Pets such as dogs and cats can experience depression, anger, denial, or frustration at the loss of a companion, whether it is a human or one of their fellow pets.There is nothing you can do to stop an animal from grieving.Be patient with your pet as they heal and keep them busy with training, activities, and an encouraging daily routine.
Step 1: They should keep their routine.
During a time of transition from a routine, your animal will benefit greatly.Provide for your pet's needs by setting aside time each day to care for it.Try to keep the activities the same as before the loss of the pet.Make time for things like attention if you want to keep feeding and walking on a schedule.You could plan 15 minutes every morning and 30 minutes in the evening to sit with your pet, scratch them, play with them or allow them to perch.Depending on your schedule, your routine may be different.This is normal.To give your pet things to look forward to each day, try to keep as many of the same elements in your daily routine as possible.
Step 2: Try to train.
It is possible to take your pet's mind off of its loss by engaging it in an activity that it enjoys.Positive training, a method rich with positive reinforcement, can keep your pet focused on an activity other than grieving.Try to teach your pet a new trick.Start with basic commands like "sit" and "come" if you haven't trained your pet.Try harder commands like "jump" or "roll over" if your pet knows the basics.Positive reinforcement is important for good behavior.Physical attention can include petting and scratching, as well as giving your pet a treat.Don't be angry when your pet does not perform correctly.Do not give them reinforcement.A professional trainer can help you provide a proper training environment.
Step 3: Keep your animal active.
If you want to keep your pet's mind off their grief, engage them in an activity they already love.Many dogs enjoy walks, playing with their toys, or going to the dog park, while birds enjoy a new toy in their cage.Try to stay focused as much as possible.This makes your pet feel normal.Allow your pet space out of its cage or enclosure at regular intervals, or walk it at the same times each day.A couple days a week, invite friends or family to play with your pet.
Step 4: It's a good idea to avoid reinforcing new behaviors.
Pickier eating, barking, and whining are some of the behavioral changes your pet may experience during mourning.It is important to not reinforce the changes.Encourage your pet to return to their normal behavior.This may mean not changing out their food even if they are not eating as much, or just not acknowledging begging or other negative behavior.If your pet frequently makes noise or whines, you should develop a command such as "quiet" to let them know when it's time to stop.Give your pet positive reinforcement when they obey if you don't yell the command.
Step 5: Don't be impatient.
Even though it can be difficult to see an animal grieve, they will need some time to process their emotions.If your animal doesn't seem to have as much joy or energy for a while, be patient.Allow them time to adjust to their routine.There isn't a set time frame for how long a pet should grieve.If you're worried that your pet isn't improving, you may want to talk to your vet.Provide your pet with love and support as it grieves.You can spend time grooming your pet, playing with them, petting, cuddling, or simply sitting near them.Show them that you are with them when they need you the most.
Step 6: Seek veterinary assistance.
If your pet exhibits aggressive or dangerous behaviors, you should immediately consult your vet.If necessary, they may be able to recommend practices to help your pet.Let your vet know that your animal has recently experienced a loss and how it has changed.If your pet has stopped eating all together after the death of another pet in the family, you should let your vet know.
Step 7: Wait until you're ready.
Bringing home a new friend is one way to help heal if you and your pet are mourning the loss of another animal.You should wait until you feel prepared.If you don't feel like you can provide for a new pet, then you should wait.You don't know when you're ready for a new pet.Allow yourself enough time to get to know one another, rather than feeling like you need to fill a void.
Step 8: Allow your animals to meet.
To make sure your pet is ready for a new companion, allow your animal and any potential new pet to meet before you commit.This can give you a sense of how comfortable your current pet is with a new pet, as well as point out behavioral problems that either pet may have.Pets are required to meet prior to adoption at many animal shelters.If you already have a pet, let the shelter know that you would like to schedule a meeting with your pet to see how they get along.Before you pick up the animal, make sure to set up a meeting between your pet and the new animal.
Step 9: Pay attention to your pet.
A puppy or kitten is going to require a lot of attention to be trained and introduced to the home.Schedule time to play with and care for your pet.It's important that you have time dedicated to your pet when you're grieving.Make physical contact with your pet without the company of the new pet and take time to do it.Schedule time for your grieving pet and your new pet to interact.They may or may not be welcoming to one another at first, but you should encourage a positive relationship by walking them together or setting up times to play with both of them at the same time.