Do Dogs Grieve?
In every sense of the word, dogs do grieve. It is not surprising for many to think that dogs don’t grieve considering them being an animal. Humans are not the only ones who are qualified to feel sad, happy, anxious, stress or love. As a matter of fact, dogs are capable of feeling a wide range of emotions (slightly a fraction less of what humans could) and grieving over the loss of that person or pet who was once closed is one of them.
Think about this, if dogs share the same basic needs (i.e. eat, sleep) and similar internal body make up like we do, is able to cry when in pain, feel happy when there is a cause to, then why wouldn’t they feel sad and grieve when there is cause to?
The level of anxiety of a dog experiences during grieving varies from individual dog’s personality.
Research has shown that dogs with low levels of serotonin (a neurotransmitter linked with mood enhancement) are likely to suffer depression a little more than alpha dogs.
Although dog does not moan aloud for his loss of that special someone, but he could definitely feel the sense of loneliness when he has to stay, play, sit, eat alone; and gradually these activities will be manifested in his behavior.
Behavioral Signs When Dogs Grieve
- Refuse to eat, eat less or more than usual.
- Sleep more than usual or not sleeping where he used to sleep.
- Loss interest in things that he used to feel interested in.
- Stay aloof from you, family members or even your neighbors’ dogs.
- Hide or stay silent most of the time.
- Seem lethargic.
All these are signs of a dog grieving silently over his loss. If the dog isn’t really sure whether the other one died or not, it could be hoping that the other dog will return. In this case, whenever possible let the survivor dog see and scent the body of the recently deceased dog or pet so he could recognize it has died and a chance to say “goodbye.”
What Can I Do To Help My Dog Ease His Grieving Heart
Most importantly, do not fret about it too much for a start, that’s if. You have to wait for time to heal the heart of the grieving dog. Time heals all wounds—in humans and even in dogs. As I said earlier on, not all dogs experience the same grieving process nor do they share the same grieving time frame. Some dogs heal within a few days or weeks, while some last for many months before they forget about the loss of their playmate or friend.
However, here are a few tips you could do or avoid to help ease your dog’s grieving heart.
- The best thing is to carry on with the surviving dog’s routine as normal. If you have more than one surviving dogs, allow them to work out a new hierarchy among themselves.
- Do not be tempted to clear out all the toys, leash, bowl, and bed belonging to the late dog right after it has been put to sleep. Do it a few days later. This is critical for those dogs who didn’t get the chance to see and scent the decreased dog. Give the survivor an opportunity to connect his thoughts and then to depart his feelings.
- For the following days and weeks, give the remaining dog(s) greater attention and care. Do everything you can to take the mind of your dog away from his object of worry. Going for a longer walk or engage him in activities that he normally loves to do. An increased activity with other dogs (i.e. neighbors or friends’ dogs) is almost always beneficial.
- Perhaps the last thing you need right now are the potential problems that introducing a new pet into the equation may well bring. Personally, I do not recommend owners to do this immediate after. Not at least until a few weeks or months later.
Holistic veterinarians may recommend Homeopathic Ignatia amara for dogs that are grieving. Ignatia (C30) can provide effective relief for melancholic and emotionally fragile dogs who are depressed or pining after separation or loss. In some severe circumstances, sedative herbs such as Kalium phosphate (Kali. phos.) and Hypericum perforatum (St John’s Wort) may be required.- If you have been using therapeutic canine massage, then this is the best time to increase the frequency. Also, TTouch has been widely used to reduce stress, anxiety, and other negative emotions.
Hope all the tips listed above will help you to help your dog feel better despite the loss of his late buddy.:smile:
Feb 25th 2008
1:06 AM
Please,I really need some advice and help. On 1/22/08,my worst nightmare became reality. My beloved 18year old dachshund Ginger passed away. I am so devastated, and it is only getting worse for me. I adpted her in 1994, and the last few years, she has been under monthly vet care for several age related problems, but always seemed to bounce back again. But,when she got so sick, and there was no other option, I finally had to make that horrible decision to get a vet to come to our home on 1/22/08, and help her gently go to heaven, while she was wrapped in my loving arms. The vet said it was the right time. But I am so devastated and sad. But I need advice on my 8year old Chihuahua,Heidi,(I adopted Heidi at 6weeks of age,so she has been with Ginger all her life),is mourning her loss,and she is getting worse. It is now Feb 24, and Heidi has stopped eating completely, sleeps almost all the time, except when she seems to search the apartment.She stares off into space,as if she has given up.When I found your article today,I realize that my instincts were correct,because your tips on helping a grieving pet,are the same things I have been doing for the last month.However, nothing is helping her. She stopped eating right away on her own, so I even tried many other foods, but she wants nothing. The only nutrition she has gotten is when I actually can push little pieces of chicken in her mouth, and that wont work now. Ginger and Heidi always ate together, including loving the same treats. The treats are the only thing now that she has even a slight interest in. And that is dwindling. I am 47,and disabled since 1994 due to a chronic illness. Prior to my illness, I always adopted many dogs, and had a nice home, and have always taken care of my Mom in my home,who is now 79. But 4 years ago, I lost my home due to my limited income, and we are living in an apartment that thankfully accepts dogs. I love and loved all my dogs through the years, However, Ginger was my absolute best friend,my little girl, and loved me sooo much, she was so gentle and loving, would not hurt anyone or anything and loved everything. She couldnt be seperated from me, especially the last few years. She loved Heidi so much and was like a mother dog to her. Ginger and Heidi were always together with me and they were my life,and purpose, and they were always shown so much love and care from me. I try not to show Heidi my devastation over my loss of Ginger, I try everything to bring her out of this and be my happy girl again. What do I do? Will she starve? My Mom keeps telling me that she will get over it, and will eventually eat meals again. She also thinks that we cannot afford to adopt another dog. I feel that we can, and should save another life, and help Heidi love a playmate again. I can never replace Ginger, but I love all animals, and never thought it was right to have one dog. I feel that it may help me and Heidi come out of this. I dont know what my next step should be. How can I help Heidi? Please help with any suggestions.
Feb 25th 2008
5:26 AM
Hi Lori,
I’m so sorry for your loss. I can relate to your problem as I’m facing similar situation since Rudy passed away on the 10th.
Here are some additional suggestions.
1. I find sunlight helps to alleviate the mood. If the morning and evening sun is warm enough, take a stroll (if mobility is not too big an issue for you) around the park with Heidi. Find a quiet bench and enjoy the warm fresh air together. Take a few good deep breathe while you reflect on the fun times you had with Ginger. As you do so, send loving messages to Heidi. You can also send telepathy messages while you massage or groom Heidi.
2. Most dogs can go without food for one or three days but make sure there is plenty of water for her. If Heidi isn’t lactose intolerant, give her some milk to drink. My dogs prefer cold milk before bedtime, so you have to experiment that with Heidi. Remember to give her low fat milk or yogurt. Oatmeal for breakfast is nutritious, you might want to try this too.
3. Finally, I’d recommend giving her Grief and Pining Formula to help with her grieving. It has helped my dogs tremendously.
Let’s get Heidi in good shape first before thinking about adopting. Okay?
Peace and Love
Feb 25th 2008
3:07 PM
Hi Renee,thanks for responding so quickly.I am so sorry for your loss also.Your advice is so appreciated, and I will do all you recommend. I agree we need to get Heidi through this process before thinking about adoption, I just thought it would make her happy again since she has never been with only a human family. She spent her entire life living and loving her adopted “sisters and brothers”, along with me, we were all family. When one would be lost forever, she always depended on Ginger.I never had a situation with only one dog alone. Through the years, I have adopted many unwanted shelter dogs, and we all would be a family.They would live out their lives in so much happiness and love,and when illness would take one from our family,the other dogs had each other, and I had them, and we made it through the grief and loss. This time is just so different,since now Heidi only has me,her human Mom. And I have never seen one of my babies grieve like this. It is so terribly sad. I will try all of your tips and advice, and will wait to adopt also. I just pray I can help her get through this, since she has no interest in eating. I will not give up helping her, and I thank God I have her to help me. I will keep updating you on our progress, and any other tips are always needed and appreciated. I also pray that you,your family, and everyone human and pets, can get through these times of loss and eventually find happiness again. Thank you! Lori and Heidi
Jul 13th 2009
9:41 AM
I am truly sorry for your loss, and I just know your Furbaby is looking down on you and Heidi. I lost my Chocolate Lab (Tidi), she was 13 yrs old. She fought as long as she could to stay with us. I have her son Cairo who is now 8. He misses his mother very much. I do walk him and pet him as much as I can to let him know that we love him and he is not alone. Just like Tidi, Ginger knows she had a happy and wonderful life, and if she could talk she would thank you for such a wonderful life you gave her. I know it’s not easy losing a loved one, it will take time, but know that Heidi, loves you and is there for you as well. Take care and God Bless
Kat
Nov 28th 2009
3:39 AM
One of our dogs recently passed away and our Blue Tick Beagle is having a very hard time. She keeps looking for him. We have other dogs but she really loved playing outside with this particular one.
Should we get another dog? She doesn’t play like she used to and she lays around much more. She barks at us and moans. Please advise us?
Nov 28th 2009
10:12 AM
Hi Glenda,
Sorry for your loss. Your dog needs time to grieve which it’s a natural process all dogs have to go through. Give it time.
As to whether you should get another dog, it’s very much depends. I written a post on that and you might want to read it. Should I Get Another Dog After the Other Dog Has Died?
HTH