Household pets such as dogs and cats can experience depression, anger, denial, or frustration at the loss of a companion, whether it is a human they were close to or one of their fellow pets. There is nothing you can to do make an animal stop mourning, but you can help them through the grieving process. Engage your pet's mind and keep them distracted with training, activities, and an encouraging daily routine, and be patient as they heal.
Steps
Method 1
Method 1 of 3:
Engaging Your Pet
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Maintain their routine. Your animal will benefit greatly during a time of rough transition from a routine it knows it can count on. Help your pet by setting aside time each day to care for it and provide for its needs. Try to keep activities such as meals and walks at the same time they were before the pet's loss. [1] X Research source
- Try to keep feeding and walks on a schedule, but make time for things like attention, too. For example, you could plan 15 minutes every morning and 30 minutes every evening to simply sit with your pet and pet or scratch them, play with them, or allow them to perch.
- Your routine may vary some depending upon your personal schedule. This is normal. Just try to keep as many of the same elements in your daily routine as possible to help give your pet things to look forward to each day.
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Try training. Engaging your pet's mind and body in an activity that it enjoys can help take its mind off of its loss. Try positive training, a method rich with positive reinforcement, to keep your pet focused on an activity other than grieving. [2] X Research source
- Work on teaching your pet a new trick. If you haven't trained your pet at all, start with basic commands like "sit" and "come." If your pet already knows the basics, try more difficult commands like "jump" or "roll over."
- Make sure to use positive reinforcement for good behavior. This can include providing physical attention like petting and scratching, as well as giving your pet a treat when it performs a behavior correctly.
- Try not to express anger when your pet does not perform a behavior correctly. Simply do not offer them reinforcement. If you have trouble providing a proper training environment yourself, seek help from a professional trainer.
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Keep your animal active. Another way to keep your pet's mind off their grief is to engage them in an activity they already love. Many dogs enjoy walks, playing with their toys, or trips to the dog park, while pets like birds might enjoy a new toy in their cage.
- Try to keep your distractions as consistent as possible. This gives your pet a sense of normalcy. Walk your pet at the same times each day, or allow it space out of its cage or enclosure at regular intervals.
- If your pet likes being around other people, invite friends or family over a couple days a week to play.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:
Helping Your Pet Heal
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Avoid reinforcing new behaviors. Your pet may experience some behavioral changes during their mourning process, such as pickier eating or barking or whining more. While it can sometimes be difficult, it is important to not reinforce these changes. Instead, help gently encourage your pet to return to their regular behavior. [3] X Research source
- This may mean not switching out their food even if they are not eating as much, or simply not acknowledging or indulging in begging or other negative behavior.
- If your pet is regularly making noise or whining, develop a command such as "quiet" to let your pet know when that behavior is inappropriate. Do not yell the command, but deliver it in a stern tone, and offer your pet positive reinforcement when they obey.
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Be patient. It can be difficult to see an animal grieve, but just like with people they will need some time to process their emotions. Be patient with your animal if they do not seem to have as much joy or energy for a few weeks or even months. Stick to their routine, and allow them time to adjust. [4] X Research source
- There is no set timeframe for how long a pet should grieve. If you are concerned that your pet is not improving, you may want to ask your vet for advice.
- While your pet is grieving, provide it with plenty of love and support. Spend time grooming your pet, playing with them, and petting, cuddling, or simply sitting near them. Show them that you are there for them in their time of need.
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Seek veterinary help. If your pet has become extremely lethargic, will not eat or drink, or exhibits overly aggressive or dangerous behaviors, consult your vet immediately. They may be able to recommend some practices to help your pet, from behavioral training to medication, if necessary.
- Let your vet know that your animal has recently experienced a loss and how their behavior has changed since then. [5] X Research source
- For example, if your animal has stopped eating all together, let your vet know, "My pet and I recently lost another pet in the family, and since then this pet has refused to eat any of their normal food."
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:
Bringing Home a New Pet
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Wait until you are ready. If you and your pet are mourning the loss of another animal, one way to help heal is to bring home a new friend. Wait until you feel emotionally prepared, though. If you do not feel like you are in a place to properly love or care for a new pet, wait until you feel you can best provide for it. [6] X Research source
- Only you know when you are ready for a new pet. Allow yourself enough time so that you feel excited to welcome a new life into your home, rather than simply feeling like you need to fill a void.
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Allow your pets to meet. Make sure your pet is ready for a new companion by allowing your animal and any potential new pet to meet before you commit. This can point out an behavioral problems that either pet may have,as well as give you a sense of how comfortable your current pet is with a new pet. [7] X Research source
- If you are working with an animal shelter, many require pets to meet prior to adoption. Let the shelter know that you have a pet already, and that you would like to schedule a meeting between your pets to see how they get along.
- If you are working with a reputable, ethical breeder, ask them about setting up a meeting between your pet and the new animal prior to pick up day.
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Pay attention to your current pet. A new pet, especially a young one such as a puppy or kitten, is going to require a great amount of attention to train and introduce to the home. Make sure to schedule time to play with and care for your current pet. [8] X Research source
- Try to make sure you have some time each day dedicated just to your grieving pet. Take time to participate in an activity such as making physical contact or playing that your pet enjoys without the company of the new pet.
- Be sure to also schedule time for your grieving pet and your new pet to interact. They may or may not be welcoming to one another at first, but you should encourage a positive relationship by walking them together or setting up times to play with both of them at the same time.
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Tips
- Take time to make sure you heal, as well. The better you do, the better your pet will do, so make sure to make time for your own mental and emotional healing.Thanks
- Seek immediate vet attention if your pet stops eating or drinking, or if they suddenly display aggressive behavior.Thanks
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References
- ↑ https://rainbowsbridge.com/Grief_Support_Center/Grief_Support/Do_Pets_Grieve.htm
- ↑ https://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?A=1400
- ↑ https://www.cesarsway.com/dog-behavior/problem-behaviors/a-dog-in-mourning-helping-our-pets-cope
- ↑ http://www.newsobserver.com/living/pets/article60433361.html
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/here-there-and-everywhere/201406/10-tips-helping-your-grieving-pet
- ↑ http://www.vetstreet.com/our-pet-experts/after-a-loss-the-right-time-for-a-new-dog
- ↑ http://thebark.com/content/bringing-home-second-dog
- ↑ http://thebarkinglot.net/general/introducing-a-second-dog
About this article
Article Summary
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Animals feel loss just like humans do, and you can help your pet grieve by keeping up with its exercise routine to maintain consistency in its life and minimize depression. You can also try teaching it a new trick, like jumping or rolling over, to distract it from its loss. Your pet might not have much energy or joy for a few weeks or months, but be patient with it and stick to its routine to allow it time to adjust. However, if your pet has become extremely lethargic, won't eat or drink, or is overly aggressive, contact your vet, who might offer medication or behavioral therapy. For more tips from our Veterinary co-author, including how to introduce a new animal into your home after your pet's loss, read on!
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