My dog's behaviour has changed

[pitstopbunny]

About 6 weeks ago I lost my little dog and cat in very quick succession, leaving me with only my 11 year old Airedale terrier. He has never been vocal, but now seems to bark every few hours to go in the garden, fresh water etc, in fact any thing he can think of to bark at even during the night. Also he has started to dig a hole in the garden, and no matter how many times I cover it in, he digs again! Any ideas why and what I can do to stop him?

[Vanilla Face]

He's clearly in distress upon losing his 2 little companions. The digging is where he is trying to find them! He's lonely.

[pitstopbunny]

I do not work & am with him all the time and he only digs when I am at home (spying on him), I daren't get another dog/cat etc, my dad has read me the riot act about any more pets!

[divegirl]

Hi hun, so very sorry to hear about your losses! I have to agree with Vanilla in saying that he is grieving. Just be there for him....especially if you can't get him a new companion. Dogs, like humans will grieve, but he can and will get over it.....sounds to me like he needs lots of extra love.

Much love to both of you.

Lisa x

[jules77]

ah bless, what a shame - I have been there so know what its like - I saw something on one of the web sites, think it was sun essences, that was a herbal tincture to help animals cope with the loss of a friend. Only thing that helped mine in the end was a holiday, perked her up no end.