Mary Allen
Do dogs mourn the loss of their own kind? Or if they lose their owner? We have collected information about grief in dogs here.
Can Dogs Mourn?
It has not yet been scientifically clarified whether dogs can mourn. Many dog owners would immediately say yes. Because they saw their four-legged friend mourn the loss of a pack member. Or was completely upset after the child moved out.
Biologists go so far as to say, yes, animals do mourn. In any case, those who normally live in social organizations enter into long-term relationships with offspring, relatives, and/or partners. In addition to the dogs, these include B. also dolphins, whales, elephants, and primates (monkeys). Dogs (and cats too) measurably change their behavior when a close pet dies, and it’s not going too far to call this grieving. But of course, we don’t know how our dog feels when he’s grieving and if that’s the same grief that a human feels.
One may well question whether an animal understands the finality of death. Certainly, however, the absence of a familiar conspecific hurts a lot, e.g. B. offered security, closeness, and company. For example, the dog mourns the loss of a bitch, which may have been company, a playmate, but also a sexual partner.
How Do I Know If My Dog Is Grieving?
The mourning usually takes place in phases: from the initial “It can’t be” (protest phase) to a depressive withdrawal (phase of despair). Normally, this is followed by re-entry into normal life, bit by bit. However, some people – or animals – remain in seclusion and then need help.
The following behaviors can occur and – in combination with the death or departure of a conspecific or loved one – indicate grief:
- The dog eats hesitantly or not at all.
- The animal seems restless, wandering around. They often withdraw and sleep more.
- Play instinct and general expressions of joy such as tail wagging decrease.
- Your four-legged friend is increasingly looking for you, wants to cuddle a lot, or simply won’t leave your side. He doesn’t tolerate being alone very well.
- Frictions among the remaining pack members are common as the hierarchy needs to be reassessed.
- Other behaviors or habits may suddenly change.
Some dogs mourn a dog less than the loss of their master or mistress. This is explained by the fact that not only is the person missing, but also that the usual processes, feeding routine, walks, etc. break away with them. Often there is also a move to a new home, which causes additional stress. In addition, our domestic dogs are usually much more dependent on “their” people than on their pack mates.
When Dogs Grieve: How Can I Help?
Is your dog grieving? Here’s how you can support him: Above all, be sensitive to what he needs right now. Here are a few tips to make saying goodbye a little easier:
Say goodbye: If possible, the dog should be able to say goodbye. Sniff the fellow animal again – animals then know that the friend is dead. Leave familiar blankets or – in the case of humans – clothing or shoes for a while and then put them away piece by piece. Even if you, as the owner, feel more like a “cut” and would like to hide everything in a box right away.
Cuddling a lot: For a while, respond very clearly to the needs of your four-legged friend: if he wants peace and quiet, let him have it. If he wants to cuddle, give him a little more time than usual with stroking, brushing, etc.
Provide security: Of course, you can also mourn if the deceased was important to you. Nevertheless, try to offer your furry darling as much security, peace, and normality as possible, this reduces the stress for him considerably. These include e.g. B. the normal walks and feeding times. So dogs grieve less when the owner offers them stability.
Allow mourning rituals: Your dog mourns, sits in front of the door every day, and looks for his partner? That’s okay, don’t stop it. It usually goes away on its own after a while, but you can try to distract him by playing games.
Activate: Try to get your dog going again after a period of grieving. Enduring walks, maybe to new places, new games, or walking other dogs can awaken the spirits and also distract him a bit.
My Dog Is Grieving: How Much Is Normal?
Experience shows that dogs mourn very differently and also for different periods of time. That’s why there is hardly a rule of thumb. The mourning behavior usually ends after less than half a year. Does your dog mourn for a long time, seems to be suffering extremely, loses weight, only drags its partner’s blanket around, and is not responsive? Then please get competent help in the house as soon as possible! A veterinarian specializing in behavioral medicine or very well-trained dog trainers will work with you to help you make life easier for your beloved four-legged friend. It can also prevent the dog from slipping into a real depressive phase.
Important: Mourning behavior can also include stronger territorial behavior. So if you want to get a new animal, give it enough time. Otherwise, the probability increases that the new roommate will be rejected by your dog or even fought against. On the other hand, there are also dogs whose grief was abruptly ended by a new companion and whose joie de vivre quickly returned.
Dog Mourns: Conclusion
Even if it is not scientifically clear how dogs mourn, you see it often enough. Support your darling with attention and care during this time.