The death of a family member, such as a spouse, child or parent, affects every individual in the family in various ways. Changes in routines, traditions and the overall family dynamic occur.
Experts have talked to HuffPost about how grief can impact pets, just like it affects other members of a family when a loved one dies.
According to studies, it appears that pets, especially dogs, exhibit signs of grief when a companion animal in the household passes away. Dr. Andrea Y. Tu, who serves as the medical director of Behavior Vets located in New York, notes that it is likely that pets also grieve the loss of their owners.
Pets go through changes in their routine and have to come to terms with the fact that a person is no longer present in the home when their owner dies.
Dr. Andrea Y. Tu said that the changes to routine and the absence of a person who passed away can affect the emotional well-being of any pet in the household.
According to Dr. Andrea Y. Tu, pets do not mourn the same way as humans do, but they exhibit consistent behavioral changes when they suffer from loss. For instance, grieving dogs tend to eat less or slowly and may spend more time sleeping, while grieving cats tend to be more vocal than usual, and their vocalizations may be louder.
Dr. Tu noted that pets who experience loss may also deviate from their regular routines, and they may even sleep in the same spot as the deceased person or pet.
According to Dr. Christopher Lea, an associate clinical professor at Auburn University’s College of Veterinary Medicine in Alabama, grieving pets often experience changes in behavior such as loss of appetite and sleeping pattern shifts. He also emphasized that these behavioral changes are frequently observed in his clients’ dogs.
Lea suggested that while behavioral changes may be an indication of grief, there could also be underlying medical issues.
If you notice such changes in your pet, it is advisable to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian. The vet may conduct a physical examination and possibly some blood tests to ensure that there are no underlying medical problems.
Lea suggested that if the veterinarian does not find anything abnormal during the exam and tests, the pet owner should engage with their pet to help them cope with their grief.
According to Dr. Christopher Lea, exercise is an effective way to help pets cope with their grief. He suggested taking dogs out for more walks, hikes, or activities that they enjoy. You can also consider social enrichment activities like doggy daycare or training. However, grief can make it difficult for some people to engage in physical activities. In such cases, Dr. Andrea Tu recommends using enrichment activities such as food-dispensing or puzzle toys to engage and stimulate your pets.
According to Dr. Andrea Y. Tu, it is best to let your pet sleep in the spot of the deceased pet or person if they are doing so, and not to punish them if they exhibit more vocalization. Punishing them at this time of change and loss is not recommended.
Dr. Tu emphasized the importance of recognizing that pets go through their own grieving process and advised pet owners to allow their pets the freedom to go through it in their own way.
According to both Tu and Lea, these behavioral changes won’t be permanent. Tu explained that “most pets will experience changes in their behavior, potentially for up to six months afterward.”
Pets, just like humans, require some time to manage their feelings and progress through the process of mourning.
If your pet is showing signs of prolonged changes in behavior or any other concerning symptoms, it is best to contact your veterinarian as soon as possible, as you know your pet better than anyone.
Dr. Lea emphasized the importance of contacting your family veterinarian and seeking their guidance on how to proceed, stating that this is always the key.
There are various resources available to help pets deal with grief. If you can’t find a behavior center nearby, Dr. Andrea Y. Tu, medical director of Behavior Vets, suggested that you can access some free materials online from their company. Additionally, you may consider reaching out to a veterinary behaviorist or a center that specializes in pet behavior.
According to Tu, “Veterinary behaviorists serve as the psychiatrists of the veterinary world,” which means they can assist in finding appropriate medication for pets or help them cope with emotional distress in a healthy manner. Contacting a veterinary behaviorist or a behavior center that specializes in pets is an option to consider. If you do not live near a behavior center, Tu’s company, Behavior Vets, provides some free online resources.
If your pet is struggling and your veterinarian doesn’t have a solution, don’t hesitate to reach out to a veterinary behaviorist, experts suggest. These professionals can offer specialized assistance in finding the right medication for your pet or supporting them in coping with emotional stress.
Read More: HuffPost