Hi all, just wondering if what we're doing is OK. We've had our puppy for 2 weeks now, he's 9 weeks old. Today I've come down with a bad flu and have had to leave our puppy in the kitchen with the garden door open (he let's himself out to toilet) for long stretches of time (well by "long" I mean he gets a visit every couple of hours or so. Prior to today he was used to either me or my OH sitting with him when he's awake). He's been crying at the baby gate whenever he wakes up from a nap and finds its just him there, but stops crying after 5-10 minutes. We're not damaging him are we by leaving him by himself to cry? Since he's so young? Thank you.
Hello and welcome to the forum. You know what, it's definitely not ideal, but if you're sick, you're sick! H and I both got a D&V bug almost immediately we brought our puppy home, which knocked us both out, but we were somehow able to muddle through those couple of days and sort her out between us. You'll be well again in no time and able to give your little boy the attention he needs. Just a thought, though, could you pop him in a crate by your bed when you know he's going to have a snooze, such as after his meals (and after he's been to the loo)? That way, he still gets the comfort of you being there. What's his name?
So at this age it's not so much separation anxiety that could turn problematic, but just being lonely as he's only a little pup? My OH came home and spent the evening with him, then I took over after feeling slightly less like death. That is a good idea about the crate. I don't want to traumatise him!
When I've been ill I make sure the dogs can see me but they know if I'm lying down to settle. they seem happy if I'm around even if I'm asleep. Sometimes when I've been too ill to take them out they have been perfectly happy and very patient with me. They really seem to get it and stay calm. I really appreciate them they can be such a comfort . I think your pup will be glad just to be around you even if you are sick. They just like to be with us
I'm sure he'll be fine. As you say there's someone popping in to check up on him from time to time. He may even develop a little independence. Although it may be comforting for both of you to have him with you for nap times. Once you're up on your feet you'll be surprised how much he's grown!
I ended up pinching their spare bed to sleep on in the kitchen, was a bit miserable but only temporary Now we've been able to expand the area to include the entryway which is great, feels so much nicer to have a little bit of carpeted space! He went nuts at first with his being allowed a little further into the house, mad zoomies and the like lol
Thank you With lots of rest and medicinal tea by the gallon, I've kicked the flu earlier than I normally do, thankfully.
I think he has developed a bit of independence as I notice when I have to leave the room for something he cries for a few minutes but settles more quickly than he used to, even though it was only that first day of being ill that he was left for longer stretches. And he has grown! His feet are looking enormous
