Lost her joie de viv

Topic Stats: 37 views, 1 replies and 2 subscribers.

Bookmark Bookmark
Nov 1st, 2009 13:56
California
poppypom
Message Me!
Add to Friends
Junior Member
My 10 y.o Pomeranian was attacked a few days ago by a German Shepard. I just got her from a shelter 2 months ago.
   
She is physically okay; a little sore, but mentally she is a wreck and traumatized.
   
She is hiding, and is afraid of everyone now.
   
I have been gentle with her, massages, gentle coaxing out of hiding, special meals. Her appetite is the same, and she will go outside, but not with the same zest she had before the attack. Tail and head is down half the time.
   
She's traumatized and lost her mojo. I hope she recovers.
   
What can I do to help her recover?
Click on any picture to see full size:
 Picture 1
Post Reply
"Thank goodness for animals!"
Nov 3rd, 2009 15:35
Maryland
ahtnamas
Message Me!
Add to Friends
Platinum Member
It's only been a few days, so she's still justifiably nervous - that dog may be back at any time.
   
Try treating her in a matter-of-fact way. If you're being too solicitous when she's nervous, she may be thinking that she SHOULD be nervous - like sympathizing with a crying child, it can make the crying worse. Urge her on when she wants to run home. Take her along an unfamiliar route, to give her new things to smell.
   
Try taking her to the dog park, to the Small Dog section, so she remembers that not all dogs are bad. Or join a Meet-Up group (www.meetup.com) for small & medium-sized dogs. Is there another dog on your block that you can make play-dates with?
   
She'll eventually get her spirit back, it's just been so scary for her.
Post Reply
Replies are ordered oldest to newest. Order may vary due to time differences. You need to be Registered and Signed In to post a reply to this topic.
Sponsored Links