Can fostering puppies stress my senior dog even if they're unseen?

It’s possible that the foster dog’s barking is causing your own pet some stress or anxiety. Make sure to give both dogs a lot of vigorous exercise every day as this helps to decrease stress and anxiety. When your own dog exhibits stress, try to divert her attention with a game or a short training session. I hope this is helpful and please feel free to post any additional questions.

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.

Always introduce dogs in neutral territory. So, not on the property at all. Somewhere like a local park so they can meet each other without anyone being territorial. Do this a few times before moving in. Keep both dogs on leashes so you have control over them if things go awry. If the dogs are not spayed/neutered that should be done because raging hormones often causes fights especially when females are in heat. I would also suggest start using Adaptil diffusers (calming dog pheromones) in the house starting a couple days prior to moving and refill them every 30 days for the first couple months. I would also get Adaptil collars for both dogs to wear starting a few days prior to the first meeting. These particular calming chews (Solliquin) also help quite a bit. https://worldtails.securevetsource.com/site/view/198944_HomeDelivery.pml?s=adaptil&hierarchy=&sort=score%20desc https://worldtails.securevetsource.com/itemView/view/198944_HomeDelivery.pml?productId=117298

Puppies can sometimes be A LOT for senior dogs and it can take some time for them to get use to one another. If there were any food, treats, toys or special people near by Buddy could have just been acting protective over these. Also, with Buddy being older, if they puppy is always playing, jumping on him, or nipping at him, he may have been just trying to tell the puppy to leave him alone or trying to set some boundaries. Also, if he is arthritic and he knows the puppy jumping on him hurts, he could have reacted to prevent this. I would continue to keep them separate until you know they can be left alone together. I would definitely feed them separately as well. I would be sure you are still spending plenty of alone time with Buddy as he may be feeling frustrated that his home life has changed with the new addition. I would continue to have short but frequent times of them being together. You could also start Buddy on an anti-anxiety chew like composure or composure pro and get him a calming collar like sentry or adaptil. If these don't help, talk to your vet about anti-anxiety medicine like fluoxetine or trazadone. I hope this helps!

I recommend giving Zoe lots of attention and keep to her same routine. Often when people get new dogs they are so time demanding that the other dog gets put aside. Puppies are annoying also so give Zoe some time alone so she can relax and sleep without him bothering her. I find playing with them outside, or walking together usually helps. Feed them separately so Zoe isn’t worried about her food. In addition I would try her on an anti anxiety supplement like Solliquin. This will help her relax. Over time she should accept Rocky and enjoy having him around. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Zoe and Rocky.

Although it may be stressful at first, most dogs adjust pretty well over time.See the link below for more information on how to make the process easier for the new owner: https://www.petfinder.com/dogs/bringing-a-dog-home/tips-for-first-30-days-dog/ . I recommend rehoming the pups with friends or family if possible, or through a dog rescue group, and avoiding giving them to strangers (such as from the internet), as some people unfortunately don't have the best intentions. I recommend having Chi Chi and the remaining puppies spayed and neutered to help prevent more litters and inbred puppies. Unneutered males are prone to aggression, humping, roaming, marking and other behaviours, and neutering can also reduce the risk of testicular cancer and certain types of prostate disease. Spaying stops the heat cycle, eliminates the risk and cost of unwanted breeding, and early spaying can eliminate the risk of uterine and ovarian cancer, as well as reduce the risk of potentially fatal uterine infections and breast cancer.

Everyone deals with change differently and it sounds like Lady is a little stressed out. I would recommend a bland diet and some extra love from you and your family. I would spend alone time with her every day. This time should not include the new puppy. It takes time to adjust. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.