Losing a housemate can be hard on the entire family —
including your other pets. Here’s what you can do to help.
Getty Images/Eliza Rowe/EyeEm
Sometimes when highly attached pets are separated,
we see what is called a “distress reaction.”
Signs of a pet’s distress can sometimes look like human
grief, often characterized by changes in sleeping
and eating habits, disinterest in usual activities, and
a reluctance to be alone or away from human family
members. Some pets will “search” for their buddy,
wandering around the house. And sometimes, pet
parents and veterinarians will allow surviving pets
to be present during euthanasia or to see and sniff
their buddy’s body after death. While some who’ve
followed this plan believe it helps, others report no
reactions at all from their surviving pets.
What you can do:
So what can you do if your pet seems to be grieving?
Your veterinarian will be able to recommend the best
course of action, but consider the following:
• Keep routines as consistent as possible.
• Keep your pet’s diet and mealtimes the same.
If your pet hasn’t been interested in eating for
several days following the death of his or her buddy,
it’s tempting to offer table scraps and treats. However,
if pets learn that not eating results in treats, they may
become less likely to eat their regular meals!
• Although it’s human nature to want to comfort
your pets, try to spend time with them when
they are behaving in desirable ways.
If pets receive more attention from you when they
are depressed and inactive, these behaviors may
become a way for them to get more attention from
you. You can create opportunities to provide positive
reinforcement by keeping your surviving pets active.
Exercising together may help you feel a bit better
while you’re grieving, too.
• Allow your surviving pets to work out their own
relationships.
When several animals live together, they often form
very specific relationships. When a member of the
group dies, the group can become temporarily unstable.
This might result in conflicts involving growling,
hissing, barking and even mild attacks. If this happens
in your household, talk to your veterinarian about
what you can do.
Grief is not always well understood—in pets or in
people. Keep close attention to your surviving pet
for signs of distress, and don’t feel pressure to “replace”
the pet you’ve lost. You can always reach out
to your veterinary healthcare team to discuss your
concerns. For now, take a deep breath, keep your
furry friend close and remember the good times with
their best buddy.
