Losing a pet comes as a hard blow to you and your family. But how does it affect the non-human inhabitants of your home? Grief is a natural response we experience but is the same true for our pets? While our canine and feline companions may not fully grasp the significance of death, it’s clear they are capable of experiencing grief and loss. Because of this, it should come as no surprise that a pet's death impacts the remaining animals in your home. Continue reading to learn more about animal grief and several helpful tips to help your pets deal with a loss.
Do Animals Grieve?
Something we get asked a lot is, “Do animals grieve?” The simple answer is yes. Your pets develop powerful relationships and bonds with the humans and non-human members of your family. Since their world is fairly confined to their home environment, their entire being is centered around these family relationships. Dogs have a particularly rough time adapting to changes in the family makeup because of their pack-oriented nature. They depend on their “pack” for a sense of safety and security. When a member passes, it can leave your dog feeling uncertain or unbalanced.
How to Recognize Animal Grief
Dogs and cats can experience grief in many ways, just like humans. Since our pets don’t verbalize their thoughts, we must observe their behavioral changes. Here are several signs that your pet may be grieving:
- Change in appetite
- Self-isolation or demanding more attention
- Sleep changes
- Chewing or aggression
- Changes in vocalization
- Changes in grooming or bathroom habits
- Pacing or seeking out a deceased pet
How Can I Help My Grieving Pet?
While your first instinct will be to comfort your pets when they display signs of grief, it’s vital to remember to avoid soothing them if they engage in unwanted or destructive behaviors. Some of the best things you can do to lift your pet’s spirits include:
- Stay positive and control your emotions - Dealing with the loss of your pet can feel overwhelming, but it’s crucial to continue to speak to your pets in a cheerful, upbeat voice as often as you can. Your pets are sensitive to your emotional state, so it’s beneficial to their well-being to remain positive.
- Allow them time to adjust - Remember that with the loss of your pet, the “pack” is disrupted. In multi-pet households, this means that the household dynamic is temporarily unstable. It’s essential to allow your remaining pets to adjust to the changes and establish a new social structure. Only intervene if it becomes dangerous to family members or other household pets.
- Engage in new activities - Distractions are a healthy way for you and your pet to cope with grief. Try introducing an interactive toy for your cat or teaching your dog a new trick to give your pet something else to focus on, which can help move them forward with the grieving process.
- Speak with your vet - If your pet still displays grief signs for several days, call your vet to avoid any severe health problems.
Why Partner With A Peaceful Return To Eden?
Saying goodbye to a faithful companion is never easy. At A Peaceful Return To Eden, we seek to make this time as peaceful and pain-free as possible for you, your family, and your beloved pet. For more information on pet loss and our signature process, contact us.