Do pets grieve? Animals can form very firm attachments with each other. Even pets that outwardly appear not to get along will exhibit intense stress reactions when separated. Grieving pets exhibit many symptoms identical to those experienced by their owner. The surviving pet(s) may become restless, anxious, depressed, lethargic, experience loss of appetite and disturbed sleep as well as do a lot of sighing. Often, grieving pets will search for their dead companions and crave more attention from their owners. How can I help my grieving pet? •There is no evidence that letting the surviving animals see and smell their dead companion will help them, but some people claim that it does. Usually, all it accomplishes is to make the owner feel better. Therefore, if the owner wants to have the surviving pets say goodbye then its OK. •Keep the surviving pets routines as normal as possible. •Try not to unintentionally reinforce the behaviour changes. If the pets appetite is picky, dont keep changing the food as all that does is create a fussy pet. Dont overdo the attention given to pets as it can lead to separation anxiety. •Allow the surviving animals to work out the new dominance hierarchy themselves. There may be scuffles and fights as they work out the new pecking or pack order. This is normal and will be mostly displayed by dogs. •Dont get a new pet to help the grieving pet unless you are ready. It may backfire if youre not emotionally ready for a new pet. Often owners who are still grieving intensely wont have the energy or motivation for a new pet. •Some people welcome a younger pet into their home as the end of their elderly pets life is approaching. Especially with dogs, this can give the old pet a new lease of life and when their end finally comes, help mitigate the sense of loss felt by the owner and other pets.
Posted on: Thu, 21 Aug 2014 22:11:38 +0000
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