Have you ever wondered if your pet feels sadness when a furry friend passes away? Do they experience grief just like we do? The truth is, pets mourn the loss of other pets, and their emotional response can be profound. Not only do they grieve their companions, they also sense our feelings of loss and mirroring our behaviors too. They may feel sad and show it by looking for their friend, not eating, or being quiet. It’s important to notice these signs so we can help them feel better and comfort them during this tough time.
Understanding how our pets process these feelings can help us support them during tough times and strengthen the bond we share.
In this blog post, we will explore how our pets mourn the loss of their companions, the signs of grief in animals, and ways we can support our furry friends during these difficult times.
Do Pets Mourn the Loss of Another Pet?
Losing a member of our animal family isn’t just devastating for us, it also affects the other pets left behind. Not only do they experience sadness, anxiety, and depression but they can end up feeling lost confused, and struggle to find their place within the home. They also sense changes in our mood, behaviors and may get affected by disruptions to their much-loved routine.
Can Pets Sense Our Emotions?
Our animals are highly sensitive beings and can always pick up on our feelings. But things can feel even more intense after the loss of their animal family. So now, they aren’t only dealing with their grief, they are also picking up on our emotions and doing their best to support us too. These intense emotions of grief, sadness, aloneness, and isolation can make them feel overwhelmed, stressed, anxious, and apathetic. Each animal does their best to deal with these emotions which can affect their mood, their behavior, and emotions.
What Does Pet Grief Look Like?
Every animal experiences and deals with grief in their own way. Some might stop eating or eat less, while others will eat uncontrollably to help them feel grounded. You may also see changes in their sleeping habits, sleeping for longer or have trouble sleeping. Another sign your pet is grieving is when they make more noise, like cats meowing or dogs barking, howling, or whimpering. After a loss, some animals become clingy and want to be close to you, while others may hide or keep their distance. It’s important to remember, this isn’t personal. It’s just how they cope with missing their friend.
Helping your Pets Express Their Feelings
A wonderful way to support your grieving pet is through animal communication. During these sessions, your animals let me know what they are going through. They tell me what they are thinking, and how they are feeling, giving themselves permission to let go of the grief and focus on their well-being. During the reading, they will share thoughts and ideas of things that will make them feel better. But what always amazes me is that even though these sessions are about them and their well-being. Your beautiful animals are still thinking about helping you and comforting you too! So they also bring through messages of love, compassion, guidance, and inspiration for you too.
Other ways to Support Your Grieving Pet
If your pet is grieving, there are simple ways to help them feel better. Stick to their regular routines, like feeding and walking times, to make them feel safe. Spend quality time together—whether cuddling, walking, or playing—to stay connected. You can also try calming aids, like soothing music or special treats for anxiety. New toys can keep them busy and provide a distraction from sadness. If you’re thinking about getting another pet, it’s best to wait until you and your grieving pet have had time to heal. Rushing this decision can cause more stress and delay healing.
Discover more ways to support your pets in this blog post: ‘18 Ways To Help A Grieving Dog After A Loss.
When to Visit the Vet
Although it is normal for pets to grieve, do keep an eye on their health. If your pet isn’t eating, seems very tired, or shows other concerning signs, it’s a good idea to talk to your vet. They can help find out if there’s something more going on and suggest ways to help. This could include things such as giving them something natural to relax such as CBD oil.
Final Thoughts: Healing Together
Grief affects every pet differently, and it can take time for them to feel better. But by sticking to routines, offering love and support, and being aware of their needs, you can help your pet heal. Remember that your pets want to be there for you but they also need you to be there for them. So be gentle, and patient and honor your pet’s needs and wants too.
What signs have you noticed in your grieving pets, and how did you help them through it? Share your experiences in the comments below!
