When a beloved
animal companion dies, everyone in the family is
affected. You may feel like your heart's been broken,
but what about the other pets in your household?
For dogs and cats who have grown up sleeping, eating
and playing together, the death of a close companion
can result in a noticeable change in behavior. It
is common for pets to experience temporary difficulties
in eating and sleeping following the loss of an
animal companion. And just like people, they need
extra support and love from their families.
Grieving the Loss of a Pet - Reactions
If one of your pets has recently
died, you may notice that your surviving dog or
cat is sleeping a lot more than usual-perhaps up
to 16 hours. She may lose interest in food, and
some animals even fast. Your pet may want to be
near you as much as possible, and seems unusually
demanding of your affection and attention. Felines
often express this need through increased howling
or meowing, although some grieving cats have been
known to give their owners the silent treatment.
Grieving a Pet – Understanding the Loss
Many owners report that their surviving
pets frequented the deceased animal's favorite spots,
searching for their companions as if they did not
understand what had happened. If at all possible,
surviving pets should be allowed to see the body
of the deceased animal.
Grieving When a Pet Dies – A Lengthy Process
Although research indicates that
grieving behavior in pets is usually resolved in
1 to 6 months, there are several steps you can take
to ease the transition. For one, try to follow your
usual schedule, and make an effort to spend some
extra time with your pet. Good grooming and play
sessions, combined with lots of love and encouraging
words, can work wonders to help the both of you
come to terms with the loss.
Too Much Grieving for a Pet – Danger Signs
If your animal has cut down on her
food intake or is skipping meals, encourage her
to eat. It is not recommended that you switch her
brand of food, as any change could lead to digestive
upset. You can, however, entice your pet to eat
by adding a little liquid from a can of water-packed
tuna to her regular fare. If she hasn't eaten in
several days, or seems to be losing weight, consult
your veterinarian immediately. Anorexia in dogs
and cats is serious-and can lead to a potentially
fatal condition known as hepatic lipidosis, or fatty
liver disease.
And finally, it is best to
refrain from introducing a new animal into the household
until all members of the family feel emotionally
ready. Chances are that once you have fully recovered
from the loss, your pet may also be ready for a
new relationship.
