Dog keeps crying, don't know how to settle.

[FlourishandBlotts]

Hi,

I've got a problem with our 8 year old staffie. He was very attached to my mom, who sadly passed away last month. Ever since then he's been quite unsettled, crying for long periods of time, walking around the room crying ect. It's clear he is missing mom, as understandable as it is, it's beginning to get quite frustrating for us.

Has anyone had any similar experiences? What can we do to help him?

Thanks,
Siobhan

Does he want a cuddle? My staff cries when he wants me to sit down on the sofa so he can cuddle up to me.

Dog crying is very painful to hear and I have experienced this with my new dog. Actually the dog acts this way when it feels left alone or scared and you should take your dog outside for few minutes and after sometimes it will be all normal.

There are a range of pheromone diffusers and supplements you could try - google DAP for dogs and Zylkene. My our local vets will probably be able to order them I'm for you.

As for the crying in the short term - as harsh as it seems, ignore, ignore, ignore. Cuddling or attempting to quieten the dog often leads to more crying - the dog quickly learns it will get attention and reassurance from you this way.

Perhaps try some distraction techniques too, like giving him a food stuffed kong ball to play with or put the radio on?

What about leaving the radio on? x

Is there anyway you could get something that smells of your mum for him to cuddle? My sausage used to get very very upset whenever I went out, so I worn an old jumper for a day, went for a run and made it smelly and gave that to him and he calmed down.