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Injured dog separated: How to keep my other dog from feeling left out?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | American Staffordshire Terrier | Male | neutered | 4 years and 9 months old

Hi, I have two dogs 5 and 3, they are both outside/inside dogs. the 5 year old ha recently been injured and we're keepimg him seperate from our other dog in fear of him ripping a stitch or something, my younger dog will be staying outside, for 2 nights and then visiting my mum (who he loves) for a week to give our older boy a chance to recover. I'm worried this will effect the younger one negatively and make him feel left out for the two nights he is home, do you have any advice?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on June 30th, 2017

That is a reasonable concern. However pets are very forgiving as long as the incident isn't severely traumatic (involves severe pain or discomfort). I would work to continue to show the puppy attention and to play with him for at least 30 minutes twice a day. Also while the puppy is around your other pet you can allow the two dogs to at least see each other or comes nose to nose with each other while being supervised to ensure they don't rough play any compromise your pets sutures. You will be surprised how forgiving our pets are. I have had pets separated from each other for years and when they get back together all is forgotten and they coexist happily together as if they were never apart. You can also take some of your personal items hat have your scent and your other dogs scent on it to your mums house so that the puppy has a reminder there with him until you are all reunited again. Best wishes with your pup and I hope that Champ heals well from his injury. Best wishes and take care.

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    Answered By Dr. Leigh, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Maybe you could also bring him inside and keep him in another area of the house or just let him come in for part of the time and keep him on a leash or monitor him closely. I am sure he will be ok outside but you could also try an Adaptil collar to alleviate any stress/anxiety with being alone.

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