My dog is fearful, hides, and won't eat or play after abuse. Help!

Question

I’m mentally disabled but live in an abusive environment. I have no car, no ability to gain additional money for much toys, no dog day care...etc Basically we’re both secluded from the world. At 3mo, he was anxious w/people but quickly became very sociable until my father literally beat it out of him. Now, fearful situations such as strangers and bigger dogs cause him to “act tough.” After castration, he simply hides. He has no interest in toys, eating except for his pee pad and poop. Idk. Pet's info: Dog | Shih Tzu | Male | unneutered | 9 months and 7 days old | 9 lbs

Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS · Accepted Answer

Spartacus is an adorable dog, but your situation concerns me on many levels. I'm very concerned that you live in an abusive environment and that your father has beaten your dog. Dogs will react to stress and abuse in the home, and that can come out as aggression to other animals as well as people, and a refusal to eat. In all honesty, this is not a safe environment for you or him, and it sounds like you need some outside help besides veterinary advice. I'm not sure if you have outside resources such as a social worker or therapist, and I urge you strongly to find one to help you if you do not. I would even consider reaching out to the police, as they can help protect you and Spartacus from the abuse, and get you the resources you need to be in a safe environment. I'm worried about both you and him, and you definitely need help so you aren't secluded or in a dangerous situation. In my previous experience as a mental health therapist, abuse in the home gets worse not better, and I certainly wouldn't want anything bad to happen to you or Spartacus. Please reach out to someone like a social worker or therapist in your area, or if you cannot find one, please reach out to the police for help. Looking after yourself and him is most important, and I can tell you love him and want to take the best care possible of him. That isn't possible in an abusive home, so please seek help for you both now.

My dog is fearful, hides, and won't eat or play after abuse. Help!

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