How the loss of a pet affects the rest of the animals in the house?

 How does the loss of a pet affect the rest of the animals in the house?

Of course, the loss of a pet is a hard blow for you and your family. But what do the four-legged family members experience? Research confirms that animals can handle grief and loss, so it's no surprise that the death of one of your pets will not go unnoticed by the rest of the animals in the house. In this article, we'll show you how to help grieving pets if your family is experiencing loss.

Grief in dogs and cats

It is not known exactly whether dogs and cats are capable of realizing the finiteness of life and the meaning of death. Any evidence that they are aware of this is built on individual observations, Cats and dogs are able to notice that a playmate has disappeared from their lives, and often their reaction to such a disappearance makes us think they are bored. But even if there were no friendships between pets and the animals behave as if they do not notice the loss, they are extremely sensitive to the emotional state of their owners and can become sad or depressed, feeling these emotions in humans. According to the authors of the Pets Best website, dogs find it especially difficult to adjust to loss in the family, because they are naturally schooling animals. Dogs see the family together with the rest of the pets as a whole and are aware of their place and role in relation to the rest of the "pack". When one of the members of the “pack” dies, the dog feels uncertain about the role it is playing and its place in the new composition of the “pack”.

How to recognize a grieving pet?

All pets respond to loss differently. Like humans, cats and dogs do not have a "right" or "wrong" response to grief. It seems that some animals do not even notice the loss, while others, on the contrary, take it hard. There are several common signs that your pet is struggling with grief:

Change in appetite.

• Detached behavior and depressed state.
• Whining and whining in dogs, whining and whining in cats.
• Changes in character: an alienated cat suddenly begins to demand attention - and vice versa.
• Walking around the house in search of a deceased animal.
• Hiding or avoiding other family members.
• Changes in grooming and bathing habits, especially in cats.

Your pet may also show signs of anxiety and separation stress, such as loud noises and ridiculous antics when you leave, which is more common for cats who exhibit unwanted behaviors such as scratching furniture and refusing to use the litter box when you are away.

How to help a grieving pet?

While you want to comfort your pets when they are suffering, it is important not to do so until they exhibit unwanted behavior. Stroking or talking affectionately with your dog while it howls or constantly walks back and forth will only exacerbate the situation, and it will continue in the same spirit, even when it ceases to realize why it is doing it. As difficult as it may be, this behavior must be ignored. Wait for the animal to calm down, and then show your attention and support.

You can help your grieving pet cope with the loss:

• Stay positive. No matter how difficult it may be for you to come to terms with the loss, talk to other pets in a calm and cheerful voice as often as possible.
• Engage in new activities. A new activity will distract your pet from loss and a sense of uncertainty. Learning new things helps dogs to strengthen their position in the "pack".
• Do what your pets love more often. A fun activity can help you and them cope with grief.
• Check with your veterinarian. If signs of separation anxiety and depression persist, see your veterinarian.

Losing a pet is a difficult time for your entire family. But the support of four-legged friends will help to cope with grief, not only for them but also for all other household members.