Could My Surviving Pet(s) be Grieving?

When there is a death in the family, pet or human, the loss is felt not only by the human members, but by the animal members as well. It is important to be cognizant of the signs of mourning in order to support your pet(s) through their grief journey.

Consider the following:

When a member of the family passes away, surviving pets may show signs of mourning, including depression or anxiety. Mourning can manifest itself in many ways, including, but not limited to:

• Decreased appetite

• Change in sleep patterns

• Wandering aimlessly, searching for their missing companion

• Communication changes, more or less vocal

• Socially distant

• Separation anxiety

Your pet family may need some extra love and attention. Although it is helpful to stick to the regular routine, there certainly needs to be some flexibility for extra love and attention. Remember, showing extra love does not mean eliminating or even changing the rules. During this time, it is important that you reward good behaviour and discourage bad behaviour that was not acceptable in the past and will not be acceptable in the future. Extra walks or active play is a great mood elevator for all participants. (Be sure to consult your doctor and your veterinarian before beginning a new exercise regime.)

After a pet companion has passed away, there may be little to no change in the demeanor of surviving pets. Some surviving pets may experience signs of mourning, which improve with extra love and attention. If you feel the changes are significant, if there is no improvement, or if there are underlying health issues, a visit to your veterinarian may be in order.

You will find in time that a "new" normal is established. Routine may change greatly if the old routine was built around the needs of a pet that was elderly or ailing. You may be able to incorporate new activities into your routine, such as hikes or trips to the beach. If you still have a large, four-legged family member, there may be a period that "pack" positions are being re-established. Sometimes this process is quick and painless, however, there can be bumps and bruises along the way. Patience and consistency will be key at this time. If the pack placement becomes an issue, consider consulting a trainer or behavioural specialist.