Erica Sandberg, DVM, CHPV, CPEV, Senior Dog Certified
BluePearl Pet Hospice
For people that are animal lovers, owning a pet means knowing that you will have to say good-bye one day. For families with multiple pets, we are likely to see our animal companions go through their own grief when a housemate passes away. Non-human animals process death differently than humans. Sometimes we do not expect a pet to have a challenging time after a loss, but then they grieve for months. In other instances, they may only grieve briefly when we expect it to be a longer process for them. Their grief will be unique to them just as it is to each human being.
After one of your pets dies, it is important to be aware of the changes you might see in your other pets. Animals are intuitive and are often aware of the fact that the human family members are sad and grieving. Some pets are more sensitive to this than others. The length and intensity of the grief vary depending on the pet.
Grieving pets may have a decreased appetite, may spend time in the places where the now deceased pet used to sleep or rest, or may have changes in their behavior, like being clingier or isolating themselves more. Animals may have a more challenging time with these situations when the death is unexpected. If the illness is prolonged, then the other pets have more of an idea that the housemate is ill and are not as taken aback by the death.
Here are some ways that you can help your grieving pet:
- Give them a way to know that the pet has died. When possible, having your other pet(s) present for euthanasia is a helpful way for them to process the death. If your pet passes away at home, allow your other pets to have access to the room where the pet died. Allowing them this opportunity will help them understand that death has occurred. Some animals will readily go to the deceased pet and sniff and lie down with them for some time. Some animals will not go towards the pet. Any of these scenarios are okay. There is a smell that is released when an animal dies which will help other animals understand.
- Keep the deceased pet’s bedding out in the home environment for one to two days before washing it or removing it from the area.
- Keep the grieving pet’s routine as similar to what they are used to as possible.
- If your pet is social with people, have some friends or family over. If your pet loves other animals, arrange a play date.
- You know your pet best, so if they do seem to be depressed, reach out to your veterinarian to discuss whether medication is needed. This may be necessary for pets that were incredibly bonded to one another.
- If the death is unexpected and the pet passes away suddenly from injury or illness at a veterinary clinic or hospital, consider bringing your beloved deceased pet home for a brief period before cremation or burial.
- Although many families think it is best to get another pet quickly for their remaining pet, this can be variable. Seriously consider this choice before rushing into anything as this sometimes can make the situation worse rather than better.
Ultimately, every animal, and human, is different when it comes to grief. We should strive to respect everyone’s individual process for understanding and processing death.
