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somebody help!

shanna.sites

New Member
Hi I know we have never spoken but I am having trouble with my mastiff. She is stressed all the time and I know it's because I have had a lot of recent stressor in my life. That has calmed down but she hasnt. She will only eat wet food, and even then very little. She has reverted to defecating in the house (she's is 4) and is chewing on things again. Any ideas of what to do for her to help her calm and start eating? She is extremely skinny and I am at a loss...
 

Max's mom

Well-Known Member
Has she been to the vet to make sure she also isn't sick? You being a calm and reassuring presence with routine may help. I'm sorry but have no other advice. I hope others chime in and that your pup is feeling better soon.
 

DennasMom

Well-Known Member
Sorry your pup is out of sorts.
I'd recommend you take her out for some nice long, peaceful walks in some woods or a pretty park near some water (lake, river, etc.).
Getting out in nature will help both of you de-stress, and there is no better way to reconnect with your dog than walking together.
 

karennj

Well-Known Member
First thing is trip to the vet. Make sure she has no health issues.

Second thing is schedule. Get some structure in her day so she knows what to expect. Actually write out a schedule for the house and stick to it. Include in it plenty of time to eliminate outside (every 4 hrs potty breaks at least).

Third thing is going back to basics. Act like she is a new dog in the home. Be consistent, Give her some boundaries and make sure you do obedience training sessions every day. Restrict access in the house until she earns it back. Only give her one or two of the most used rooms.

Fourth thing is exercise. A tired dog will be more relaxed. Make sure she is getting enough exercise every day. Structured walks with you leading the way are great. Mental exercise is just as important so play games such as find it or give her puzzle toys. Frozen stuffed kongs and the like are good busy toys when her anxiety seems to be taking over.

Firth thing is environment. Make the house a calm place. I have 3 little kids are home and at one point I found I was getting really stressed out during the day. I started to play spa type music downstairs during the day and whenever I would start to get stressed I would focus on the music and it would help so much to calm me down. It might help if you have had a massage before (which I also REALLY recommend for you). Play some soft music during the day, light a candle, keep the house and everyone in it calm. Oh, and I bet she would love it if you started her day with a mini dog massage to relax her!
 

karennj

Well-Known Member
Regarding the food, try adding boiled chicken or beef (rinsed really well) to the dry and slowly phase it out. My Dane won't eat unless I sit with him as he thinks I will disappear if he doesn't watch me LOL. Maybe your girl is the same so try it out.