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How to help my dog feel better after a puppy's tragic death?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | American Bulldog | Female | spayed | 79.6 lbs

We got a new puppy (6 weeks old) on Friday (it's now tuesday) last night our older dog got defensive over her food and growled and before i coukd get to the puppy she bit her the pup. We went to an er vet and came home. The pup didn't survive but our older dog keeps searching for her inside and out and is acting very depressed. What can I do to help our dog feel better.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Bette Isacoff

Answered By Bette Isacoff

Dog Trainer

Published on July 16th, 2018

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!
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