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  • How Can I Help My Pet Who Is Grieving?

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    When you lose a pet, you may find yourself struggling with your grief. Even months later, you may really be struggling. If you are, I recently wrote an article about it that you may want to check out.

    However, you may not realize that your pet is grieving as well. I recently wrote an article about it, and you can read it below.

    Therefore, if you believe your pets are grieving, it is up to you to help them. Here are some tips.

    Let them see the body. 

    Animals need closure, just like we do, so it is important to let your other animals see the body of their deceased friend. Although your pet may not understand what is happening, it may help them feel more at ease.

    Give everyone time to grieve. 

    The grieving process can be quite overwhelming. You may notice that some of your pets aren’t really sure what is going on. Some may spend days and weeks looking for their lost friend, while others may try to take over that pet’s position.

    Don’t mess with the routine. 

    Dogs and cats thrive on routine, and you should do everything that you can to ensure that the routine doesn’t change while everyone is grieving. Continue feeding at the same time, and going for walks like normal. Make sure that if you came home from work and played for an hour, you continue doing this.

    This is not the time to get a new pet. 

    Though many people rush right out to get a new dog or cat, the truth is that things need to settle down in your household before you think about adding more stress. When things calm down, you can then consider getting another pet.

    It may be the perfect time to try something new. 

    While everyone is unsettled, it may be the perfect time to take your dogs to a dog park you’ve been wanting to visit for a while. You may want to try a new food or toy that you think everyone will love. You may even want to consider taking your cat on your next vacation.

    No matter what you do, it is essential that you make time to spend with the ones you have left. 

    Not only will it help you, but it will also bring comfort to your pets. Make sure that you find time every day to cuddle and play.

    That being said, you also don’t want to reinforce bad behaviors. If your dog is pacing around the house, you shouldn’t just pick him or her up. Your dog may learn that, in order to get your attention, he or she just has to pace around. Instead, wait until your pet is calm before picking them up.

    If your cat is getting in your face and meowing, gently push it away until it is quiet. Then, you can feel free to give them the attention that is needed.

    Don’t be afraid to talk to your veterinarian. 

    If your pet is really struggling, you may need to take them to your veterinarian. If he or she quits eating, starts vomiting, or develops diarrhea, you should seek medical attention immediately.

    Some behavioral specialists may be able to help you. They specialize in helping patients who struggle with their behavior, and it may be just what your household needs!

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    Just as you need time to grieve, your pets do, too. In fact, you may notice that they are sulking around the house and looking for their missing friend. However, you need to make sure that you give them some time to act differently while they are grieving. You shouldn’t punish them while they are dealing with their feelings.

    That being said, you also need to continue with your normal routine and spend plenty of time with them. They need your comfort as much as you need theirs! This is NOT the time to get a new pet! There is enough stress in your household; you don’t need to add anymore.

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    Please understand that the information provided is for educational and informational purposes only. Even though I am a veterinary professional, this blog is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. 

    If your pet is experiencing a medical problem or concern, please contact a veterinary health professional immediately.

  • Are Your Other Pets Grieving the Loss of Another Pet?

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    If you have recently lost a pet, whether you had to make the decision or not, the truth is that it can be very hard on you. In fact, I recently wrote an article about dealing with your own grief after the loss of your pet, Are You Struggling with the Loss of Your Pet? If you want to, you can read it right here. 

    That being said, your animals may also be grieving. To effectively help them, you need to know the specific signs to look for.

    Here are some signs that your pet may also be grieving.

    Changes in their personalities. 

    Many pets form a strong bond with their owners and each other after one of their family members passes away. Others may become quieter and disinterested in things that used to interest them.

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    You may find that one of your pets spends more time sleeping than he or she used to. Others show signs of anxiety, pacing around the house, hiding, or just looking like they are sulking.

    You may have to watch out for destructive behaviors. Some cats and dogs will start tearing up things in order to get your attention.

    Changes in grooming. 

    You may notice that your pets may not be grooming themselves as much as they normally do. Some cats may get rather matted quickly if they stop grooming themselves altogether.

    Changes in bathroom habits. 

    Your cat may miss the litter box due to anxiety and depression following the loss of a friend. Dogs may have accidents in the house for the same reason.

    Changes in their appetite. 

    Many pets don’t have as much of an appetite when they are grieving. Just like people, some pets get depressed enough that they just aren’t interested in eating as well as they used to.

    If your deceased pet was the one who controlled the others, you might see this even more. If your pets were used to eating only when they ate, they may still be waiting for their friend to eat first. These pets are often unsure about what to do without their guidance.

    Changes in vocalization. 

    You may notice that your normally quiet dog starts barking excessively. If your dog is normally vocal, you may also notice that they are quieter than usual.

    The same goes with cats. Some cats seem to be meowing and trying to find their lost friend, while others get abnormally quiet.

    Looking around. 

    You may also notice that your pets may continue to look around for their friend. They may visit their favorite spots multiple times a day, simply trying to figure out where their friend is. They may even take to sleeping in their spot, as if they are waiting for them to come home.

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    Although you may be grieving the loss of your pet, you also need to consider your other pets. They may also be dealing with their own grief in their own way. And just like people, it is different for everyone.

    You may notice that your pets’ behavior changes. While he or she used to love to sit on your lap, your pet may be too preoccupied looking for their friend to do so. One of your other pets may cling to you or your other pets, seeking comfort.

    Some become very anxious, vocalizing more than normal, while others spend more time sleeping. Some pets have accidents in the house (or outside their litter box) as a sign of grief and stress. You may even notice that they aren’t eating as well as they used to! They may even spend a lot of time waiting for their lost friend to come home.

    ***

    Please note, the information provided is for educational and informational purposes only. Although I am a veterinary professional, this blog should not be used as a substitute for professional veterinary advice. 

    If your pet is experiencing a medical problem or concern, please contact a veterinary health professional immediately.