first off, he is a little over a year old...have had him since he was 3 months old. he is fixed. i live in alaska...(sometimes negative degree weather) and he uses pee pads, instead of going out for this reason. he sleeps all day, seems kind of sad. but wont go outside because its so cold (he is 6 pounds)..what are some things to keep him entertained during the winter hours? he has tons of toys, bedding.

also, the past couple weeks he's been shaking his head and when he does this, hes flipping his left ear as if its annoying him..he hasnt been scratching it, but any idea on what this is? id take him to he vet, but we only have one vet in my town and im completely broke (i wasnt broke when i got my pup, but hard times are hard times, can't control when a family crisis happens and you run low on money...he is fed good, and taken care of really well despite that)

any help would be appreciated! not getting many answers from anywhere else.

How long has he been acting sad/depressed ? If it coincides with the head shaking/flicking ear problem he may have an ear infection causing him pain. I think I'd try to find the money to get him checked out.

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Willow, Bella & Alfie

Did you look in his ear to see how it looks? That's where I would start. Check does it have black stuff or like a yellowey greasy stuff crusted in it?


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Also, does he pull away when you try to touch his ear? Sounds like something's going on with his ear & he needs to see a vet for possible ear drops and/or antibiotics.

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You can clean his ears and see if that helps. I have drops with tea tree oil that I use and then I also use ear wipes. My short hair girl just gets a lot of wax so I have to do that to keep her comfy.

He may be bored too. Toys that challenge him mentally are reccommended by trainers . We have a large variety of types of toys...balls, soft/squeaky, chew, hide-a-treat type, ETc...

Good luck! Hope your lil guy feels better!


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I agree look at the year. Also whsat about some IQ toys where he works for treats or chew bones to help entertain during winter? Maybe do a hide and seek where you hide some treats and he gets to find them.

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Thank you Jan896

Try and look into his ear, first. If it smells bad, that means he may have yeast, or a bacterial infection.

Training always is fun to do inside. Tricks, obedience etc are good. Chewies are good for boredom too.