Do Pets Grieve When They Experience Loss?
It is always hard to determine how our pets may be feeling, as we can never really know what they think or how deep their emotions can go. We know how hard it is when someone we love dies, but how do our pets take it? The only way we can really tell the emotional states of our pets is by looking at their behavior. And when we do this, we will see that cats and dogs do show signs that they grieve at the loss of a human or animal companion.
Grief can be the result of separation or loss of someone who offered comfort, reassurance, and happiness in our lives. There is variability in the amount of grief an animal may feel, just as there is variation in how we humans deal with the loss of a loved one. For animals, the loss of their owner or primary caregiver, their mate, their offspring, or other family pet can cause grief-like symptoms to occur. They lost not only someone they were attached to, but also the structure or hierarchy they were used to. It may take them some time to adjust, and behavioral changes may be observed. Unlike humans, pets will only grieve at the loss of someone who was integral to their life, as they lack the abstract abilities to mourn the loss of those they are not intimately connected with.
So what are the signs of grief in cats and dogs? The way in which an animal can respond to feelings of grief is highly varied, so the main thing to look for is a change in their normal behavior. Dogs or cats may cry out, sit at the window or gate for long hours waiting for the return of their lost loved one, lose their appetite, lose sleep, become lethargic or seem fatigued, seem withdrawn (or become more clingy), and lose interest engaging in their favorite activities. Because the loss of someone can cause stress for your pet, there may be physical manifestations of the increase of stress hormones circulating in your pet, such as stomach upsets, hair loss, or inappropriate excreting behavior. As your pets may be adjusting to the new hierarchy or structure around your household, expect there to be some changes in their behavior as they readjust to the new hierarchy or structure. Cats may divide up the territory previously owned by the lost cat, which may be linked to territorial markings (excretions) around your home. Be patient and understanding as to what is going on around your home, and be prepared to interfere when necessary.
For pets, the grieving process typically takes about two weeks, but some pets have been known to show signs of depression or anxiety for up to six months! You definitely want to understand what your pet is going through and be sensitive to their needs. You would probably not want to introduce a new pet into the family while your other pets are still getting over the death of their previous companion. But there are things that you can do to help take your pet’s mind off the loss they are experiencing. Try to show them some more attention, but do this only when they are behaving in an appropriate manner (showing them affection when they cry out or do something you do not like will only reinforce that behavior). Take them out for walks, or try to play their favorite games with them. Offer them treats they like and spend some quality time with your pets. This can go a long way in helping them overcome their loss.
It is also important to look at how you and your family are responding to the loss, and how that may be affecting your furry friends. Dogs and cats are very sensitive to changes and will notice the bereavement, anxiety, or depression you or your family members are expressing. It could be that your emotions are directly affecting your cat or dog, so be conscious of this and try to find healthy ways of dealing with the loss for the whole family. Some pets may show extreme distress, anxiety, or depression at the loss, and in these cases you may want to seek outside help in remedying the situation. Discuss any symptoms of grief you may observe in your pet with your vet, and together you can find the best way for your pet to cope with the loss.
Tags: behavior, cats, dogs, emotions, separation anxiety
