Should I get a new puppy to help my older dogs cope with loss?

Yes dogs can grieve and get lonely. Most dogs enjoy having company so getting another dog could be a good idea if you have the time and energy for another dog. You may consider a rescue dog, that way you can try them together and make sure Rosie likes the new dog and they get along. Young puppies can be very annoying to a grown dog and Rosie may not adjust well especially as you will need to spend more time with a puppy and may inadvertently neglect giving Rosie the time with you that she needs. Fostering a dog also is a good option as you can help a dog in need and if it's not a good fit for you and Rosie it will leave when it finds the right home. Many people keep the foster dog after they get to know them and they settle into the home. A puppy can be a good solution too if done right and it would certainly get Rosie up and playing again! I do think getting Rosie a companion is a good idea as she sounds like she needs one. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Rosie.

I'm so sorry to hear that Gum lost his partner. That certainly can be difficult for a dog. Adding another dog to the house may certainly be good for him. In general, we recommend that a male and female dog will tend to get along the best if you have your option of genders. Depending on how long it will take you to add another dog to the house, another thing you could consider if needed would be adding a Bach Flower Essence like Rescue Remedy ( http://www.bachflower.com/rescue-remedy-pet/ ) which can be added to the water and help with emotional problems. Good luck! I hope that was helpful. Thanks for using PetCoach.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I am so sorry about the passing of your dog. You could consider getting Billy a new housemate as that may help him now. Otherwise, you can also consider taking him for walks frequently for him to see other people and other pups which may help. I hope he gets better!

Hi. Yes, just like people, pets can become depressed for a period of time after a loss or change. Getting another pet is totally a personal decision. If that's what she has been used to, it is definitely an option. If you aren't ready, or not wanting another pet, she will adjust.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This really depends on the dog that you bring home and Wordsworth's reaction to the situation. I do think that you can bring along another dog. However, I think it is key to make sure that they are a good match before adopting. For example, try to avoid getting a puppy or a high energy type dog if Wordsworth is not an energetic dog and viceversa. For that reason, I recommend that you foster first before adopting and that way you can get a sense of how they are going to get along. Good luck and have a great day!

I'm so sorry you are facing this situation! How horrible to lose a beloved dog but to also have to worry about Bentley at the same time. Given that he does better with another animal, yes I would get another dog for the home. It's fine to get a smaller dog, and while it doesn't make a difference if you get a boy or a girl, I would make sure the dog is eventually neutered or spayed as soon as it's old enough. It might be a good idea to get one now so the transition for Bentley isn't as difficult when he loses his companion. I hope this helps!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I am so sorry for the loss of your husband! I think animals mourn as well and they can pick up on our stress and anxiety. I would call your vet and ask for medications for Sophia. I would consider a long acting anti-anxiety medication like prozac and also a short acting medication to use in the beginning for when you leave her. I would hope with time you can wean her off these medications. I would provide something of your husbands for her to keep in her crate or bed that you can give her. If she doesn't have food allergies consider giving her a Kong filled with food (there are recipes online) and keep the radio or TV on for her. If she likes other dogs you can even sign her up for doggie day care and drop her off there for the day. I wish you all the best!