Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

    rewards header
    Become a member today!
    Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
    Already a member? Sign in
    Petco Pay LogoBecome a credit card member today!

    Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
    when you use Petco Pay!

    APPLY NOW
    Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

Injured dog separated: How to keep my other dog from feeling left out?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | American Staffordshire Terrier | Male | neutered | 4 years and 9 months old

Hi, I have two dogs 5 and 3, they are both outside/inside dogs. the 5 year old ha recently been injured and we're keepimg him seperate from our other dog in fear of him ripping a stitch or something, my younger dog will be staying outside, for 2 nights and then visiting my mum (who he loves) for a week to give our older boy a chance to recover. I'm worried this will effect the younger one negatively and make him feel left out for the two nights he is home, do you have any advice?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Destini R. Holloway, DVM

Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on June 30th, 2017

That is a reasonable concern. However pets are very forgiving as long as the incident isn't severely traumatic (involves severe pain or discomfort). I would work to continue to show the puppy attention and to play with him for at least 30 minutes twice a day. Also while the puppy is around your other pet you can allow the two dogs to at least see each other or comes nose to nose with each other while being supervised to ensure they don't rough play any compromise your pets sutures. You will be surprised how forgiving our pets are. I have had pets separated from each other for years and when they get back together all is forgotten and they coexist happily together as if they were never apart.
You can also take some of your personal items hat have your scent and your other dogs scent on it to your mums house so that the puppy has a reminder there with him until you are all reunited again. Best wishes with your pup and I hope that Champ heals well from his injury. Best wishes and take care.
Vote Icon1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Dr. Leigh, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Maybe you could also bring him inside and keep him in another area of the house or just let him come in for part of the time and keep him on a leash or monitor him closely. I am sure he will be ok outside but you could also try an Adaptil collar to alleviate any stress/anxiety with being alone.

    Vote Icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Health & Wellness
My other dogs avoid our injured puppy after its medication. Why?
Thank you for submitting your question regarding your puppy. I suspect that puppy smells differently especially after receiving treatment for the injuries. The topical cream may have a strong scent to the other dogs as well. It may take some time for them to adjust to this puppy again. If he is very young, try to encourage him to nurse and you can try placing him with the mom separate from the other pups to ensure he is allowed to nurse. If he is eating solid food, you may need to feed him separately to ensure he receives enough. I hope this information helps!
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Training & Behavior
My dog was attacked. How can I help him recover and be himself again?
Poor Brody! How scary for both of you. Dogs can certainly be anxious and upset for a while after a traumatic event like this, just like people. This should improve with time, but there are a few things you can try in the meantime that may help. If he seems nervous all the time, you can try using a DAP pheromone collar along with a natural calming supplement like Zylkene or Composure to help him relax - these products are all very safe, and can be purchased over the counter without a prescription. On walks, he may be very nervous about other dogs approaching for quite a while - so I would make sure to give him plenty of space, and don't walk in areas where other dogs are likely to be until he seems more relaxed and comfortable again. You can also carry treats with you on your walks, and praise and reward him every time you see another dog - this can be a very effective way of helping with fear.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Food & Nutrition
How to help my dog feel better after a puppy's tragic death?
Time will be your best friend here. Dogs do not have memories like we do, and after about a week she should be back to her old self again. I am so sorry to hear about your puppy! You should think seriously about this before (or if) you decide to get another puppy. By the way, six weeks is too early to separate a puppy from its litter. They learn such important lessons as bite inhibitions from their littermates. I would suggest taking Luna to an obedience course so she can get used to being around other dogs . . . and so you can see how she responds to them. Finally, if you are deterined to get another dog, do not just bring the dog home, It will make Luna feel territorial against the "intruder." Instead, bring Luna to a neutral place (where she's never been before) and introduce them there. That way, Luna will feel as if she is bringing her new buddy home instead of feeling that the puppy is something to defend against. Good luck!
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Training & Behavior
My dog is clingy and anxious after a dog bite. What can I do?
As you are aware t may be difficult to break the cycle if you change his routine and spend more time and affection with him but he does need some additional assurance after such an ordeal. Try to gradually increase the amount of time he spends alone in a safe area where he feels comfortable over then next few weeks . A calming supplement such as kalm aid or royal canin calm food and a pheromone diffser may also help in his recovery and reducing the anxiety he feels
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Health & Wellness
How to comfort a puppy adjusting to being alone after littermates?
Hello, congratulations on your puppies. Most puppies will adjust quickly to the change and this is most easily achieved by directing your attention towards them more. You can provide plenty of toys and play time to make Appa feel loved and comfortable. Spend as much time with her as possible as the ultimate reward for any dog is attention from their human companions. Appa may feel sad and look for her litter mates for the initial hours to day, but as long as she can receive the care and companionship from you, she will adjust well. Hope this helps and best of luck.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Vet Q & A
My new puppy bites my older dog. How can I keep my older dog safe?
Your worry is very valid! It is best to make sure the two are only playing together when you can directly supervise them and that puppy and your older dog are separated when you are away so that an accident can't happen - even the most well intentioned of a dog can cause an injury! If the puppy starts playing too rough, a "time out" of a few minutes for everyone to calm down can also help and teaches your puppy that too rough of play is frowned upon. Diverting with treats and toys is also a great way, so keep that up.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
New Pet
My older dog is avoiding me since we got a new puppy. What to do?
It sounds as if Coco may be a bit stressed out by the new puppy. Giving her some time on her own to relax and settle in with the changes is best. You can try spending some more one on one time together by offering a favorite treat, playing with a favorite toy, or just petting and grooming her without your other dogs present. Making sure each dog has some personal time as well as places they can rest such as their own bed, room, etc as well as making sure there are extra food and water bowls can help reduce stress and prevent tension between all three dogs.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Related Searches

Dog ToysDog FoodDog SuppliesDog First Aid & RecoveryDog Health & WellnessDog Treats & ChewsDog Bandages & Wound CareDog Recovery Cones & Surgical SuitsDog Pain Medicine & ReliefDog Braces & SplintsDog Lift Harnesses & WheelchairsDog First Aid Kits & ToolsDog Clothes & AccessoriesDog Medicine and PrescriptionsSmall Animal SuppliesDog Calming Aids and SupplementsPuppy Milk ReplacersDog Anxiety MedicationDog Vitamins & SupplementsDog Grooming Supplies
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Share

Styled arrow button