Worried about the dog that is not sick

[Nina, Phil, Harlow & Lacey]

As Sherlock gets sicker and weaker from his cancer Baxter is becoming more and more obnoxious.  The boys are brothers and have never been apart for any significant time in 10 years.   Baxter has become very "needy".  He is constantly barking or whining looking for attention and has even begun to snarl at poor Sherlock when it is time to give Sher his meds.  Sometimes I think Baxter is jealous of the attention Sherlock is getting due to his illness.  Then other times Baxter is very solicitous toward Sherlock... washing Sher's face and ears or laying close to Sher when he is cold.   Is it possible that Bax is sensing that Sher is sick?  How do I help Baxter after his brother crosses over to the Rainbow Bridge?

[Ginny Nightingale]

I am sorry about Sherlock--I had no idea he was sick and this is so sad to read. I do not have the same situation, but I do have a pregnant dog that is getting more attention and food than her sister. This has caused anxiety and what seems like jealousy. The non-pregnant dog is very anxious about food now and does look for more attention. I am sure that Baxter can tell that something is not right.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I am absolutely no expert on this, but here' s what would make sense to me.  I believe that instinctively dogs are totally unnerved when a pack (or family) dog member is seriously sick.  I watched this happen when Murphy was so sick this Fall....Guinness wouldn't go near him.  He went out of his way to avoid him.  There was no aggression, but it was so clear that he didn't want to be near poor sick Murph.  I believe that's an instinctive reaction. Guinness wasn't capable of "feeling sorry" for his brother...he just knew there was something really wrong with him and he wanted no part of it.  I'm not sure that they can actually feel jealousy the same way that we think of it, but they certainly don't like it when one is getting something "good" and the other isn't.  Baxter probably doesn't know that Sherlock is getting meds...he's just getting something from YOU that he's not getting.  Maybe when Sherlock gets meds they could both get a treat, so that Baxter doesn't think he's missing out.  As for how to help Baxter when his brother crosses over, I'm not really sure.  I'm guessing lots of love and time...and maybe at some point another brother when everyone is ready.  I feel badly that you're going through this.  I so understand how that feels.

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

That sounds like a great idea with the treats Jane. We have been walking the dogs separately because they are like race horses out of the gate over the winter! When Chloe leaves Myla whines and watches intently for them to come back and when she sniffs Chloe's mouth to make sure she had no treats!

 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I am sure that dogs can tell when their family members are ill. Seizure alert dogs and dogs who can detect diseases like cancer or an impending heart attack in people do this by smell; they can smell the chemical changes in the body. Most dogs can "smell" fear in other mammals because of the associated physiological changes. I'm sure Baxter knows that Sherlock is ill.

I don't know much about how to help Baxter when Sher goes to the Bridge, but I've read that you should let them see & smell the other dog after he's gone. I think Clark and Adina did this with Rosco when Thule died.

I am so sorry that your family is going through this. Hugs to you all.

[Lisa {Zoe's Mom]]

I 'm really sorry to hear about Sherlock.  That is so sad.  I'm inclined to agree with Jane.  I think pack mentality makes them a bit weary of the sick.  I believe they can tell.  But, Baxter, like Jane said, see's Sherlock, being the wek one getting attention and "treats.  I would treat Baxter as well, so he feels he's getting something from mom as well.  As for how he will act fter Sherlock crosses.  I think he will dismiss it.  He is preparing now, and will miss him for a few days to a week until he gets back into a routine again.  I'd give him extra love anyway, which I know you will.  Baxter will be of great comfort to you when the time comes.  postive thoughts and prayers going up for Sherlock and your family.

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

I am so sorry to hear about Sherlock. These times are so tough on everyone.

 

I had an experience some years ago with two dogs who were extremely bonded to each other. The older and alpha female dog pretty much ran the show and the younger male dog was very passive. He adored her and was glad to do whatever she wanted.

 

Well, she passed very quickly and we were out of town with them at the time. From the younger boy's point of view we left  the house with her one day and she never came back. He really never seemed to recover. He lived another 3  years or so but always seemed lost and depressed. BUT he would perk up considerably around other dogs. At the time we were not in a position to get another dog but looking back I think it would have helped him recover to have another dog in the house.

 

So the fact that you have another dog in the house may help some. Also I agree with the idea of, if possible, of letting Baxter see Sherlock once he has left for the Bridge it may help him understand.

 

Baxter is obviously a very smart and sensitive boy who knows that things are not normal in the household. I also think that he knows that something is not "normal" with his buddy. Dogs are very comfortable with a routine and I imagine many things are different for him now. He's probably not sure how to respond to all these changes so what you are seeing is him trying to cope. Also he may be picking up on the energy of the human family members as well.

 

You have our thoughts and prayers for Sherlock, Baxter and your entire family.

[F, Calla & Luca]

This is very sad and I'm sure in some way Baxter knows something is going on and he's anxious. All you can do is take the best care of him as you already do. Maybe after Sherlock is gone Baxter will find some comfort from having Harlow.

[Nina, Phil, Harlow & Lacey]

F. it has been a little over a day since Sherlock crossed over.  Baxter stopped his whining the minute we came back from the vet with Sherlock empty harness and leash.  He and Harlow sniffed Sher's harness for quite a long time and finally gave a wuffle, blowing out their cheeks.  Baxter has been very quiet and subdued.  He is spending a lot of time on Sherlock's bed.  As poor timing goes, Harlow came into heat on Wednesday.  Right now she is not at all interested having Baxter anywhere near her.  Baxter seems a bit depressed and both DDs are giving him extra attention.  We are keeping a close eye on him.

[Jane, Rooney & Stuart]

So very sorry to hear this.  I am wishing peace for Baxter in the loss of his brother.

[Linda]

Nina, I just happened on this sad news today. So very sorry for your loss. I'm glad I had the opportunity to meet Sherlock.

Today I'm thinking what an awesome site this DoodleKisses is. It's so nice to know that I have 'friends' all over the country (and more) who feel the same way I do about their Doodles. And now I can see how comforting it is to have this forum when we feel sad, happy, worried, etc.

Joined this group today b/c I'm seeking advice on how to help Fitz overcome his fearfulness. We finished the S.T.A.R. puppy class in mid-Dec. Then we left him & Web with a new pet sitter who stayed at our house while we spent Christmas with our daughter in CA. Even though we met with the sitter several times (read answers to a pet sitter question who had the same problems), Fitz was still traumatized by the whole experience and never warmed up to the pet sitter. This week I started another class with the same instructor and it was like he'd never been there before.

Have been taking him on walks separately as well as with Webster - trying everything I can think of, but I'm not seeing any improvement. The owner of the doggie day care/training place suggested I give him flower essence. Did for a couple of months - ran out of supply last week during the snow days and haven't refilled it yet.

He's a totally different dog at home with us. Very loving, playful, a regular happy dog in every way. Great at protecting us from all the varmints (squirrels, chipmunks, etc.) in our back yard!

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Our alpha dog became ill and passed on this fall.  Our knowledge of, and his rapid deterioration lasted only about 3 weeks. However, Ned knew something was wrong, and a while before we knew anything, began 'protecting' the pack and Simon; in other words becoming our alpha. Towards the end, all of our other dogs began respectfully licking Simon's mouth and eyes. They didn't appear jealous, nervous or anxious - I think because they saw his deterioration and were able to accept it and say their goodbyes. I am so sorry  about Sherlock. I really empathize with your pain.

[Nina, Phil, Harlow & Lacey]

Nancy this week Baxter and Harlow were doing the same thing.  They kept gently licking Sherlock's eyes, cleaning his ears and licking his mouth.  On Tuesday Sherlock was shivering most the day.  Both Harlow and Baxter laid close to him trying to keep him warm.