Expert: Cassie - 1/20/2008

Question
We have a Boston Terrier who just turned 3. She was the runt of the litter and has always been a little timid, but has also always been a very loving pet. She was spayed at 1 year, and since then she seems to be getting worse and worse. She sits around hanging her head all the time, and isn't interested in playing, going for a walk, nothing, which she used to LOVE! She hardly eats although that's how she's always been; she's only 14lbs which is small for a Boston, but the vet keeps telling us that's fine. Basically, our problem is that she seems to be depressed, and getting worse every day. It's a battle to get her to go outside, and then she won't set foot off the patio to go pee at night. In the daytime she's fine, and runs all over the grass no problem. The head hanging thing is the saddest; she just seems miserable and we have no idea why. She has never been in an abusive or aggressive situation, but she really shows all the characteristics of an abused or traumatised dog. She won't let anyone in the house, but then gets sad when they leave. We were wondering if this could be some kind of hormonal problem from being spayed, as it started the day she came home from the vet and has got worse ever since. It's really getting to the point where she just hangs her head and shakes all day long, and then sits and shakes all night, and we don't know how to help her. We've tried everything we can think of, including longer walks, letting her go off the leash or not letting her go off the leash, doggy day care, we have done everything we can so far, and nothing makes any difference. Her vet told us that she needs another dog in the house, but we're worried that she might effect the new dog and not the other way round and we don't want to make her MORE sad! Please help; she's such a good dog and we love her so much, we just want her to be happy and behave like a dog again!

Answer
    I agree with your vet. The behavior she is experiencing is called separation anxiety. She needs another dog in the house. Try spending more time with her, taking her out for walks more often, and buying her treats and "doggy toys". Take her for training at Petsmart, and when you get take her to the groomer, try taking her to a Petsmart groomer instead. This may sound a little odd, but another good idea is to give her massages. Lay her down on a soft cushion and massage her shoulders, legs and arms, tummy, and back. Give her about 15 minutes of complete relaxation. You did the right thing by spaying her, and I'm sure it's just a coincidence; you're preventing future diseases as well. If you have any other questions, be sure to click on "add a follow-up". Thank you!