sensed a seizure coming on. Since being medicated with an anticonvulsive, his anal glands have been fine. So I wonder if it is Tilly's way of showing how anxious she is with the loss of Molly? And stress can reduce immunity, making her susceptible to the infections. Just some thoughts...
Oh yes maybe she definitely sensed she was dying, when Molly did die I started messing around with Tilly's died raw meat diet etc and I must of left fibre out it seems complicated as I thought it would of been healthier but changed her back to dry food a week or 2 later and I noticed her anal glands started getting messed up then I will never interfere with her diet again lol. Not sure because she ignores me sort of she pays abit of attention to me on walks because I'm the only person there I suppose lol
I'm sure she'll come round. She's been through a difficult time and needs you to be consistent and caring as always it's so hard when we can't explain to them that what they're going through is for their own good. I know I often feel guilty when I have to restrict them or give them unpleasant med or treatments.
I'm sure she still loves you. I agree with the others that she's probably a bit down or stressed right now. I would say that means that she needs you more than ever, even though she's not showing it by being smoochy.
Yeah she was watching me and wagging her tail when I approached her today so it's a start again I suppose think she's tired on these anti biotics too, lots of cuddles and walkies once I'm home! Thanks everyone xx
She is probably also picking up on your feelings 'she doesn't love me any more' and that makes her feel anxious and then makes the percieved problem escalate to a degree.
It does sound like depression. Our last dog had a very bad dose of depression when she was ten. It was triggered by several concurrent medical problems. She lost interest in us, in her food, and all the things she loved. We nursed her through it and she was her old self after a few weeks. Tilly probably needs lots of love, gentle fussing and reassurance.
Choice is so important in order to remove pressure from the dogs. Try to be patient, she'll come round
She's not on steroids and I tried everything she's come on my bed this morning and rested her head on my leg
Hopefully things will get back to normal with her. I'm sure it was nice when she got on the bed to be with you today.
