How can I help my grieving Border Collie?

[WoodRose]

Sadly, one of our two collies died at home on Saturday. She was 14 and had been ill for some time so not entirely unexpected. We encouraged our other collie (12 years)to sniff her as I had read that it enables surviving dogs to understand that their friend has died.

Our surviving collie has ALWAYS had canine companions. We got him when he was 17 months from a house with 10 (yikes!!) other collies and we already had our gorgeous collie bitch. We have been trying to keep him (and us) busy with lots of walks, games and cuddles. Apart from the time we are walking, he seems very subdued.

He seems to want to spend all his time laying in the hallway as if he is waiting for our other dog to return. This is very unusual for him as he normally spends all his home time in "his spot" in the garden. More worryingly, he is licking his front legs a lot. He does this when he is feeling highly stressed.

It is so sad watching him. I really would like to help him. Any suggestions gratefully received!

Give him the homoeopathic remedy Ignatia 200c three doses over one day.I have found it really helps stressed grieving animals,and it won't harm him even if it makes no difference.You can get it mail order from Ainsworths homoeopathic pharmacy (London) or Goulds (crowndale Rd,London NW1) or Helios.
And maybe think about getting a new companion for him in a little while?

Should have added,I'm very sorry you've lost your other doggie.

We went through this a year back when the first of two elderly Scotties died. We did what you've been doing. She was very clingy for a few days.

We found that our girl was much brighter after about three or four days. She really seemed to just forget or move forward. In fact, she seemed to relish our undivided attention.

Sadly she then died about a year later. But her last year was a mostly happy one for her.

Our collie did this. Both dogs were still quite young when our springer x died and she became quite depressed although she had been bullying him when he became ill.
We got another dog and they have become good friends. Would you consider getting another dog as a companion?

I am sorry about your loss.

Re the remaining dog you are doing just the right things keeping him busy. The other thing to do and this is quite hard when you are grieving yourself, is too keep quite upbeat and happy around the dog. Do not in anyway enforce the sadness. It does seem harsh but if you do the dog thinks I really do have reason to be sorry as everyone else is really depressed as well.

So I am afraid for the dogs sake put on the appearance of stiff upper lip and that everything is fine and the dog will feel better quicker. Sorry that it doesn't work for you too

Thank you all so much for your swift replies!

Hellymelly - I live in North London so will definately try the homeopathic remedies. As you say, it won't do any harm.

Fruitshoot - We aren't quite ready yet to get another dog, but will do so if our Collie continues to be depressed. I have noticed that he perks up when he sees another border collie on our walks. However, I may have difficulties in finding another collie as many breeders are unwilling to home collies where there are young children. Our DC are 8 and 6. However, they have had collies all their lives so know how to treat them.

minimu - many thanks for your advice. Our dog is exceptionally sensitive to emotional upset or change. It has been difficult, but we have been trying to hold it together when around him. I know he is feeling anxious because he is continually licking his front left leg. The last time he licked this much was when I brought DC1 home from the hospital. I need to take him to the vet next week for his geriatric screening, so hopefully she can look at it then.

Once again, thank you for taking the time to advise. DC are in bed so going to find my boy for a cuddle and a game of tuggy!

Can't help but feel that this is the price your dog will have to pay, for a few days, for being such an intellegent, sensitive soul. I think borders and collies are the best dogs in the world.

Sorry for your loss. My brother has a border and I am very attached to her. She is very elderly now and it is sad to see.

Hope he gets over it in a few days - you too, although I expect it'll take longer.

How sad for you all.
Do you know any other dogs that your collie enjoys spending time with? Could you arrange for him to spend some time with a canine friend? Maybe a bit of doggy time would help him to make the transition? I read an article where someone said this had helped their grieving greyhound to recover.

I hope you all start to feel better soon. It must be terribly hard.

We bought a new puppy about four months after we lost dog 1. She certainly did act as a distractionfor good or illas far as dog 2 was concerned.

Oh well you can pick up the remedy easily then.I have moved from London,I used to live close to Goulds-where are you? Ainsworths is on New Cavendish St,just off Marylebone high st.I do hope your dog is feeling more chipper soon.

Sad to hear about your old dog. It is true that dogs grieve. I have even seen one cry.

I would not advise getting another dog though, especially a young puppy. It could be overwhelming for your remaining 12 yr old dog. A young puppy is OK at first but will grow up quickly into an boisterous teenager and could make your remaining dog's life really miserable.

My advice is long walks, companionship, and put a favourite old blanket from the other dog in the remaining dogs basket. Just like people really.

I'm so sorry to hear about your dog.

When PantryDog1 died PantryDog2 was devastated. I put his bed in the utility room and she carried it back into the living room and slept on it - he was a terrier, she is a mastiff so she just lay on top of it.
She howled at night and didn't really want to go out for walks.

We took her on lots of new walks and tried to keep her busy but she only really perked up when we got a new dog.