How do dogs grieve?
After this entry, I will be leaving to get on a plane for a trip to Florida. But this is not a pleasure trip. Unfortunately one of my cousins, at age 40 passed away from ovarian cancer leaving a husband and 4 children under the age of 14. The trip is for her funeral service and I’m sure it will be difficult for all involved.
I was thinking about how we all handle grief differently and that includes dogs. I am of the firm belief that animals, while not understanding the true concept of death, are aware of loss and grieve as humans do.
Because dogs can’t speak, we may think they don’t experience grief, but most believe that the dogs show their grief by their behavior and actions, or lack of actions. Some believe what the dog is actually feeling is separation anxiety, because they sense the person or animal missing and are more anxious about it, rather than sad.
I truly feel that dogs experience the sense of loss that we all feel when someone is missing from our lives and there are definite behaviors that help to identify this grief. Many dogs will be depressed and may exhibit this behavior by being lethargic or show a loss of appetite or disinterest in usual activities.
Sometimes dogs will demonstrate their grief physically by whining or barking. You should try and distract the dog from this behavior, but don’t do so with treats. This could actually encourage the negative behavior by rewarding he/she with treats. Distract the dog with activities when your dog is behaving with positive actions such as laying quietly and give some attention to help the dog deal with the pain. It is said that “time heals all wounds”. Meaning dogs need time to adjust to the loss of in their lives just as you and I would.
In some cases drug therapy or anti anxiety medication may be needed. This should be a decision between you and your veterinarian. Also don’t jump into getting a new dog as “company” or to replace their loss. Wait for a time when you feel your dog is emotionally ready to welcome another dog into the home. It will be a better experience for all.
April 24th, 2009 at 6:58 am
This is a very cool article, something I think all the time when I think my dog may be greiveing or upset..
Recently one of my family members first pet dog died leaving the newer one behind, they could tell it was grieving.. so strange. :-0