Doggy Prozac?

LiteraryLark · Mar 02, 2014 at 10:01 PM

My dog has been suffering from depression because his best buddy, my brother, is away almost every single day and is only home for a few hours to sleep, and we got a new kitten who we've been getting all our attention to.

He always wants to go outside and hide in his kennel even when it's raining, and he's been moping around and not wanting to hang out with us.

I'm not sure what to do. I feel bad, but honestly, I'm not a dog person. The dog is supposed to be my brother's responsibility, the kitten's supposed to be mine. I have some personal insecurities with dogs and I just don't feel comfortable with my dog, even if he is the Forrest Gump of dogs. Help?

Mar 03, 2014 at 03:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DrSkipper

My dog has been suffering from depression because his best buddy, my brother, is away almost every single day and is only home for a few hours to sleep, and we got a new kitten who we've been getting all our attention to.

He always wants to go outside and hide in his kennel even when it's raining, and he's been moping around and not wanting to hang out with us.

I'm not sure what to do. I feel bad, but honestly, I'm not a dog person. The dog is supposed to be my brother's responsibility, the kitten's supposed to be mine. I have some personal insecurities with dogs and I just don't feel comfortable with my dog, even if he is the Forrest Gump of dogs. Help?

Obviously I don't know how old your brother is or why he is away. But if the dog is his responsibility could he get a pet sitter to come by during the day for an hour? It's a shame your brother can't see how important it is to spend time with the dog. At least somebody is kind enough to notice. I guess I would try to make friends with the dog despite my feelings if your brother isn't going to do anything for the simple fact that it isn't the dogs fault and he should have a good life. That is what it would do. Might not work for you. I am biased against antidepressants so I would probably avoid it if at all possible. It sounds pretty clear what he needs. My opinion again.

Before getting the ad (if you decide to) you could get a dog "whisperer". My friend swears by them for her cats. They are basically just sensitive to behavior and they might have suggestions you haven't considered. They are usually about 40 dollars. Weigh that against the price of an ad over time.

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Citrine · Mar 03, 2014 at 09:03 AM

Aw poor doggy. Can you imagine what is going through his head? My friend has recently rehomed her deceased neighbours dog with her niece. Though shes living in a wonderful home and has become great friends with the dog there shes still sad and pining. They are like us truly. Hes withdrawing from everyone, he senses that you arent keen on him, he wonders what hes done wrong, where his usual carere has gone.... I could cry!! Whats going on with your bro?

No antidepressants please. Im sure you know that in humans the balance is hard to get right, how in the world can a dogs brain chemicals be measured? yikes. Michanne has brill idea of dog whisperer. Top advice there. Or a sitter once a day. Or a walker? Doggy gets to go out with a group and a human each day. Can you go give a big hug to lonely doggy all the way from UK.

LiteraryLark · Mar 03, 2014 at 12:12 PM

My brother works two jobs, and he is also a full time college student. He currently has a girlfriend he spends time with and he likes to hang out with his friends. The only time he's home is after everyone has gone to bed and then he leaves before anyone wakes up, or sometimes he'll sleep on the couch for an hour before rushing off to work.

Mar 03, 2014 at 12:30 PM

In your brother's defense, it sounds like he's busy but... it is his pet? It is a priority. Have you introduced the dog to your cat? Could be good for all concerned

Mar 03, 2014 at 12:37 PM

Or bring his dog to hang out with his friends? I see pet responsibility like having a child. I get that most of us (including me) didn't get that in college but he has you to remind him

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LiteraryLark · Mar 03, 2014 at 12:41 PM

He does occasionally bring Max fishing or to hang out with his friends.

This might sound really stupid because it's something every dog owners must do, but I get really wigged out at the thought of picking up after a dog. I used to have an extreme germaphobe which actually pushed me away from my late dog and my current dog. I got most of it under control, but the thought of picking up after a dog even with a plastic bag and feeling it all squishy in my hands grosses me out.

I think if I could get over that I'd be more willing to take him on walks. There's a street out behind my house where I could take him and not pick up after him, but I wouldn't be able to do that at the park or in the neighborhood.

Advice?

Mar 03, 2014 at 12:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DrSkipper

Advice?

No, just a thought. I've been taking care of dogs and cat and all their little biological things for a long time. Never picked up any diseases or gotten sick from contact with "it" whatever it might be

This may seem harsh and I'm sorry if it sounds like just deal with it but sometimes... you have to just deal with it. Caveat... I've never had a big issue with germ phobia so I don't know what it takes to deal with it. I just know that contact with body fluids and waste is a part of owning a pet. It's just the way it is.

LiteraryLark · Mar 03, 2014 at 12:56 PM

I'm fine with cats because you use a scooper. With dogs you have to use your hands. I don't know how well those pooper scooper for dogs work.

Mar 03, 2014 at 01:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DrSkipper

I'm fine with cats because you use a scooper. With dogs you have to use your hands. I don't know how well those pooper scooper for dogs work.

Pick it up with a grocery bag and turn it out. If that still freaks you out use two. Or use the ones from the pet store which are thicker. The important thing is not walking him is very bad for his health. It's actually why I decided not to get a dog. I don't know if I will be working at home or on site and I am not a morning person

What about a neighbor kid? Somebody that needs companion like a "little brother". You could check with the neighborhood school. Pay him a little for his time. A regular sitter is about 12 dollars an hour I think.

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Mar 03, 2014 at 01:36 PM

I should say cleaning the litter box is my least favorite thing ever! It's why I got a cat that wants to be the only cat. And I suck up the bucks for tray liners. The heavy kind with draw strings. And she's demanding too! Will only tolerate scooping once and she wants it completely replaced. Otherwise it's the carpet. And it has to be clay because she is declawed. (Not me.) which, btw is not all that cheap when you have to buy three gallons a week. sheesh!

RANT!

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LiteraryLark · Mar 03, 2014 at 05:30 PM

What about making my dog a therapy canine companion? It's expensive, but he's the most loveable Forrest Gump of dogs. He's good with all people, dogs, and other animals. And I'd be able to take him to college with me as a therapy dog.

Mar 03, 2014 at 06:00 PM

Wouldn't that mean more attention at home? You have to reinforce whatever he is learning from the trainer.

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DogTrainingLove · Mar 03, 2014 at 06:00 PM

I agree with everyone, walks, play, training, ect would help a LOT.

Try these poop bags: Amazon.com: Dispoz-A-Scoop Bags 96 Pk: Pet Supplies

Becoming a therapy dog would be good, though it involves a bit of training and not all dogs are made for it, you also have to learn how to handle him in public.

Mar 03, 2014 at 08:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DrSkipper

I'm fine with cats because you use a scooper. With dogs you have to use your hands. I don't know how well those pooper scooper for dogs work.

You can purchase a scooper for dog poop also. I did because I didn't like the feeling of it in my hands.

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LiteraryLark Crowned "The Good Witch" Member Since Jun 2009 Location: Wonderland Posts: 11,535 (SuperPoster!) 14 1,318 hugs given	Mar 03, 2014 at 12:12 PM #4 My brother works two jobs, and he is also a full time college student. He currently has a girlfriend he spends time with and he likes to hang out with his friends. The only time he's home is after everyone has gone to bed and then he leaves before anyone wakes up, or sometimes he'll sleep on the couch for an hour before rushing off to work.
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Anonymous37781 Guest Posts: n/a	Mar 03, 2014 at 12:30 PM #5 In your brother's defense, it sounds like he's busy but... it is his pet? It is a priority. Have you introduced the dog to your cat? Could be good for all concerned
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Anonymous817219 Guest Posts: n/a	Mar 03, 2014 at 12:37 PM #6 Or bring his dog to hang out with his friends? I see pet responsibility like having a child. I get that most of us (including me) didn't get that in college but he has you to remind him Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
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LiteraryLark Crowned "The Good Witch" Member Since Jun 2009 Location: Wonderland Posts: 11,535 (SuperPoster!) 14 1,318 hugs given	Mar 03, 2014 at 12:56 PM #9 I'm fine with cats because you use a scooper. With dogs you have to use your hands. I don't know how well those pooper scooper for dogs work.
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LiteraryLark Crowned "The Good Witch" Member Since Jun 2009 Location: Wonderland Posts: 11,535 (SuperPoster!) 14 1,318 hugs given	Mar 03, 2014 at 05:30 PM #12 What about making my dog a therapy canine companion? It's expensive, but he's the most loveable Forrest Gump of dogs. He's good with all people, dogs, and other animals. And I'd be able to take him to college with me as a therapy dog.
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Anonymous817219 Guest Posts: n/a	Mar 03, 2014 at 06:00 PM #13 Wouldn't that mean more attention at home? You have to reinforce whatever he is learning from the trainer. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
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DogTrainingLove Member Member Since Feb 2013 Location: The Moon Posts: 133 11	Mar 03, 2014 at 06:00 PM #14 I agree with everyone, walks, play, training, ect would help a LOT. Try these poop bags: Amazon.com: Dispoz-A-Scoop Bags 96 Pk: Pet Supplies Becoming a therapy dog would be good, though it involves a bit of training and not all dogs are made for it, you also have to learn how to handle him in public.
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