|
|
- All Pets Library Topic- |
Pets
Who Grieve Other Pets
|
| 1)
|
A
grieving pet needs positive
reinforcement, and that
can take many forms. The
animal who is "depressed"
needs extra attention from
the human companions, sitting
for treats, petting, massage,
and grooming if the animal
enjoys that. |
| 2)
|
Don't
fall into the trap of "reassuring"
or "being sympathetic"
with the pet. This activity
is often misinterpreted
by the pet as praising this
behavior, and only causes
it to increase. |
| 3) |
Some
people think it is helpful
for the surviving pet to
see and or sniff the deceased
pet or owner. It is unknown
if this helps, but probably
varies according to the
pet. Some people who had
done this report the pet
seems uninterested in the
body, because it is obvious
to them their friend is
not there. In some cases,
the owner thinks less of
the pet because they were
not "respectful"
and therefore it actually
gets in the way of the surviving
relationships. |
| 4)
|
A typical "grieving
process" takes about 30
to 60
days to run its cycle. |
|
5) |
Whether
the animal is grieving because
its pet friend or human
caregiver is gone, realize
that in the case of the
canine social structure
the loss of the leader is
significant and the pet
really needs to have another
human step into that role.
Provide strong leadership
in the form of giving and
insisting on compliance
with commands, then extra
praise and affection as
a reward. Cats can get the
extra attention for free. |
| 6)
|
If
the animal is not eating,
increase the taste of the
food. Be sensible and avoid
overly fat-laden foods and
try delectable meats, cheeses,
biscuits, etc. in small
quantities to flavor the
regular pet food. |
| 7) |
After
a month or so, consider
providing a new canine or
feline companion. Be aware
that this may increase the
grieving pet's anxiety and
might be counterproductive.
If either the grieving pet
or the human caregiver is
geriatric or infirm, adding
another animal to the household
can be a negative. Some
pets respond very positively,
but this is not predictable.
Recommendation is to "borrow"
a pet or do a trial before
committing to a new family
member.
|
|
The
grieving pet will probably
do better eventually, and
the decreased activity, appetite,
and "zest for life"
will return. |
|
| 8) |
The
grieving pet will probably
do better eventually and
decreased activity, appetite,
and "zest for life"
is probably transient.
|
| 9) |
If
there is a large amount
of anxiety for a prolonged
period, antianxiety meds
can be prescribed by the
veterinarian (or behaviorist
if the clients seek the
help of a specialist). |
| 10) |
Some
veterinarians as well as
friends may not be supportive
or sympathetic or knowledgeable
of this grieving-pet-condition,
but it is real and treatable
like any behavioral disorder. |
| 11) |
Increase exercise as much
as possible. Exercise is
one of nature's natural
stress relievers. For dogs,
this includes playing with
them with a ball, Frisbee,
chase a stick, and lots
of leash walking. For cats,
this means using toys, a
laser pointer or dragging
a string. |
|
|
|
|
