Why does my puppy seem sad after playdates? How often is too much?

It may be that Gidget is feeling a bit understimulated. Dachshunds are working dogs, and need a lot of activity to get out their energy, even with their small size. Spending more time on longer walks, playing games, etc can help. Doxies also love to dig, so if you can't interact all the time, setting up a game indoors such as a blanket with treats hidden inside may help encourage her to get out energy in a fun way. Filling a Kong or other puzzle toy with treats or food (or frozen wet food for extra challenge) can also help stimulate her mind when you can't interact. If she continues to act depressed, or starts to show any other signs of illness, a vet visit to rule out any health issues is always a good idea.

Poor pup! If she's feeling lonely, some things that can help mimic littermates include wrapping a warm water bottle or ticking clock in a cloth and letting her sleep with it. This can help mimic the warmth and heartbeat of a friend. Spending time socializing with her, and perhaps offering a fun toy or puzzle toy to help keep her occupied, or playing a soothing radio or TV station can help her to relax some and not feel so lonely. If she doesn't perk up, or shows any signs of illness in addition to this, ruling out any health issues with a vet checkup is also always a good idea.

In general this is ok. As long as she seems to be enjoying the activity. She will catch up on sleep when she gets home. If something were to change in her health (like a chronic illness), then this behavior would be detrimental but for a healthy young dog, it's generally ok. Watch her for signs of stress like diarrhea, anxiety, increased vocalization or a predilection for illness. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.

It could be that Shadow played a lot while at your girlfriend's house, and the excitement of going to a new place and then back home may have tired her out. Given that this lethargy just started today, I wouldn't be too concerned just yet. Keep an eye on her, and if she is still acting this way after 24 hours or she develops other signs such as not eating, vomiting, and refusing to drink water, then I would be concerned. At that point, I would take her into the vet for a health check. Good luck, I hope this helps!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! He may be over excited and would likely benefit from increased activity. Sometimes it just had to do with their age. I recommend that you perhaps increase the length of his walks and also the frequency. Also, you could consider activities such as playing fetch to try to burn some of his energy. I think this will help you with him. Good luck and have a great day!

Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sorry to hear about how things are going with you and Daphne. These situations are always tough on everyone, including the pet. Have you thought about sharing her and letting her stay intermittently with your ex? Might be a good solution if you can both agree on the terms. That way she will never be in this situation again, as both of you will be spending time with her separately. I hope this helps. And I wish all of you and Daphne a long and happy life.

I would take your cue from her. If she seems to enjoy daycare and is more relaxed and happy in the evenings when she's been there, then I don't see any problem with taking her four days a week if you want to. When I was in veterinary school, my own dog (a young Sheltie) went to doggy daycare five days a week while I was on clinical rotations my senior year. It was a great arrangement for him :)