Grieving dog

[IndigoSkye]

Hi all, wondered whether anyone had any ideas. We had two dogs a ten year old red setter and a 4 year old red setter.

Unfortunately the 10 yo died suddenly in August. She had a burst aneurism that bled all over the kitchen floor, it was quite traumatic for everyone. We went on holiday a week later so the 4 yo went to stay with a friend for 2 weeks.

Since we've been home 5 weeks now our dog has been behaving differently, she's eating but not bothering us for food like she used to. She spends a lot of time sitting in one of our bedrooms, when she is with us she is very needy. She is also very reluctant to go out for a walk, particularly with our dog walker.

She was happy to go out with my dh over the weekend, he normally takes her out in the car somewhere. Locally to us, near where the dog walker takes her, there is some building work going on. I did wonder if she wasn't keen on this, (maybe she can feel vibrations from machinery we can't?!). She never been a nervous dog before.

We have two cats who she is is fond of (they often all sleep on the same bed!)

Does anyone have any ideas how I can help her please?

[fivedogstofeed]

This is so sad and I'm sorry you've all had such a traumatic time . :(
Do you have any friends with dogs who would come for a walk with you - would she like that?

[Teacakeandalatte]

Aw so sad she is missing her friend . Would you consider getting another dog?

[IndigoSkye]

Thank you, we were hoping not to have another at the moment but not ruled it out. I might ask my friend if we can wall together more regularly.
I don't think we're in a position to get a puppy or a rescue dog (if it was unpredictable or needed a lot of attention) so it might be difficult finding another dog that would fit with our family. Just feel so sad for her!

[Tootyfilou]

Very sorry for your loss, especially in such a traumatic way. She is grieving, it's quite normal behaviour, although horrible to watch. I am sure you are all feeling sad and shocked at your older dogs death. We
went through something similar a few years ago, our older dog (8) became very ill and died a few days later. Our younger dog grieved terribly, would not eat and looked so so sad. We basically love bombed him, played extra games, lots of physical attention. He did improve
slowly, but only got his spark back when we got another dog. Sending best wishes to you all.