Do Pets Feel Sad After Owner's Death? Here Is How To Take Care Of Grieving Pets

Anyone who has a pet is very well aware of how they are just the medicine for every sorrow and how they make the day no matter what state a person is in. Whether you have had a bad day at work or are going through relationship problems, a pet can sense your grief and stress and just know the right thing to do to make you feel better. A pet revolves their entire life around you, and well, imagine their grief if they have to lose their loved ones.

How do you help a grieving pet?

While the idea of losing a loved one and grasping the concept of grief may seem odd for animals rather than pets, they do very much feel it. There are various behavioural patterns or changes in their daily routine that indicate their grief towards the situation. In fact, popular instances and even movies adapted to the same, such as Hachiko, have shown how deeply pets grieve the loss of their owner, sometimes for years.

PEXELS

What are the signs?

If you are attentive to your pet's behaviour, you will find out the differences in their attitude. However, when it comes to cats and dogs, the behaviour patterns may be slightly different. A New Zealand-based study titled "Owners¡¯ Perceptions of Their Animal¡¯s Behavioural Response to the Loss of an Animal Companion" noticed the behaviour of 159 dogs and 152 dogs. Pet owners were also asked to address how pets responded after a loss. Here are some signs of grief your pet will show:

More demand for attention

When it comes to demanding attention, the percentage of both cats and dogs was different. While 35 percent of dogs demanded more attention, cats were a little ahead, asking for 40 percent of attention.

Being clingy or needy

When someone loses a close one, the sense of loss can create a hollow space. The same goes for the pets. 26 percent of dogs seemed more needy, while 22 percent of cats became a little clingy.

Seeking less affection from owners

While some may become clingy, others may not want to take their own space and time. While dogs may want to be more around people, with just 10 percent wanting less affection, 15 percent of cats seek less affection from owners.

Unsplash

Wanting to be around a deceased favourite

Dogs may think that seeking out their loved one's favourite may not be the best idea, with 30 percent of them wanting it; cats are more likely to do so with 36 percent.

Increased sleep

After the loss of a deceased loved one, dogs may tend to get more depressed, leading 34 percent of them to sleep for longer durations. When it comes to cats, 20 percent of them are affected.

Decreased hunger

Grief can affect the pet's appetite as well. While some may eat more, some may eat less. While 35 percent of dogs lose appetite after the loss of a loved one, 21 percent of cats have decreased hunger.

Pexels

What can one do to help a grieving pet?

Now that we are well aware of the signs that a pet is grieving, we can also help them in ways that can help them overcome the loss, just like any other human being. Dr. Bhanu Dev Sharma, Co-CMO and Co-CCO at MaxPetZ, says, "When an animal loses or gets separated from their human companion, it can be a distressing and confusing experience for them. Research suggests that many pets are affected by loss and experience feelings of loneliness upon losing their owner." There are some things that may help, according to the doctor.

Make sure to keep their schedule intact

"Consistency and routine are what pets thrive on, and upon losing their owner, their feeding, exercises, and other activities need to be kept according to schedules so that there is some sense of stability," she adds.

Adjusting to a new carer

If there is a new carer involved, it may come as a surprise to the pet to get adjusted to someone new all of a sudden. "If they are now with a new carer, this change needs to be introduced gradually so that the pet(s) is able to adjust smoothly," says Sharma.

Unsplash

Give them a peaceful environment

Losing a pet parent can induce a lot of anxiety and stress for the pet. So providing them with a peaceful and quiet environment during this time can help them feel calm and composed.

Seek professional help

"Seeking professional help can offer useful insights to the new caregiver, enabling them to discover effective strategies for assisting the pet in coping with the loss and moving forward, says Dr. Sharma.

Compassion plays a key role when helping your pet overcome this grief. Be patient and understand what they are going through through their varied behaviour and actions.