pet-loss

pet life

Losing a friend

The passing of a pet can be devastating for everyone, but while you and your family are coming to terms with your loss, it’s easy to forget that any pets left behind have also lost a companion.

When two pets enjoy a close bond and one of them dies, the surviving pet can experience grief that is similar to human grief. Changes in sleeping or eating patterns, lack of interest in normal activities, lethargy, clinginess and repeatedly searching from room to room for the pet that has passed away are all common signs of pet grief.

So, what can you do to comfort your remaining pet and make this sad time easier for both of you?

Keep an eye on them

The process of grieving isn’t well understood in either humans or companion animals, so it’s a good idea to pay close attention to your surviving pet for signs of distress.

Be consistent

Pets need routine at times of stress. Try to keep mealtimes, exercise, walks, playtime, grooming, bedtime and other daily activities as normal as possible.

Encourage them to eat

Your pet may not want to eat much, but try to keep their food and mealtimes the same as before. Resist the urge to cheer your pet up with treats – being hungry will soon help them get their normal appetite back.

Use distraction

It’s natural to want to comfort your surviving pet, but take care not to accidentally reward undesirable behaviour caused by grief. Instead, distract them with healthy activities that reinforce good behaviour like a walk, a short training session or a game.

Let other pets adjust

If there are more than two pets in a family, and one dies, the group dynamics change and this can cause conflict for a little while until everyone adjusts. Unless one of your pets is becoming a danger to the others, it’s best to let them find their ‘new normal’ on their own.

Don’t rush to get a new pet

You and your pets will need time to deal with your loss so introducing a new family member immediately might not be the best thing to do. An energetic new puppy or kitten might be stressful for a grieving pet, and could make them territorial. Be sure your pet is fully over their grief before you bring a new friend into your home. Not rushing into getting another pet also allows you the time to think carefully about whether getting another pet is right for you and your family, including your existing pets.

Hold it together

It’s natural to want to comfort, and get comfort from, your pets but remember that pets pick up on our feelings. Emotional outbursts can frighten them or cause them additional distress.

Give it time

It is thought that dogs remember their companions for some time. Your pet’s grieving process may take a few days, weeks, or even months, but eventually most pets return to their normal, lively selves.

Allow them closure

Some people find it helpful to allow remaining pets to see and smell their friend’s body as they believe it can help them make sense of what has happened.

Losing a friend

The passing of a pet can be devastating for everyone, but while you and your family are coming to terms with your loss, it’s easy to forget that any pets left behind have also lost a companion.

When two pets enjoy a close bond and one of them dies, the surviving pet can experience grief that is similar to human grief. Changes in sleeping or eating patterns, lack of interest in normal activities, lethargy, clinginess and repeatedly searching from room to room for the pet that has passed away are all common signs of pet grief.

So, what can you do to comfort your remaining pet and make this sad time easier for both of you?

Keep an eye on them

The process of grieving isn’t well understood in either humans or companion animals, so it’s a good idea to pay close attention to your surviving pet for signs of distress.

Be consistent

Pets need routine at times of stress. Try to keep mealtimes, exercise, walks, playtime, grooming, bedtime and other daily activities as normal as possible.

Encourage them to eat

Your pet may not want to eat much, but try to keep their food and mealtimes the same as before. Resist the urge to cheer your pet up with treats – being hungry will soon help them get their normal appetite back.

Use distraction

It’s natural to want to comfort your surviving pet, but take care not to accidentally reward undesirable behaviour caused by grief. Instead, distract them with healthy activities that reinforce good behaviour like a walk, a short training session or a game.

Let other pets adjust

If there are more than two pets in a family, and one dies, the group dynamics change and this can cause conflict for a little while until everyone adjusts. Unless one of your pets is becoming a danger to the others, it’s best to let them find their ‘new normal’ on their own.

Don’t rush to get a new pet

You and your pets will need time to deal with your loss so introducing a new family member immediately might not be the best thing to do. An energetic new puppy or kitten might be stressful for a grieving pet, and could make them territorial. Be sure your pet is fully over their grief before you bring a new friend into your home. Not rushing into getting another pet also allows you the time to think carefully about whether getting another pet is right for you and your family, including your existing pets.

Hold it together

It’s natural to want to comfort, and get comfort from, your pets but remember that pets pick up on our feelings. Emotional outbursts can frighten them or cause them additional distress.

Give it time

It is thought that dogs remember their companions for some time. Your pet’s grieving process may take a few days, weeks, or even months, but eventually most pets return to their normal, lively selves.

Allow them closure

Some people find it helpful to allow remaining pets to see and smell their friend’s body as they believe it can help them make sense of what has happened.