Do pets grieve?

​There is no doubt that animals are capable of forming strong bonds with the people and pets in their lives. It is therefore understandable for us to wonder if they are capable of comprehending loss. A common question asked by pet owners is whether or not their pets grieve the death of another pet?
 
The answer is that while we do not truly know how they are feeling, most pets exhibit signs of stress after the loss of a housemate. Incidentally many of these behaviors are similar to the ones exhibited by children experiencing sadness and grief.
While we cannot say that pets understand the concept and permanence of death, their stress response suggests that they do acknowledge and feel the absence of their companion’s presence.

A study conducted by the New Zealand Companion Animal Counsel surveyed the owners of 159 dogs and 152 cats. This study found that both dogs and cats exhibited stress behaviors following the death of a housemate.
These included:

• Frequenting places where the companion used to sleep
• Becoming more attached to their owners
• Whimpering/whining/vocalizing
• Increased sleep
• Decreased appetite  
• Aggressive/destructive behavior 

Another study published in the July 2019 issue of Scientific Reports indicates that dogs pick up on our stress and grief. The study measured cortisol (stress hormone) in the hair of owners and in the fur of pets. They noted that as our stress levels go up, so does that of our pets. Some of the behaviors seen in animals after the loss of a housemate could therefore be reactions to our own pain.
 
So how can we help our beloved pets move forward?
Watching your furry family member go through signs of grief is not easy. However, there are a few things that we can do to help them through this process.

1. Keep the same routine: The absence of their companion is a huge change for your pet. The best thing that you can do is to keep everything else the same. Understandably your own routine may change as you mourn the loss of your pet. However, as much as possible, try to keep you pets’ routine the same.
2. Attention/Distraction: Another way that you can help your pet includes offering attention and distractions. Be careful not to overly reinforce unwanted behaviors and to still allow your pet the time to experience and mourn.
3. Don’t punish unwanted behaviors: Your pet is allowed to be confused and anxious with the new change. Instead of punishing them, you should positively reinforce moments of relaxation.
4. Exercise: We all know that exercise is good for our physical and mental health. The same is true for our pets. Exercise can provide our pets with a positive distraction as well as release endorphins that may help their stress.
5. Be patient: Ultimately the number one healer of pain is time. There is no fixed timeline for grief and therefore there should not be any preconceived expectations. Some pets may not seem like they notice the absence of a pet whilst some studies show pet stress behaviors lasting 2-6 months.
6. Expect change: Anticipate that things may not go back to the way they were. You and your pets will have to adapt to the loss of a family member. Surviving pets will now have to reform a new social order.
7. Consult a Veterinarian: There are many medications that can help relieve anxiety in our pets. Your Veterinarian can be extremely helpful in offering behavior recommendations and prescribing medications to decrease stress and anxiety. Board Certified Veterinary Behaviorists dedicate their entire lives to understanding animal behavior. They are also a fabulous resource to help with this new adjustment. The UC Davis Veterinary Teaching Hospital has a wonderful behavior service that can be reached at (530) 752-1393

 
If your pet has stopped eating, is having vomiting or diarrhea, or is otherwise acting lethargic, please contact your Veterinarian.
 
Grief is a complex process that takes time. Every pet will process grief differently and, like humans, will experience stress in their own way.  Give your pets the time they need and don’t be afraid to lean on each other. 

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