The processing of grief in humans is characterized by five recognizable phases: rejection, anger, bargaining or plea bargaining, depression and, finally, acceptance. While there is no doubt that a dog may feel the loss of a four-legged companion, his pain takes a different form. His emotional turmoil is due to a change in daily routine and a loss of confidence linked to a change in herd structure, which can then cause depression. Certainly each dog is an individual unto itself, and while one dog may refuse to eat, another may barely notice the absence and be happy to be the center of attention. However, if your dog is emotionally affected by the loss of another dog, you can take some steps to help him mourn.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Relieve Your Dog's Pain
Step 1. Consider letting your dog see the body of the dog that has died
Many people believe that allowing the dog to see the body of his dead four-legged companion helps him to get over it and accept his death. In theory, the dog understands that his partner is dead and therefore copes better with the loss. However, there is no scientific evidence to support this method; then behave as you think is best for you and your puppy.
- It is difficult to determine why some dogs react better than others and whether body vision has anything to do with this. However, the sight of his old friend is unlikely to hurt him, so basically the decision is up to you.
- Often the pain or depression that a dog experiences after the death of another dog results from a noticeable change in the "pack hierarchy". This can cause you to lose your sense of security or routine.
Step 2. Maintain a regular routine to help him adjust
The survival instinct of dogs in nature implies that they do not take rest periods to grieve, but rather tend to go on following the everyday pattern characterized by hunting and self-care. Maintaining your normal routine reduces the feeling of stress in the dog; the last thing he needs after the loss of a partner is for his world to be completely turned upside down.
As a result, no matter how difficult it is to deal with the loss of one of your dogs, stick to your usual habits: feed him at the same time as usual, take him for a walk, and hang out where you normally go. This reassures the dog that life goes on and helps him cope with the situation
Step 3. Be careful not to allow your dog to develop bad habits
Wanting to console an animal after a bereavement is part of human nature; however, it may not be the best way to relieve your pain. Take for example a dog that stops eating. The master's reaction is to feed him, praising him when he accepts bites from his hands. In fact, the owner rewards the dog when he eats from his hands, rather than from the bowl. Consequently, when you want the dog to eat from the bowl, he refuses, preferring to give him attention by giving him the food with your hands. This becomes an unhealthy habit for him and unsustainable for you.
A much better option is to behave in a normal way with food and with the times to feed him, thus reinforcing the impression that, despite the other dog being dead, everything is going well. Then, as usual, place the bowl with the food on the ground and, if the dog does not eat, empty it after ten minutes and do not give it anything else until the next time to eat. It may sound stern, but in dog language it reinforces a sense of routine and security, which is just what they need at such a time
Step 4. Give it some time to find its own space
Dogs need to know what their role is within the "pack" to feel safe, and when a member of the pack dies, it is possible that the dog still alive may remain confused and anxious. The key to overcoming this period of adaptation, whether for the leader or for a lower-level member within the pack, is to maintain a regular routine and take the time to train the dog or play with him, continuing normally.
- If the dog that died was the leader, the other dog that is still alive may feel insecure as his knowledge of who is in control has changed. This could be manifested by excessive barking at other dogs to assert his newly discovered freedom, or more likely because he feels threatened and to warn other dogs to stay away.
- If the dog that died was the subordinate dog, the leader of the pack who is still alive may lose conviction, as his guidance and support are no longer needed. Without a pack member following his example, the leader may seem restless and wander aimlessly as he watches over the situation.
Step 5. Spend your time with interactive games
Two dogs living together continuously interact with each other in a discreet way. When one of them dies, their partner may very well feel unstimulated and even bored. If you can fill the void that has been created by introducing mental stimuli, such as games, a few extra walks, and even teaching him a trick or two, you will help him adapt.
This amazing interaction between you and him will take his attention away from the problem and strengthen your bond. It could also help relieve your pain
Step 6. Carefully consider the idea of getting another dog
The best time to get another dog is when you feel ready, rather than getting it right away to comfort the dog you have. Dogs are individuals, and if the dog that is still alive had a strong bond with the one that died, it is unlikely to be able to replicate this bond simply by introducing a new dog into the family; treating the issue as if you were to "buy" a new best friend, while it may sound like a good idea, that's not how it works.
It is also possible to make the situation worse by stressing the dog who is still alive, forcing him to be faced with an unknown dog invading his territory. Only get another dog if you are convinced that both of you are ready
Step 7. Test your friend's dog before introducing a new dog to the family
If you are adamant that a new dog is the solution, give it a try by borrowing your friend's dog and letting him play with yours. See how your dog reacts and if the presence of the other dog can help. If he gets along well with the other dog, he might be ready. If it does not agree, it is better to wait.
If you are strongly intent on getting another dog and your current dog does not get along with that of your friend, consider a dog of a different size or sex. Your dog could probably get along with a dog that is less (or more) scary or a dog with a different disposition
Part 2 of 2: Treating Canine Depression
Step 1. Learn to recognize canine depression
It is difficult to know for sure if a dog is suffering from depression, but its manifestations through body language are compatible with our concept of depression. Such symptoms can be particularly troubling if you yourself are struggling to overcome the loss. Listed below are some of the behaviors your dog may exhibit during this turbulent time:
- Refusal of food.
- Refusal to engage in activities he previously enjoyed.
- Change in sleep cycles (the dog sleeps more than usual or cannot relax).
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Change of habits (for example, he no longer comes to greet you when you get home).
These behaviors are normal after the loss of someone you are fond of. If they persist for more than a month, you may want to speak to your vet to take further steps
Step 2. Talk to your vet about pheromones that give your dog a feeling of well-being
Grief is a natural process that needs to be metabolized, and paralyzing the dog's sensations with medication is not the way to go, unless the depression has been going on for several weeks. However, if you've done everything right and your dog is still looking depressed during the 3-4 weeks following the bereavement, it's worth having a veterinarian see him. One possibility that it might suggest is the use of maternal satisfying pheromones (in English "Dog Appeasing Pheromones").
This product is marketed under the name Adaptil and is available in the form of a diffuser to be inserted into the electrical outlet, which releases the pheromone into the environment, or as a collar that comes into contact with the dog's skin. Adaptil contains a synthetic substance similar to the chemical messenger (pheromone) secreted by the sebaceous glands of nursing bitches, which has the function of reassuring and making puppies happy. The dog breathes the pheromone and this activates a feeling of safety and well-being in him. While this isn't a quick fix, it can help lower the anxiety level in a stressed dog, so you can help them move on and become more balanced
Step 3. Talk to your vet about prescribing antidepressant medications
Another option that your vet might suggest is the prescription of antidepressant drugs, usually to be taken into consideration when all else fails and the symptoms last for more than a month. The licensed antidepressant drug for dogs is called clomipramine and is part of the tricyclic antidepressants. It works by inhibiting the reuptake of some neurotransmitters (serotonin and noradrenaline) in the brain and serves to counteract anxiety.
- The dose is 1-2 mg / kg twice daily orally. As a result, a 30kg Labrador will need to take half an 80mg tablet twice a day.
- This drug has side effects, such as dry mouth and constipation, and can increase the plasma level of some antiepileptic drugs, so it should be administered with caution in these cases.
