The loss of a beloved pet is devastating. It can take a long time to adjust. Unfortunately, many of us have experienced the grief from pet loss at some point in our lives.We cry. Either we want to be left alone or we seek out friends or family, or our other pets. We lose our appetites. Seeing once shared places and activities cause saddened emotional responses. We are not alone in our grief. In multiple pet households, the loss of one pet also affects the lives of those pets left behind. Continue reading to learn how your pets grieve and what you can do to help them through.
The Pet Loss Study of Companion Animal Behaviors
A study from New Zealand used surveys completed by 152 by cat owners and 159 dog owners following the loss of another pet in the house. Not surprisingly, the behaviors of the surviving pets changed following the loss of a companion pet. 74% of dogs and 78% of cats showed an increase in affectionate behaviors towards their owners after a companion pet loss. There was more attention seeking behaviors and more friendly behaviors towards the owners. 26% of the pets were described as becoming clingy or needy. 60% of dogs and 63% of cats also increased their territorial behaviors. Most commonly, the surviving pets spent more time seeking out the deceased pet’s favorite spots. Surviving dogs also decreased the volume and rate at which they consumed their food and increased the amount of time they spent sleeping. Cats increased their vocalizations.
The only behavior change that was linked to losing a companion of the same species was how fast a dog consumed its food upon losing a dog companion (they slowed down). All other behavior changes were the same, regardless of whether a dog lost a cat friend or a dog friend, or whether a cat lost a dog or a cat friend. Yes, it appears our cats and dogs really do care about one another.
It is difficult to sort out how many of these changed behaviors are the direct result of the loss of a companion versus how the surviving pet is changing behaviors in response to how the owner is acting during their grieving process. Clearly, the dynamics within the entire household have shifted.
How Long Will My Pet Grieve?
The duration of grief in humans can last weeks to years. We are fortunate to have available resources to help us through the process when we get stuck. Pets in this study were reported to be back to normal behaviors within less than 6 months. The territorial behaviors and changes in eating habits returned to normal within less than 2 months. The attention seeking behaviors and sleeping pattern changes were back to normal in 2-6 months.
Pet Loss and How to Help Your Surviving Pets Cope
Should I Allow My Pet to See the Deceased’s Body? The study also looked at whether having the surviving pet view the deceased’s body had any effect on these behavior changes. 58% of the dogs and 42% of the cats had been permitted the opportunity to view the deceased. 73% of those pets viewing the body sniffed and investigated the body. However, the subsequent behavior changes in the surviving pets were not affected by whether or not they had been given the opportunity to view the deceased. The same behavioral changes were still evident to the same degree. One might expect that from human experience. Viewing the deceased does not necessarily alter the grieving process.
Understanding pet emotions contribute to their quality of life. Our pets appear to suffer from emotional distress when their social bonds are broken. Understanding this can help us help them grieve. They also need to adjust to their new life without their companion.
I remember so very clearly when I lost one of my first golden retrievers, Dulcinea. The day we buried her, my other golden, Dave, her grandson whom Dulcinea had raised from puppy-hood, stood at the graveside with me. Once my father had finished covering the grave, Dave took off on a wild tear, running as fast as he could around the yard in wide circles. After several frantic loops he came back and sidled up to lean on me. We walked together back to the house to begin the next phase of our lives together.
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