Mary Allen
The story of the Argentinean dog Bobby, who ran many miles to lie next to the grave of his late mistress, went around the world in 2017. It seemed like a shining example of how dogs are loyal to their people and feel grief after death. But is it? Can animals really grieve? Researchers and academics have disagreed on this for decades.
Animals Cannot be Sorry, But They Can be Sad
American scientists claim to have observed mourning behavior in elephants, apes, and dolphins. Elephants that look after the corpse of a comrade after death and try to resurrect him from the dead are just one example. Cases, when monkeys and dolphins carry their deceased cub with them all day, are not uncommon – a form of overcoming grief and the cult of the dead? Maybe.
On the other hand, the accusation is repeated over and over that people transmit their emotions to animals – they cannot feel that way at all. All agree that most animals lack an important gift: self-reflection. The ability to empathize with others and thus have compassion. Animals cannot feel pity. On the other hand, grief is like a feeling of insecurity.
This is how animals react when they experience loss. It can then be demonstrated biochemically in the blood that hormonal changes are observed in dogs, cats, and even guinea pigs – they are in stressful situations. No wonder: with the death of the owner or playmate, the familiar environment changes, uncertainty, and fear of further changes spread.
Cats Respond to Losses Faster than Dogs
Cats process losses faster than dogs: they often express their grief with a lack of appetite, no longer want to be touched, and sometimes react aggressively. A condition that behavioral researchers have found usually occurs after six weeks. Dogs, on the other hand, take much longer to cope with the death of a playmate or human. As emotionally as they may experience their joy in good times, the loss is also tragic for them. They lose their fur, don’t eat anything, don’t like to play anymore, and completely withdraw into themselves. This behavior can persist for years.
Whether it’s grief or just a stressful reaction, the owners will definitely be able to help their four-legged friends at this difficult time. Animal psychologists advise giving dogs and cats the opportunity to say goodbye. If a playmate dies, the animals should be allowed to see the dead body – this does not inexplicably change the familiar environment. The animals notice that the playmate is dead. So it doesn’t panic if it disappears later. In any case, dogs and cats also need to be given time to cry until a new animal appears in the house. There is no point in persuading animals to eat or play. If the dog waits at the playmate’s door every day, he should be allowed to perform these rituals.
If the owner dies, and the dog or cat has to move, this helps to take as many items and clothing of the deceased as possible to the new habitat and give the opportunity to gently wean the animals from the breast.
In addition to the Bach flower mixes that can calm you down during this time, there is one thing that hardly separates humans and animals from each other: love. Leaving the bedroom door open, inviting you to cuddle, and regaining confidence and comfort with treats and toys also helps dogs and cats.