Losing a cherished family member or a beloved pet is an immensely challenging experience, and it's vital to remember that our pets, too, may be affected by such losses. Observable changes in their behaviour become evident when they lose a dear furry friend or someone close within the household.
Many caring pet owners interpret these altered behaviours as indicators of grief. It's highly plausible that our pets feel a profound sense of longing for the people or other pets we lose, and they may express this in their own unique ways.
Indications of Grief in Pets can be diverse and encompass the following, but are not confined to these alone:
Loss of Appetite
Searching for the Departed Person or Pet
Sudden Personality Changes, such as increased clinginess
Onset of Separation Anxiety
Vocalization, Howling, or Crying
Seeking Solitude, Hiding from Family Members
Altered Grooming Habits (excessive or neglect)
Accidents Indoors (uncharacteristic toileting behaviour)
General Disposition Change, not appearing like their usual selves
It is crucial to acknowledge that pets may exhibit varied behaviours in response to change. When another pet or a family member is lost, pets can be deeply affected by this transformation. Remember to consult your veterinarian to eliminate any underlying medical issues.
If your beloved canine is undergoing a trying period, and your veterinarian has ruled out any underlying medical concerns, it's possible that they are experiencing a grieving process. Dogs, much like humans, have individual ways of coping with loss. Some dogs may become vocal, restlessly pacing, or continually searching for their lost loved one.
Here's how you can provide compassionate support to your grieving dog:
Maintain a Calm and Positive Environment: Your emotional state can influence your dog, so strive to remain calm and reassuring.
Spend Quality Time Together: Make an extra effort to engage in play or activities that your dog enjoys. This can serve as a positive distraction.
Be Present: Sometimes, your dog may seek your companionship. Offer your presence as a source of comfort.
Stick to Routine: Consistency in their daily schedule can provide a sense of stability during this challenging period.
Consider Pheromone Plug-Ins: These diffusers can offer comfort and reassurance to your dog.
Create a Safe Haven: Establish a den or secure space where your dog can retreat when feeling anxious or upset.
Offer Comfort: Provide comfort to your dog when they seek it, while being mindful not to reinforce unwanted behaviours.
Respect Their Need for Space: If your dog chooses to withdraw, respect their need for solitude.
Avoid Making Significant Home Changes: Refrain from making major household alterations that might further distress your dog.
Address Toileting Issues with Sensitivity: If your dog lapses in their toilet training, exhibit patience and understanding. Thoroughly clean the area to discourage repeat incidents. Provide additional opportunities for outdoor toileting and remember to reward and praise when they do so correctly.
Your empathy and support can have a substantial impact on assisting your grieving dog during this challenging phase. Additional methods to aid your pet through their grieving process include:
Dorwest Herbs Damiana & Kola Tablets: They are perfect for pets suffering bereavement, and can be used daily for as long as necessary. We recommend splitting the daily amount to give half in the morning, and half in the evening to ensure an even coverage throughout the day and so maximum effects are achieved.
Four Leaf Rover Lions Mane: Lion's Mane is rich in hericenones and erinacines, which can help support cognitive and neural function for dogs of all ages. This unique mushroom targets the brain and nervous system and offers help for anxious dogs & supports a depressed dog.
Give a home-made Vitamin Water: Special shout out to Stef from Stef’s Pet Pantry for this idea, creating a vitamin water by using dog safe fruits, vegetables and herbs (such as blueberries, cranberries, raspberries, cucumber, nettle, dandelion) can give that extra boost to the body. Infuse the water by leaving these in it overnight, then pour the water out for your dog to enjoy. (Use caution in dogs with known health conditions)
If your dog can tolerate it, consider adding a bit of Green Tripe to their food. Tripe is highly nutritious and can help your dog both physically and by enticing them to eat due to its aroma.
Explore seeking guidance from a holistic or homoeopathic veterinarian as they can offer alternative therapy treatments like Bach Flower Remedies.
Contemplate a self-selection session with a trained and certified professional. A session on zoopharmacognesy or applied herbal choices can help your dog self-select and work with options that best support them mentally and physically, offering a range of solutions from herbs to powders to oils tailored to your dog's unique needs.