Animals, like human beings, may experience feelings of grief when they lose a pet friend. As with people, the other pets in the household will handle their grief differently, some to the point of extreme visibility while others may not show any signs at all. Differences in these feelings may depend on the relationship the pets had, time together, age, and other factors.

What is important at this time is, as a pet parent, you are aware of the fact your pet might be grieving the loss of a pet friend, or even a human friend. Being aware of your pet’s feelings will help you in being able to give your pet what they will need as they mourn their loss as well.

Your pet may visibly show signs of their mourning:

• Loss of appetite

• Restless in their sleep

• Wandering aimlessly

• “Quieter” than normal in their barking or meowing and communication

• Constant searching for their pet friend

• Demanding more attention than normal

• No desire to be social

As with people, pets should be given the opportunity to say good-bye to their petfriend as well. It is disturbing to a pet to see another member of the household leave and never return. Many pets will search the house incessantly, trying to find their friend, waiting by the door for the day they will return, and then finally exhibit signs of depression. If it is not feasible to have the remaining pets at home say good-bye to their friend before burial or cremation, after their death, snip a locket of fur so that they will have something to smell. Smelling may assist them in confirming their friend has died. This locket of fur can then also be used as something the surviving pets will “hold” onto during their grieving process.

Many different things may happen during the time of allowing the surviving pets to say goodbye to their deceased friend:
 

• Sniffing of their deceased friend’s body to confirm the death

• Laying beside the deceased pet

• Trying to “bury” the deceased pet by “moving” dirt with their nose or by pulling a blanket over the body

• Howling

• Whimpering

• Pawing at the body as to try and “wake” them up

• Bringing a favorite toy over to the deceased pet for “play”

• Or, possibly, nothing at all

While it is important to keep their routine the same, give them the extra care and attention they may be craving. It will be good for you, too.

• Give your pet something with the deceased pet’s scent on it for comfort.

• If a treat is a car ride, take your pet with you for more time together.

• Take longer or more walks together so your pet will not have to be alone.

• Allow the pet to sleep in areas he or she possibly would not have slept in the past. Such as the deceased pet’s chair or bed.

• Talk to your pet about the deceased pet.

Tell them how you are grieving too and give them “permission” to grieve as well.

You and your pet are grieving the loss of a love you both had. Allow yourself the time and the patience to pay tribute, to grieve, and to mourn the special bond that has been broken.