Ask the Veterinarian/seperating dogs

Advertisement

Expert: - 7/27/2010


Question
hello,
  I have three small dogs, male and female parents, and female offspring, who have all been together since they were weeks old.  Due to change in life, I know that deep down I can't keep all of them.  Ive had the hardest time deciding on what to do.  I'm so afraid that seperating them will cause bad depression.  Ive tried to find someone to take them as a group, but nobody seems to want that.  My real question is.....will dogs get over such a thing?  will it create a hole in there hearts for the rest of their lives?  
thank you for your time.  

Brett

Answer
Hi Brett,
I totally understand your worries in this case, but from what I have seen over the last 40 yrs, it seems that dogs do get along rather well after being separated. I am not saying it's easy, or that they don't get anxious, because some of them do. However, in the right loving family that will soon fade and the dog will thrive.

So the key is to pick some very good, loving families to take in your dogs. Easier said then done I know, but there are wonderful people out there looking for the right dog. Be sure to let the local vets all know as they have clients that have lost pets that are looking. Those are the best ones because they take good care of their pets and treat them like family.

You may want to try to send off the male separately or at least the offspring. The male and female are probably more bonded than mom and daughter. In nature it is normal for the offspring to go off so that is why I suggested that kind of a split.

Anyway, when you find the right homes you will know and rest assured that they will go on with their lives as you have and while they might have you in the back of their hearts, they will not have a hole in it as we might.

Good luck!

Ask the Veterinarian

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Jana Connell RVT, CVT

Expertise

PLEASE READ BEFORE SUBMITTING TO ME: I am NOT a vet and do NOT diagnose diseases. That is only for a licensed Veterinarian to do. I will give you suggestions and steer you toward calling your vet for help. You can call the vet's office and talk to the technician there or the vet at times. Don't be afraid to call them! If you have a serious issue with your pet please post it to one of the veterinarians in here- I will tell you the same thing in my answer. IF your pet is injured or in an emergency situation, CALL YOUR VET- Do not wait and post in here. Just call the vet's office and get them in to see the vet right away. Critical treatment time is lost if you seek answers here when you should have your precious pet at the vets!! Don't sit at home waiting for an answer when your pet is critically ill or injured!! I can answer most questions about small animal and wildlife care as well as small animal nutrition. I can also answer questions about all phases of dental care for small animals. I DO NOT answer questions about birds (unless it is wildlife or songbirds) or HAMSTERS/GERBILS/CHINS/GUINEA PIGS/REPTILES/FROGS/RABBITS/PET BIRDS OF ANY KIND so please submit these questions to the appropriate sections. I, as well as other experts in here, do NOT do homework questions- that is for YOU to do! Please respect these rules for all of us. Thanks!

Experience

I have over 35 years experience in the field of veterinary medicine. I specialized in small animals and did wildlife rehab for over 25 years, mostly raptors, squirrels and opossums. I am a Small Animal Nutritional Consultant with 6 certificates from Hills Pet Foods, CNM and Purina. I also specialized in Small Animal Dentistry which is a field I truly love.

Organizations
Audubon,World Wildlife Federation, American Society of Veterinary Dental Technicians.

Education/Credentials
Licensed with California and Oregon, RVT and CVT. Certified Veterinary Dental Technician Have over 500 logged hours of Continuing Education Credits(that means I keep up to date!).

Awards and Honors
Nominated for Expert of the Month for the last 5 years.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.