How to Help Your Pet Cope with the Loss of Another: Expert Advice
Pets experience grief when they lose a companion, just like humans. This guide shares expert insights on recognizing signs of mourning in pets and how to support them through the grieving process.
How to Help Your Pet Cope with the Loss of Another: Expert Advice
Pets are often portrayed in movies and cartoons as happy-go-lucky creatures with carefree personalities. However, modern science has revealed that pets, especially dogs and cats, possess complex emotional capacities. They can experience feelings as deep and varied as those of humans, including grief.
"The visible signs of grief can be observed widely in the animal kingdom," says Barbara J. King, author of How Animals Grieve. "A cat may cry out in distress after the death of her sibling, and a dog may stop playing and lose interest in food after his canine companion passes away."
Dr. Carly Fox, senior veterinarian at the Schwarzman Animal Medical Center, refers to a 2022 Italian study published in Scientific Reports. This study followed 426 dog owners and found that surviving dogs exhibited behavioral changes after their companion passed away. While these changes may also reflect the owner's emotional state, they highlight the emotional depth that pets can experience during mourning.
Understanding that pets experience loss is increasingly important, especially since many households have multiple pets. The 2024 survey by the American Veterinary Medical Association found that U.S. households typically have 1.5 dogs and 1.8 cats, suggesting that many pet owners will witness their animals grieving after the death of a companion.
Though pet loss is a heartbreaking experience, there are ways to help your pet navigate this difficult time. Here are some expert tips to support your grieving pet.
Recognizing Signs of Grief in Pets
Experts agree on several common grief signs in pets. Symptoms include lethargy, excessive vocalization, and changes in appetite. "Surviving pets may also search for their lost companion around the house or engage in comforting behaviors like licking or suckling on soft toys," says Fox.
The grieving process can vary in intensity, ranging from mild to severe, and may last for different lengths of time. "Animal grief doesn't always look like human grief," King explains. "Observing your pet closely and recognizing their unique response is key to providing them with the right support."
Providing Comfort: Extra Attention and Routine
One of the most helpful things you can do for a grieving pet is offer extra attention and love. Psychologist Jennifer Vonk, who specializes in animal cognition, suggests engaging in activities like play sessions, walks, or simply spending time sitting together. She also recommends allowing pets to sniff the belongings of the deceased companion, as familiar scents can provide comfort during this time.
Maintaining a stable daily routine is equally important. Dr. Fox suggests keeping feeding times, walks, and play sessions on schedule to help your pet feel more secure during this period of uncertainty. Enrichment activities, like food puzzles or interactive toys, can also help distract a grieving pet.
Understanding the Differences in How Pets Mourn
There is debate about whether pets mourn differently based on their species. A 2016 study in the journal Animals found that dogs and cats showed similar signs of grief, such as increased attention-seeking and searching for the deceased pet. However, owners noted that dogs often showed more noticeable signs of grief through changes in appetite and sleep, while cats were more likely to vocalize.
Vonk’s 2024 study indicates that cats and dogs may share similar grief responses, though cat behavior is generally more subtle. "Owners may have to look harder for changes in their cats’ behavior," Vonk observes.
Fox notes that cats tend to be more independent than dogs and may recover from grief more quickly. However, some cats may display additional symptoms like urinary problems or a loss of appetite. Ultimately, the way a pet responds to loss depends heavily on their individual personality.
Why It's Important to Acknowledge Pet Grief
Recognizing that pets experience grief in a way similar to humans allows us to empathize with their emotional needs. King reflects on the significance of understanding that animals, too, experience a range of emotions. "Humans aren't the only animals capable of deep feelings," she says. "It’s comforting to know that we share this emotional depth with the creatures around us, even though their grief may not be exactly like ours."
Supporting a grieving pet requires patience, empathy, and understanding. As we help them cope with the loss, we reinforce the bond between humans and animals, fostering compassion and care during their most vulnerable moments.