For dogs, the loss of a human or another pet can have a traumatic impact on their lives. Much like humans, dogs grieve the absence of someone they love so it's important we know how to help them.

Dogs experiencing a loss can show signs of confusion, fear or depression. If it's the loss of their owner, you may notice dogs trying to figure out where that person has gone. If it's another pet who has passed away, your dog may spend more time in their bed or favourite space, often with the hope that their friend may return.

A previous news story highlighted this sad truth when a dog owner shared heartbreaking images of her dog regularly returning to the bed where his best canine friend once slept. The dog left the same space for his deceased friend to sleep in night after night, despite him passing away a year before. Tugging on the heart strings of many, it created a discussion around how dogs grieve.

"Dogs alter their behaviour when they mourn, much like people do. Dealing with loss is especially hard for loving pet owners because they must deal with their own sense of loss while watching their remaining pet grieve," Mars Petcare's Dr. Tammie King, Pet Behaviourist says.

"There is a silver lining to this sad cloud. Caring for your grieving pet may help you process your own loss and find quicker healing. It may also strengthen the bond between you and your furry friend as you walk this sad path together."

What are the signs your dog is grieving?

Some dogs may show visible signs of grief, while others may completely withdraw and mourn quietly.

"Dogs' ability to form strong social attachments with us and each other means they can have difficulty coping when they are suddenly separated from their companions. If their owner is grieving, the change in their behaviour and their normal routine can also have an impact," Lisa Hens, RSPCA dog welfare expert tells Country Living.

"This varies greatly depending on the individual dog, and some owners report that, when one dog dies, the remaining dog seems very affected and may stop eating, for example. While others report that the remaining dog seems unaffected."

Some of the signs that will indicate a change in your pet's behaviour include...

  • Losing their appetite
  • They might cry a lot or be searching in areas where they expect the deceased family member to be
  • They might be wanting your attention more than usual
  • More time sleeping
  • Changes in apetite
  • Loss of interest in going for walks
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How do I know if my dog has separation anxiety?

"Sadly, many dogs simply don't know how to cope when their owner isn't at home. Some dogs will bark or destroy things to show their feelings. While, others will simply sit there quietly, feeling worried," Lisa adds.

"This can happen on a day to day basis, not just after loss, and research suggests that 8 out of 10 dogs find it hard to cope when left alone, and worryingly half of these won't show any signs, which means you may not always know if there's a problem."

What can you do to help your dog?

1. Provide closure
While dogs may not be able to understand everything, they do recognise and feel a current state of loss. According to Tammie, it's important to give your dog the closure they need — and say goodbye to their loved one.

"He may not totally grasp the situation, but one last visit may help him understand that his pal is gone. Some behaviourists think that a dog's grief response may be reduced by having an opportunity to investigate the deceased."

2. Control your own emotions
Your pet will need you for comfort, so try not to become too emotional in front of them. "Your pet is sensitive to your feelings and your grief may add to his distress. Try to talk to your pet in an upbeat voice even when you are sad," adds Tammie.

3. Allow time for adjustment
"With the loss of a family member, the pack is disrupted, and the household dynamic is temporarily unstable. In multi-pet households, it is important for the remaining pack members to establish a new social structure," explains Tammie.

"Let your pets work things out for themselves. Only intervene if their restructuring becomes dangerous through fighting. In households with two pets, the sole survivor may be lonesome, but you should avoid your natural tendency to immediately get another pet. A new pack member may only add more stress. It's best to adjust to the new normal first."

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Janie Airey//Getty Images

4. Spend quality time with your pet
Spending time with your pet during their grieving process is vital, especially when it comes to showing them comfort and love.

"As hard as it is, you need to fight your parental instinct to soothe your pet as he whines or paces incessantly or mopes around. It's best to ignore these behaviours and choose times when he is quiet to shower him with TLC."

5. Try something new but also respect the old
Tammie advises distracting your pet from his sadness by teaching him something new — such as a trick or fun game.

"Whilst new things are fine, pets also like basic routines," adds Tammie. "Try to keep the household on track despite the disruption by keeping daily schedules as consistent as possible. Regularly scheduled mealtimes, exercise time, play time, and bedtime will help your pet feel more secure. There's comfort in familiarity."

6. Seek outside help
"
If your pet doesn't eat for several days, call your veterinarian to avoid major health problems. Continued behaviour changes like depression or anxiety should also be addressed."

Remember, always talk to your vet if you are overly worried about your pet's health and behaviour.

Some of the practical ways you can help include...

  • Be observant for any change in their behaviour
  • Try to keep to their normal routine as much as you can
  • Be patient, as it will take time for them to adjust to their new situation
  • They may need more quality time with you

Should you get another dog?

If it's a family dog who has passed away, it can be tempting to get another one quickly so that your surviving pet has a companion. "Try not to rush into this decision too quickly, and if you do decide to get another pet, take things slowly, making sure the introductions are carried out carefully," Claire explains.

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