Sadness, grieving, and mourning the loss of a loved one aren’t the sort of feelings reserved only for humans; it’s typical behavior among animals, too. Whether birds or mammals, most living creatures develop an emotional attachment to others and experience sorrow when they’re gone.
Dogs are especially affected by loss: These pack animals form strong bonds with people and fellow pets, so when one leaves the group, they’ll grieve their missing companion. This can be a challenging time for both the dog and its owner, as the dog may display changes in behavior, including lethargy, reduced appetite, and lack of interest in activities they once enjoyed. Owners should expect to be patient and compassionate as their dog works through their grief.
How Do Dogs Express Grief?
Like humans, dogs manifest grief in different ways. If your dog lost a friend, they might:
- Wander around, pacing from one spot to the other, searching for their missing friend along the “usual path”.
- Express their feelings through wailing, howling, or barking.
- Be apathetic toward favorite toys and games.
- Have insomnia.
- Be cranky or aggressive.
- Experience eating disorders – from having no food to impulsive eating.
If your pooch stopped eating and drinking, take them to the vet.
If your pooch is displaying signs of grief, it’s essential to keep a close eye on them and monitor their behavior. In some cases, dogs may become aggressive or develop destructive behaviors as a result of their sadness. It’s important to remain calm and patient with your dog during this time. You can help them by providing them with a safe and secure environment, with plenty of toys, blankets, and other comforting items.
It’s also important to seek the help of a veterinarian if your dog’s grief is causing them to become ill. In some cases, dogs may stop eating or drinking, which can lead to dehydration and other health problems. A veterinarian can help to determine if there is an underlying medical issue causing your dog’s behavior and can provide guidance on how to help your dog through their grief.
Love is the Answer
Unfortunately, there’s not a lot you can do to make the pain go away, but you can ease it with the best cure: Love.
When your dog is mourning, some extra love and attention can help them go through this unpleasant experience. A combination of care and time will mostly “do the trick”.
As an owner, it can be challenging to see your dog suffer from grief. However, it’s important to remember that dogs are resilient creatures and can recover from loss with time. One of the best ways to help your dog is to provide them with plenty of love and attention. This can include extra cuddles, playtime, and lots of positive reinforcement. By showing your dog that they are loved and cared for, you can help them to work through their grief and get back to their happy, healthy selves.
If your dog is grieving and you’re reading this, you, too, might have lost someone very dear to you. Although this text is about helping your best friend dill with loss, we believe that having them around will comfort you and give you the strength you need.
Create a Personalized Training Plan for your Dog
Create a Personalized Training Plan for your Dog
