My senior yorky seems depressed /upset? - YorkieTalk.com Forums

mayer5 · 05-26-2011, 05:09 AM

hi all,
Myles my soon to be 14 yr old yorky on 6/12 does not seem to be taking to our new pup Rudy who is now 5mths we have had him 2mths. I posted before about this but I thought it would get better they are separate all the time, only together if they are in the yard together and Myles does not even go down our deck if Rudy is down on the grass he wants nothing to do with him. It makes me real sad though that I did this got a new pup with my older one.

He always did sleep a lot but yesterday and today seems more sleepy and did not eat yesterday which some days he did that and other days he will eat a lot I am just wondering if he is depressed and down and out. All he gets to do now is go back in his bed after he goes outside to the bathroom, he used to go in the living room where Rudy is now and look at the front door or lay on the rug but he does not want to do that at all. If Rudy is crated I let him in the liviing room on my lap or try to put him by the front door but he just runs away. It is not the same behavior for him at all.
What should I do?
I would like to hear from all of my fellow yorky owners that are in this situation with other older yorkies and new pups.

Thanks

gardengirl77 · 05-26-2011, 05:56 AM

I haven't had a senior with a pup at the same time, but did deal with a senior Yorkie for a lot of years. They still need a lot of tender love too. Maybe for a while every day you can take the crate with the pup into a different room and let the Senior sit by you, on you or whatever he likes to do. Just make sure he gets some focused calm attention. When mine got that age she did sleep an awful lot though and did the same about eating. Some days she wasn't interested and the next day she'd eat like crazy. She was so loving & loyal to the very end.

AlicetheYorkie · 05-26-2011, 07:42 AM

I'd just make sure to give your senior dog plenty of attention with the puppy in a crate or somewhere out of the way. I have a 12 yr. old Beagle and Alice (7 months) likes to jump all over her, lick her face etc. I don't have the same issue as you because it's actually somewhat brought out the "puppy" in my old girl, but every dog is different. My old dog will let Alice know when enough is enough though

.

When I give the other two dogs their individual attention each day, Alice tries to intrude and I just don't let her, she has plenty of her own time with me. Of course there's times when I'll play with all 3 of them together, but it's important that your senior dog have her time too and not feel like she's been replaced with your affection.

She's probably just annoyed by the puppy's energy and that's why she stays away. I'd also figure out a way for the older dog to have a way to "escape" the puppy whenever she wants - somewhere she can eat and lay down comfortably where the pup can't or isn't allowed bother her. Maybe buy her a nice new bed or something like that. Let her go outside by herself at least half the time too.

Honestly, when they get that old, I'll pretty much let them have whatever they want lol. I have zero problems ever with my beagle eating lol, but if she didn't want her dog food that day, I would boil her some chicken or give her some treats - whatever. I kind of throw some "rules" out the window a bit when they get to senior status and pamper her a bit more

.

AlicetheYorkie · 05-26-2011, 07:44 AM

Sorry, I said "she" and just realized you have a boy. i have all female dogs so it's habit sometimes. Sorry, my bad

gardengirl77 · 05-26-2011, 08:12 AM

Quote:

I kind of throw some "rules" out the window a bit when they get to senior status and pamper her a bit more

.

That's what I did too. I'd go buy her rotissari chicken and shread it up and even let her have some skin & a little fat. Cook her some hamburger or roast. She lived 3 months short of 18 years. She was fairly energetic until the last year or so when she really started going downhill. I didn't realize how bad she looked until looking at pictures several months later. Love is blind I guess. One morning she started having a hard time breathing, had a seizure & was probably in pain so I let her be put down later that day.

Make to sure to give your senior lots of love & special attention. Just getting to be near you (without the puppy) is great to them.

mayer5 · 05-26-2011, 09:02 AM

Hi Jenn
thanks for your feedback Myles is totally separate from Rudy I have a gate up where Rudy is when he is not crated b/c he needed to be trained etc and I was not gonna let him roam the house b/c if he does he goes right for Myles food and favorite burger (toy) that is on its last limb it is 14 yrs old as well. lol! That is a great idea to move the crate out of that room so myles can come in and be alone

As far as food and treats I do give him some table food here and there but he has ulcerative colitis he is a nervous nelly and changing food causes him diarrhea it is a sin so it is very important that I do not give him much table food or treats per say but I try to spoil him as much as possible. I still take him for walks he loves that.

I think part of the problem is the when around the pup Rudy does not give Myles a chance he is on top of him and I think Myles mouth bothers him since 1/2 his mouth is rotted his teeth need to be extracted. So if he bumps myles head he does not like that at all. Didnt know if I wanted to get his teeth done at this time. My first yorky lived til 18yrs old and i had his teeth done at 14 yrs old and he lived 4 more years but I think Myles is different I dont know how he would do. Thats another issue

But thanks for ur input eventually I want to give Rudy some run in the house and see how that works but I think it is gonna be along time before that happens right?

Thanks

AlicetheYorkie · 05-27-2011, 04:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mayer5

Hi Jenn
thanks for your feedback Myles is totally separate from Rudy I have a gate up where Rudy is when he is not crated b/c he needed to be trained etc and I was not gonna let him roam the house b/c if he does he goes right for Myles food and favorite burger (toy) that is on its last limb it is 14 yrs old as well. lol! That is a great idea to move the crate out of that room so myles can come in and be alone

As far as food and treats I do give him some table food here and there but he has ulcerative colitis he is a nervous nelly and changing food causes him diarrhea it is a sin so it is very important that I do not give him much table food or treats per say but I try to spoil him as much as possible. I still take him for walks he loves that.

I think part of the problem is the when around the pup Rudy does not give Myles a chance he is on top of him and I think Myles mouth bothers him since 1/2 his mouth is rotted his teeth need to be extracted. So if he bumps myles head he does not like that at all. Didnt know if I wanted to get his teeth done at this time. My first yorky lived til 18yrs old and i had his teeth done at 14 yrs old and he lived 4 more years but I think Myles is different I dont know how he would do. Thats another issue

But thanks for ur input eventually I want to give Rudy some run in the house and see how that works but I think it is gonna be along time before that happens right?

Thanks

Aww, that's so sweet he's had the same toy his whole life

. Ya, sore teeth can for sure make anyone grouchy and you're probably right that that's what's happening. Well, I'd get those teeth out if it's at all possible. I know you're concerned about how he would do, but talk to the vet about your concerns, if they kind of blow off your concerns and aren't sympathetic, talk to another vet. Get bloodwork done before hand and if you're really concered you can even get an ECG done prior (not as expensive as it sounds if you find a general practitioner vet that can do it). Make sure IV fluids, a heart monitor, O2 monitor and heating pad would be used during the dental. I know you said it's another issue, but there's a good chance that could really be your whole issue here. I don't want anyone near me if I have a sore tooth, especially if they're going to be bumping my mouth. You may be surprized and have a much more happy senior dog if you get him out of that pain.

shodanusmc · 05-27-2011, 05:32 AM

We have a 14 year old female Yorkie, a 11 year old Cane Corso, and now, Basil and Caper, Yorkie Brothers at 6 months. They have a way of working it out, just treat the older tops as the top dogs.....best of luck.

I know all about wanting to sleep more...

kjc · 05-27-2011, 05:49 AM

My older guy was depressed when his buddies passed on, leaving him the 'only' dog in the house. When I adopted 3 young girls (not puppies, but puppy-like, lol) he acted very distant for a while, but he did eventually come around. I had the same thoughts you are having, about it all being the wrong thing to do, but then he would still have been depressed.

I did make sure to give him extra attention, alot of 'me' time, and I made sure the girls didn't bully him as they are prone to doing. Now he's top dog, and acting more like a puppy himself. He now barks at me if he wants something. He races them to the front door to go out. He races them to come back in. He tolerates their playfulness very well, as he knows Mommie will 'save' him if they get out of hand.

And little things (to me, but 'big' to him), I feed him first, for walks he gets his harness on first, he gets brushed and bathed first, and give him treats first. If he ever looks unsure of anything, I stop and pick him up and give him special time to reassure him.

Your puppy will see you doing this and will accept your attention for the older dog. When my girls get to playing, I hold Peek on my lap and throw toys for the girls to fetch to burn up some of their energy. I try to make sure he is a part of anything we do. I will tell the girls 'No, go play' with Peek on my lap, if they try to get up on my lap with him (this makes him feel very special).

He likes Sapphire the most, she is most like him in size and temperament so I will walk them together, as the other two girls can be a bit wild on walks, and I now walk them separately for training purposes.

And every night I tell him he is such a Good Boy. He really likes hearing those words.

I think once he realized he wasn't being replaced and that he is still #1 with me, he began to enjoy having the girls around. I purposely seek him out (he tends to sleep a bit more too) to give him attention in front of them, and they know too, that he has his own place with me and not to interfere. When he has had enough, I put him down, and each girl will come to me and wait to be picked up and cuddled and told how special they are to me.

It did take a few months, but I believe he is happy once again. It's just about finding a way to balance everything, and to make some rules. Now that he's feeling better, he doesn't require as much attention as he was getting in the beginning, but I still make him feel special whenever I see an opportunity to do so.

Patti · 05-27-2011, 06:08 AM

This is my first experience with a senior yorkie. Nikki is estimated to be 17+ years old. He is a rescue that I have had for 16 months. In the 16 months that I have had him he has become more grouchy, sleeps all the time and gets irritated when the 3 girls run around and play. I make sure he gets a lot attention but it doesn't make much difference. He also has days where he won't get up to eat and I have to bring his food to him, and days where he doesn't want to eat every meal. When the lady I got Nikki from rescued him 3 years ago his teeth were rotted to the bone. She couldn't afford the dental so he lived like that for 1 1/2 years. When I met her we took Nikki to the vet and for a reduced price he did 900 worth of dental and gum work. After he healed Nikki was like a new dog. He started eating and felt so much better. I would talk to your vet about the benefits of getting a dental done versus his age. It may make a big difference. It may take more time for them to get close especially as Rudy settles down. Ihope it all works out.

Ringo1 · 05-27-2011, 06:49 AM

Could his teeth be causing him pain?

mayer5 · 05-27-2011, 01:30 PM

hi ladies
thanks for ur feedback it was very helpful

i am definitely considering getting his teeth done
first i need to get Rudy neutered in June than can do Myles teeth maybe the vet can work out a payment plan with us cause I know it is quite expensive but I know it will make him feel better
Like I had said my previous yorky had his teeth all extracted cause they were sooo bad at 14 yrs old and than lived til 18 yrs!

One question I still have for u guys is should I try to put them together on a daily basis or just let it be keep the pup separate from Myles since Myles does not like it at all?

Thanks again
Denise

York4Ever · 05-27-2011, 01:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ringo1

Could his teeth be causing him pain?

I agree with that.. maybe there is something else bothering him. He can be in pain and not wanting to do anything else...

kjc · 05-27-2011, 02:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mayer5

hi ladies
thanks for ur feedback it was very helpful

i am definitely considering getting his teeth done
first i need to get Rudy neutered in June than can do Myles teeth maybe the vet can work out a payment plan with us cause I know it is quite expensive but I know it will make him feel better
Like I had said my previous yorky had his teeth all extracted cause they were sooo bad at 14 yrs old and than lived til 18 yrs!

One question I still have for u guys is should I try to put them together on a daily basis or just let it be keep the pup separate from Myles since Myles does not like it at all?

Thanks again
Denise

Give them each a small baby blanket or old tee shirt in their beds for about three days. Then switch the blankets. This will help them to get used to each others scents.

I'd let them get together everyday for a time. But I wouldn't let the pup harass the older dog. When Myles sees that you will help keep the puppy away from him, he'll begin to like it better. Puppies can get obnoxious.

You could try holding the puppy and allow Myles to sniff him without fear of the pup jumping at him, and vice versa. This can help to begin a relationship between them.

Be patient and go slowly. If Myles starts to get really stresses out, cut the session short and allow him to go lay down. Try for a little longer each day.

Do you take them on walks together? That can help them to bond too.

mayer5 · 05-27-2011, 04:43 PM

Thank you this is a good idea
yeah we tried one walk together and rudy would do his own thing if myles was too close to him he would jump all over him had to keep them away from one another myles doesnt want any part of him

i tried the up close and personal sniffing myles turns his head doesnt want it
if i keep them in a close knit room together for a few minutes they bark like mad and rudy just goes at myles jumping on him it is sad myles looks to escape so i will do all of these things w/ caution and slowly and pray it will work out eventually

thanks a lot!

05-26-2011, 05:56 AM	#2
gardengirl77 Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 822	I haven't had a senior with a pup at the same time, but did deal with a senior Yorkie for a lot of years. They still need a lot of tender love too. Maybe for a while every day you can take the crate with the pup into a different room and let the Senior sit by you, on you or whatever he likes to do. Just make sure he gets some focused calm attention. When mine got that age she did sleep an awful lot though and did the same about eating. Some days she wasn't interested and the next day she'd eat like crazy. She was so loving & loyal to the very end. __________________ Karen Love my Heidi.

05-26-2011, 07:42 AM	#3
AlicetheYorkie YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 889	I'd just make sure to give your senior dog plenty of attention with the puppy in a crate or somewhere out of the way. I have a 12 yr. old Beagle and Alice (7 months) likes to jump all over her, lick her face etc. I don't have the same issue as you because it's actually somewhat brought out the "puppy" in my old girl, but every dog is different. My old dog will let Alice know when enough is enough though. When I give the other two dogs their individual attention each day, Alice tries to intrude and I just don't let her, she has plenty of her own time with me. Of course there's times when I'll play with all 3 of them together, but it's important that your senior dog have her time too and not feel like she's been replaced with your affection. She's probably just annoyed by the puppy's energy and that's why she stays away. I'd also figure out a way for the older dog to have a way to "escape" the puppy whenever she wants - somewhere she can eat and lay down comfortably where the pup can't or isn't allowed bother her. Maybe buy her a nice new bed or something like that. Let her go outside by herself at least half the time too. Honestly, when they get that old, I'll pretty much let them have whatever they want lol. I have zero problems ever with my beagle eating lol, but if she didn't want her dog food that day, I would boil her some chicken or give her some treats - whatever. I kind of throw some "rules" out the window a bit when they get to senior status and pamper her a bit more. __________________ Jenn, mom to: Dayton , Alice ,Darla, Miya , Summer & Chooch

05-26-2011, 07:44 AM	#4
AlicetheYorkie YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 889	Sorry, I said "she" and just realized you have a boy. i have all female dogs so it's habit sometimes. Sorry, my bad __________________ Jenn, mom to: Dayton , Alice ,Darla, Miya , Summer & Chooch

05-27-2011, 05:49 AM	#9
kjc I♥PeekTinkySaph&Finny Donating Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Baltimore, Maryland Posts: 18,866	My older guy was depressed when his buddies passed on, leaving him the 'only' dog in the house. When I adopted 3 young girls (not puppies, but puppy-like, lol) he acted very distant for a while, but he did eventually come around. I had the same thoughts you are having, about it all being the wrong thing to do, but then he would still have been depressed. I did make sure to give him extra attention, alot of 'me' time, and I made sure the girls didn't bully him as they are prone to doing. Now he's top dog, and acting more like a puppy himself. He now barks at me if he wants something. He races them to the front door to go out. He races them to come back in. He tolerates their playfulness very well, as he knows Mommie will 'save' him if they get out of hand. And little things (to me, but 'big' to him), I feed him first, for walks he gets his harness on first, he gets brushed and bathed first, and give him treats first. If he ever looks unsure of anything, I stop and pick him up and give him special time to reassure him. Your puppy will see you doing this and will accept your attention for the older dog. When my girls get to playing, I hold Peek on my lap and throw toys for the girls to fetch to burn up some of their energy. I try to make sure he is a part of anything we do. I will tell the girls 'No, go play' with Peek on my lap, if they try to get up on my lap with him (this makes him feel very special). He likes Sapphire the most, she is most like him in size and temperament so I will walk them together, as the other two girls can be a bit wild on walks, and I now walk them separately for training purposes. And every night I tell him he is such a Good Boy. He really likes hearing those words. I think once he realized he wasn't being replaced and that he is still #1 with me, he began to enjoy having the girls around. I purposely seek him out (he tends to sleep a bit more too) to give him attention in front of them, and they know too, that he has his own place with me and not to interfere. When he has had enough, I put him down, and each girl will come to me and wait to be picked up and cuddled and told how special they are to me. It did take a few months, but I believe he is happy once again. It's just about finding a way to balance everything, and to make some rules. Now that he's feeling better, he doesn't require as much attention as he was getting in the beginning, but I still make him feel special whenever I see an opportunity to do so. __________________ Kat Chloe Lizzy PeekABooTinkerbell SapphireInfinity

05-27-2011, 06:08 AM	#10
Patti Donating YT 30K Club Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Illinois Posts: 35,509 Blog Entries: 6	This is my first experience with a senior yorkie. Nikki is estimated to be 17+ years old. He is a rescue that I have had for 16 months. In the 16 months that I have had him he has become more grouchy, sleeps all the time and gets irritated when the 3 girls run around and play. I make sure he gets a lot attention but it doesn't make much difference. He also has days where he won't get up to eat and I have to bring his food to him, and days where he doesn't want to eat every meal. When the lady I got Nikki from rescued him 3 years ago his teeth were rotted to the bone. She couldn't afford the dental so he lived like that for 1 1/2 years. When I met her we took Nikki to the vet and for a reduced price he did 900 worth of dental and gum work. After he healed Nikki was like a new dog. He started eating and felt so much better. I would talk to your vet about the benefits of getting a dental done versus his age. It may make a big difference. It may take more time for them to get close especially as Rudy settles down. Ihope it all works out. __________________ Cali Pixie Roxie : RIP Nikki; RIP Maya;RIP my sweet Dixie girl 1/17/08 http://callipuppyscastle.bravehost.com/index.html

05-26-2011, 05:09 AM	#1
mayer5 Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: lyndhurst,nj usa Posts: 96	My senior yorky seems depressed /upset? hi all, Myles my soon to be 14 yr old yorky on 6/12 does not seem to be taking to our new pup Rudy who is now 5mths we have had him 2mths. I posted before about this but I thought it would get better they are separate all the time, only together if they are in the yard together and Myles does not even go down our deck if Rudy is down on the grass he wants nothing to do with him. It makes me real sad though that I did this got a new pup with my older one. He always did sleep a lot but yesterday and today seems more sleepy and did not eat yesterday which some days he did that and other days he will eat a lot I am just wondering if he is depressed and down and out. All he gets to do now is go back in his bed after he goes outside to the bathroom, he used to go in the living room where Rudy is now and look at the front door or lay on the rug but he does not want to do that at all. If Rudy is crated I let him in the liviing room on my lap or try to put him by the front door but he just runs away. It is not the same behavior for him at all. What should I do? I would like to hear from all of my fellow yorky owners that are in this situation with other older yorkies and new pups. Thanks

05-26-2011, 09:02 AM	#6
mayer5 Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: lyndhurst,nj usa Posts: 96	Hi Jenn thanks for your feedback Myles is totally separate from Rudy I have a gate up where Rudy is when he is not crated b/c he needed to be trained etc and I was not gonna let him roam the house b/c if he does he goes right for Myles food and favorite burger (toy) that is on its last limb it is 14 yrs old as well. lol! That is a great idea to move the crate out of that room so myles can come in and be alone As far as food and treats I do give him some table food here and there but he has ulcerative colitis he is a nervous nelly and changing food causes him diarrhea it is a sin so it is very important that I do not give him much table food or treats per say but I try to spoil him as much as possible. I still take him for walks he loves that. I think part of the problem is the when around the pup Rudy does not give Myles a chance he is on top of him and I think Myles mouth bothers him since 1/2 his mouth is rotted his teeth need to be extracted. So if he bumps myles head he does not like that at all. Didnt know if I wanted to get his teeth done at this time. My first yorky lived til 18yrs old and i had his teeth done at 14 yrs old and he lived 4 more years but I think Myles is different I dont know how he would do. Thats another issue But thanks for ur input eventually I want to give Rudy some run in the house and see how that works but I think it is gonna be along time before that happens right? Thanks

05-27-2011, 05:32 AM	#8
shodanusmc BANNED! Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Illinois Posts: 4,603	We have a 14 year old female Yorkie, a 11 year old Cane Corso, and now, Basil and Caper, Yorkie Brothers at 6 months. They have a way of working it out, just treat the older tops as the top dogs.....best of luck. I know all about wanting to sleep more...

05-27-2011, 06:49 AM	#11
Ringo1 Ringo (1) and Lucy too! Donating Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: On the Edge of Glory Posts: 3,447	Could his teeth be causing him pain? __________________ Mommy to Lucy, Ringo, and Matthew

05-27-2011, 01:30 PM	#12
mayer5 Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: lyndhurst,nj usa Posts: 96	thanks hi ladies thanks for ur feedback it was very helpful i am definitely considering getting his teeth done first i need to get Rudy neutered in June than can do Myles teeth maybe the vet can work out a payment plan with us cause I know it is quite expensive but I know it will make him feel better Like I had said my previous yorky had his teeth all extracted cause they were sooo bad at 14 yrs old and than lived til 18 yrs! One question I still have for u guys is should I try to put them together on a daily basis or just let it be keep the pup separate from Myles since Myles does not like it at all? Thanks again Denise

05-27-2011, 04:43 PM	#15
mayer5 Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: lyndhurst,nj usa Posts: 96	Thank you this is a good idea yeah we tried one walk together and rudy would do his own thing if myles was too close to him he would jump all over him had to keep them away from one another myles doesnt want any part of him i tried the up close and personal sniffing myles turns his head doesnt want it if i keep them in a close knit room together for a few minutes they bark like mad and rudy just goes at myles jumping on him it is sad myles looks to escape so i will do all of these things w/ caution and slowly and pray it will work out eventually thanks a lot!