It goes without saying that the loss of a pet comes as a hard blow to you and your family. But what about the non-human members of your family? It's well-documented that animals are capable of experiencing grief and loss, so it should come as no surprise that the death of a pet has an impact on the remaining animals in your household. Keep reading to learn how you can help your grieving pets in the event that your family is faced with such a loss.
Grief in Dogs and Cats
It's not known for certain whether dogs or cats have the capacity to understand the finality and significance of the death of a pet, and any evidence that they do is purely anecdotal, says PetPlace. Cats and dogs tend to notice when a companion is no longer showing up in their lives, and they often react to that absence in a way that makes it clear that they miss their friend. Even if your pets weren't close and the surviving pet doesn't appear to notice the loss of a pet, dogs and cats are extremely sensitive to the emotional states of their human guardians and may become sad or despondent because they're sensing those emotions in their pet parents. Dogs can have a particularly rough time adjusting to a change in the family makeup because of their pack-oriented nature, says PetsBest. Dogs tend to see the family, including other pets, as a unit and come to understand their position and role in relation to the rest of the pack. When another pack member dies, this may leave your dog feeling uncertain about his role and how he fits in.
How to Recognize a Grieving Pet
Individual dogs and cats react to loss in different ways. Just as with people, there is no "right" or "wrong" way for your pet to grieve. Some pets may not appear to notice the absence of the deceased, while some may appear to feel the loss quite heavily. In general, here are some signs that your pet might be struggling with grief:
- Changes in appetite
- Acting withdrawn or despondent
- Whining or howling in dogs, or yowling and crying in cats
- Changes in personality; your aloof cat suddenly wants lots of attention, or vice versa
- Pacing or searching the house for the lost pet
- Hiding from or avoiding other family members
- Changes in grooming or bathroom habits, especially in cats
Your pet might also show signs of separation anxiety, such as crying and carrying on when you leave or, as is more common regarding cats, engaging in destructive behavior, such as scratching furniture or urinating outside the litter box while you're gone.
Tasty Tips
Helping Your Grieving Pet
While it's tempting to comfort your pets when they're showing signs of hurting, it's important that you don't try to soothe them while they're engaging in unwanted behaviors. Petting or speaking gently to your dog while he's whining or pacing, for example, will only reinforce this behavior, causing it to continue well past the point that he knows why he's doing it. As hard as it may be to do so, it's best to ignore such behavior. Instead, choose times when your pets are being quiet and give them plenty of attention and reassurance.
Here are some other things you can do to help your grieving pet:
- Stay positive: As hard as it is for you to cope with your own loss, talk to your remaining pets in a calm and upbeat voice as often as possible.
- Engage in new activities: Giving your pets something new to learn or focus on may help distract them from the loss and the uncertainty surrounding it. Dogs, especially, benefit from learning something new that will give them confidence in their pack position.
- Do more of what your pets already love to do. Getting to do something fun and enjoyable with you can go a long way toward helping your pet cope — and will help you feel better, too.
- Talk to your veterinarian. If your pets show signs of separation anxiety or depression that don't improve on their own, contact your vet.
The loss of a pet is a difficult time for your entire household. But remembering to provide comfort and support to your four-footed family members during this time can help aid the grieving process and promote healing for the whole family.
Related products
Hill's Science Diet Adult Indoor Savory Chicken Entrée Cat Food
Precisely balanced nutrition for indoor cats with the delicious taste of savory minced chicken
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin
Supports digestive health, nourishes skin and promotes a lustrous fur
Hill's Science Diet Adult Tender Chicken Dinner cat food
Delectable chunks with tender chicken smothered in a rich gravy
Hill's Science Diet Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Canned Cat Food Variety Pack, Vegetable & Chicken and Liver & Chicken
Feline Adult Perfect Weight Variety Pack
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Senior Vitality Chicken & Rice Recipe Cat Food
Improves Everyday Ability to Get Up & Go
Hill's Science Diet Adult Turkey & Liver Entrée Cat Food
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of minced turkey & liver to help fuel the energy needs of cats during the prime of their life
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Cat Food
Over 70% of cats lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition (USA Study)
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Digestion Salmon, Brown Rice, and Whole Oats Recipe Cat Food
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome
Hill's Science Diet Adult Urinary Hairball Control Savory Chicken Entrée cat food
Supports the health of the whole urinary system with optimal levels of magnesium
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Perfect Digestion Chicken, Whole Oats & Brown Rice Recipe Dog Food
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome for dogs age 7+
Hill's Science Diet Adult Light Small Bites Chicken Meal & Barley Recipe Dog Food
Fewer calories for less active dogs, who prefer smaller kibble
Hill's Science Diet Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Canned Cat Food Variety Pack, Chicken & Beef, Salmon & Tuna 2.8 oz. pouch, 12 pack
These irresistible foods are specially formulated to support digestive health, nourish skin & promote a lustrous coat.
Hill's Science Diet Kitten Ocean Fish & Brown Rice Recipe
Supports the developmental needs of kittens to help start life with healthy growth and a strong immune system
Hill's Science Diet Adult Tender Chicken Dinner cat food
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult Large Breed Chicken & Barley Recipe Dog Food
Supports healthy joints, lean muscle, and beautiful coat for large breed dogs
Hill's Science Diet Adult Small & Mini Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Recipe Dog Food
For the faster metabolism of Small & Mini dogs
Hill's Science Diet Adult Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Recipe Dog Food
Supports lean muscle and beautiful coat for adult dogs
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Perfect Digestion Chicken, Barley & Whole Oats Recipe Cat Food
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome for cats age 7+
Hill's Science Diet Adult Large Breed No Corn, Wheat, Soy Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe dog food
Supports healthy joints, immune system, digestion, lean muscle & beautiful coat
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Digestion Chicken & Rice Entrée Dog Food
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome
Related articles
Easter for Pets: How to Celebrate a Fun and Safe Holiday
From Easter Lillies to Easter Grass, learn key items to keep out of your pet's reach while they join in your favorite Easter traditions.
Secondhand Smoke and Pets: What You Need to Know
Learn how secondhand smoke affects your pets, including signs that smoking is affecting them, and why smoking around animals is dangerous to their health.
Adopting Special Needs Pets
Learn what it's like to adopt a special needs pet and how behavioral challenges or disabilities can be overcome to give them a proper forever home.
Cat & Dog Drinking Water: Which Water Sources Are Safe for Pets?
Learn which water sources, such as tap water, pool water and water from a shared bowl, are safe for your pets to drink, as well as which ones to avoid.
Pet Dental Health: What Happens During a Deep Teeth Cleaning?
Learn about veterinary dental care for your pet, including deep teeth cleaning procedures, which can help your dog or cat maintain proper dental health.
15 Pet-Friendly Cities Ideal for a US Road Trip
Check out our list of pet-friendly U.S. cities that are excellent travel options, offering off-leash dog parks and pet-friendly restaurants & hotels.
What Cleaning Products Are Safe for Pets?
Learn which cleaning product ingredients can be hazardous for dogs & cats, which alternatives are safer and tips for using cleaning products around pets.
The Best Holiday Gifts for Pets
Looking for gift ideas to get your dog or cat this holiday season? Check out our pet holiday gift giving guide.
What to Expect After a Pet Cancer Diagnosis
Learn important considerations following a pet cancer diagnosis, including treatment choices, general expectations and information on palliative care.
Do Dogs & Cats Have Empathy?
Empathy is an important trait in humans, but can dogs & cats be empathetic as well? Find out what research shows about pets and empathy.
How to Take Your Dog Or Cat's Temperature
Learning how to take a dog's temperature (even how to take a cat's temperature) is clear evidence of a pet parent's commitment to their health.
Hilarious Reasons We’re All Thankful for Our Pets This Year
In this season of thanks make sure to include why you’re thankful for your pet. I’m sure a handful of these will resonate well with you.
Dog and Cat Urine Crystals: What You Need to Know
Crystals in your pet's urine can be common, but can also indicate a deeper health concern. Learn about the different types of crystals & what they mean.
The Incredible Science Behind Your Pet's Microbiome
Learn what a pet's microbiome is, how it contributes to your pet's gut & overall health, and why nutrition is important in maintaining healthy microbiomes.
Easy DIY Dog & Cat Toys: Nine of Our Favorites
Browse this comprehensive guide for several of our favorite DIY dog and cat toys that are sure to put a little pep in your pet's step.
How the Loss of a Pet Affects Your Other Pets
Discover how your pets might be impacted by the loss of another. Learn how to recognize their signs of grieving & how to help them cope with their loss.
Fats
Discover the benefits of dietary fats and fatty acids in your pet's food, and how they are important to the overall health of your pet.
Adopting a Blind Dog or Cat: What You Need to Know
If you're considering adopting a blind pet, learn tips & considerations for living with a blind cat or dog and how to prepare your home for a blind pet.
Importance of DHA in your Pet's Food
Learn about DHA, Docosahexaenoic Acid, a natural omega-3 fatty acid that is essential in the development of the brain and nervous system in cats & dogs.
Cat vs. Dog: Which Is the Best Pet for Me?
Learn about important differences between dogs and cats, such as cost & space considerations. These factors can help you decide which pet is best for you.
Put your pet on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your pet's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Put your pet on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your pet's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.