Is my puppy sick or depressed? What can I do?
 

Hello everybody. I have a Yorkie named Eevee who is a year and a half old. We recently got a new member of the family and after a few weeks, our Yorkie doesn't seem too happy with what's going on. She uses the restroom and goes for walks like normal but lately we have been feeding her by hand and she lays around a lot more than usual when she's in the house. I'm hoping she's not sick, because we really don't have the funds to go to the vet at this time, and that she's just sad getting used to a new dog. We still give her lots of attention. Also she has become a bit more vicious with the new puppy. My Yorkie has always slept on the bed at my feet and rarely sleeps right next to me. Lately I have held her in my arms when I go to sleep. She has never let me do that && it seems lately she just wants me to hold her. This is what makes me think she's either sad or sick. There is times during the day where she is fine and wandering around the house and then she has those times that she just goes straight to the bed and gets under the covers. When she is on the bed she gets her toys and lays down with them beside her like if she's lonely or something. Last night I got home and she just peeked her head out from under the cover and snuggled back into the cover. Usually when I get home she comes running to the door barking and excited to see me. This has all been within the span of two or three days. I'm just really worried at this point with her changes in mood. Has anyone else had something like this? Do we need to find a new home for the new dog or will our Yorkie get over it? We love our other dog very much also but we just want both out puppies to be happy. Can anyone give me some advice on what to do? We don't want her upset we love her too much!

When was the last time she was at the vets? Has she ever had bloodwork done? Her responses could be from a new puppy - hard to know. You did not mention if her bowel movements are normal or if there has been nausea or other signs of illness.

I am hoping that the money crunch is not an ongoing issue = but just a function of the holiday season. Dogs can be expensive to care for especially ones with health issues and you will need funds to cover that cost. Depending upon where you live annual vet expenses can easily be $400-$500 that is for normal care.

She last went to the vet about two weeks ago. Her bowel movements are normal and ther has been no vomitting or anything of that sort. Yes, the money thing is due to the holidays.

I am no expert but it sounds like she is jealous. i am sure you are giving lots of attention to the new puppy and Eevee is used to be the sole center of attention. Does Eeevie socialize with the new pup? I think the quicker they form a bond the quicker she will be back to normal.

We've had the new puppy for about two or three weeks already and Eevee has just started behaving this way. Before she would play with the new puppy, but lately she has been a bit more vicious towards her. I'm not too sure how to handle it.

How is her appetite? If she's eating fine, this is a good sign. If she is not eating, you do need to get her in ASAP as that's a cardinal sign in dogs that something really *is* wrong.

Some doggies can get very sensitive / needy / clingy when another dog arrives in the home. I think it took our Wylie at least 2 months of adjusting when we first got Marcel. So, it could just be her feeling insecure. Give her lots of love and attention and TLC...and she will adjust/normalize in time. :)