Recently separated. Dog missing DH

[TheSecondMrsMoorcroft]

My husband and I are now separated. He left the home nearly 2 weeks ago. It’s been tough on all of us but our 7yr old golden retriever is really unhappy. She’s not doing anything she usually does. Doesn’t want to walk/play. Moping about generally. I’m trying to be upbeat with her but I couldn’t have imagined she react this badly.

DH would walk her maybe 2/3 times a week. He never fed her or played with her; never groomed her. Wherever I was in the house, she’d be there with me. If I was away, she’d be in my bed so, I didn’t expect this, almost a fortnight on.

Any advice? I feel desperate for her. She’s turned into an old lady, so sad.

Thanks Liv and @picklemewalnuts I’m still here because I have to be for my adult son who has autism.

I’ve lived a small (controlled) life for so long that it’s hard to know what to do with myself, now that I can.

I suppose I hadn’t really expected to have to spend so much time comforting the dog.

I’ve made an appointment at the vet, in Tuesday next.

Best to check, I guess

The vet can advise, at least.

You've got a huge period of adjustment ahead of you. Don't be dismayed that some bits are really tough. There will be easier bits!

A friend went through this when her husband left and the dog was so, so sad. He was clearly picking up on a change in the house and a new routine, but God that dog moped. What helped was an 'exciting' visit from someone the dog loved- (me for example!). He was immediately his own self and super excitable for a while, and that lasted long after each visit until eventually he was himself again. I know she felt hurt by it, but that dog had lost 50% of his pack/human team, no wonder he was a bit sad!

Updating.

Took her to the vet who said this is very common. Especially when a another pet sibling is lost. Recommended Nutracalm. People use it for fireworks etc. Anyone tried it? She said it’d just “take the edge off her anxiety”.

Aww, poor dog and poor you. Hugs to you both.

For what it's worth, I think your vet is right. When our older dog died, our second dog who was 7 grieved and grieved. To the point where she suddenly refused to sleep anywhere but his favourite spot. The good news is that in about a month she had snapped out of it and was back to her happy, waggy self. Just spoil her and she'll bounce back.

I don't have experience with nutracalm, but it seems like it can't hurt.

What a lovely dog, as others have said I think she cares for you very deeply and is more likely feeling sad on your behalf.

Look after yourself OP. Do you have something like a national trust membership, I’d aim to try and take the dog to lots of new places over the next few weeks and get her out exploring and enjoying time with her pack.