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How To Help A Grieving Pet

Pets grieving pets – and how we can help

If you’ve ever wondered to yourself “do animals grieve?”, scientists have confirmed that they certainly do – or at least, their behaviour changes enough to mimic what humans perceive to be grief. A 2016 study of 311 cats and dogs conducted in Australia and New Zealand concluded that the animals indeed displayed modified behaviour at the loss of a fellow pet. These behaviours included an increase in vocalisation, an increase in demands for attention, a loss of interest in food, and actions such as seeking out the deceased pet’s favourite spot, all of which could be a result of the grieving process. Outside of these studies, owners have stated that, after losing a pet, their surviving pet’s personality has changed, at least temporarily.

Just as we wouldn’t ignore a family member who is grieving, we should not ignore our pets if they appear to be distressed as well. Here are some things you can do to help a cat or dog who has recently lost a companion.

Provide extra exercise and mental stimulation

Distractions such as a walk or playing with their favourite toy can assist a pet that is withdrawn or disinterested, especially if your cat or dog did these things with their friend. This will help alleviate boredom and anxiety, and reinforce your bond during this difficult time. It may also be a good time to take up obedience or sporting classes together, giving your pet something to focus on other than the loss of their companion.

Stick to a routine

When a person is suffering from anxiety or depression, the importance of routine is often stressed, as routines promote health and wellness through structure and organisation. The same can be said for your dog or cat, too. Stick to a routine by feeding your pet at the same time, playing with and bathing them just as often as you once did, and retain the structure in your everyday life to minimise stress on your pet. Just make things feel as “normal” as possible for them.

Give them the correct attention at the correct time

If your cat or dog is seeking out extra attention during their grieving, be sure to give it to them when they ask – but don’t go out of your way to bother them if they seem to be content lying in the sun where they once used to with their friend. On the other hand, if your pet is exhibiting destructive or negative behaviour (yowling, scratching, using the toilet incorrectly), do not rush to do anything that inadvertently reinforces this behaviour. Just remember that these behaviours will most likely pass with time.

Be attentive to their needs

Try to encourage and engage your pet in activities that will fulfil their needs. This can include playdates with other friends (four-legged or otherwise), dishing up their favourite food or treats, or taking an exciting hike or swim at the beach. They may need these extra incentives as part of the grieving process. Exercise caution before running out to adopt a new companion for them, too – both your pet and yourself need to be ready for the next big steps.

Give them time

Perhaps most importantly, a pet that is going through the grieving process healthily will return to their usual selves in time, going from unwilling to eat to nibbling on their food to eating with the same enthusiasm they once had. If the symptoms of their grief do not seem to get better with time, it may be time to consult a veterinarian, who will be well-versed in what to do for your pet.


 

What our clients say...

Testimonials

Greer Thompson

We were thrilled at the care & love that was shown to us, and our beautiful little Paris (dog) pre her cremation!! Had no dramas what so ever in relation to them taking care of Paris after we said goodbye to her at the Vets Hospital in Springwood! Loved how we got a death certificate, a seed to plant in her honour, & other little mementos of her, that came in a lovely folder!! Also loved how they delivered her to our home, the gentleman dressed in a lovely suit & he was wearing white gloves!! A truly nice touch I thought!! This was 2 years ago! Was recommending them to my niece who sadly is putting their much loved Bailey (dog) to sleep today, 3/6/17!! Was reading thru some of the reviews so thought I would post a positive for Pets in Peace!

Greer Thompson
Brisbane

Katrina Eddy

We will forever be grateful to Pets in Peace for the care and understanding when our Maybe passed. It was a tough time for us and the way they handled it was with the highest respect and understanding. We are very happy to have our baby home now and are extremely happy in this sad time with the service we received. I would also like to thank Eddy the gentleman who came out and collected our sweet girl for his work and the care taken with Maybe. In this time of sorrow it is so great to know that there are people there to help with decision with such understanding. Thank you again. Will have no problem recommending your service to anyone that may need it.

Katrina Eddy
Brisbane

Jade Wright

Thank you so much! I couldn’t recommend pets in peace enough. Our little Bowzer crossed the rainbow bridge and we have something so beautiful to keep with us forever. I found all your staff to be compassionate, helpful and patient with us while we not only processed our little boy leaving this earth but also deciding on all on the arrangements. We thank you for being so understanding and nothing was ever too hard even when we requested a particular white paw to be printed. Thank you again.

Jade Wright
Brisbane

Stephanie Hulett

Absolutely recommend Pets in Peace. They were so kind, respectful, professional and compassionate. Every step in the process was well-considered to support the owner during a difficult time. The team went out of their way to handle my beautiful pet in a thoughtful & considerate way, and gave me the support, time and opportunity to say good bye & grieve. Losing a pet is awful, but Pets in Peace made the whole thing a bit more bearable & helped me honour my pet’s memory.

Stephanie Hulett
Brisbane

Stuart Cain

We would like to thank you all from the bottom of our hearts for the absolute care and dignity shown to ALL our family members during the passing of our two puppies that you have cared for. My children and grandchildren asked me to pass on their appreciation to Jeremy who cared for Zorro, he went above and beyond and Tracy who I spoke with during our most recent experience was professional and personal at the same time which is often difficult to achieve in difficult times! We can’t recommend you highly enough and will be returning when the need arises in the future.

Stuart Cain
Brisbane

David & Rob

Dear Martin & Bev, 

We just wanted to follow-up on our thank you card from yesterday to say how much we have valued the sensitive and compassionate service we received from all the staff of Pets In Peace. From the moment of our initial email inquiry two weeks ago to the safe delivery of Akimi’s ashes to us yesterday, we have always felt we were in safe and professional hands. We received expert care in every stage of the process. 

We have no doubt that the moment Akimi was taken into care by Pets in Peace, she would have been treated with the same dignity and respect we were with each email and phone contact. I spoke and emailed with Abbey several times and she was always calm, professional, and very caring in our time of grief and loss. Abbey took the time to listen to our needs and recommended a service appropriate to that. Please thank her for us; she is definitely a credit to you. Also the time the driver spent chatting with me yesterday was deeply appreciated; my apologies as I have forgotten his name. But he did not simply drop the ashes and run but took the time to have a personal interaction and talk to me as one who understood what I was going through. That will not be forgotten. 

And the sensitive, caring, and secure way Akimi’s ashes were returned to us was very comforting. The sealed scatter box with the ashes inside a sealed bag within a velvet bag in the box. And on a bed of pink tissue paper. We loved the engraved plaque and the sensitive cremation certificate and a gold paw print. And her lock of hair will be treasured. Such attention to detail and care with these mementos is deeply appreciated. We can’t thank you all enough for making such a difficult and traumatic time that much easier for us. 

We scattered Akimi’s ashes this morning in the garden below our balcony, along with some yellow rose petals. Just a simple and short ceremony with the two of us, and she is now at rest. And the gorgeous engraved plaque has been affixed to a lovely frame with the photo of Akimi in it. And today we registered a star in her name with the International Star Registry. She may be gone from us physically, but her light will never fade in our lifetime.   

Once again, we can’t thank you enough for being there for us when we needed you. 

Best regards,

David and Rob 

Need more information? No problem.

For more detailed information on any of our services simply give us a call to speak with one of our caring and supportive team.

1800 100 909

  • Home
  • Memorial Services
    • 24-Hour Service
    • Cremation
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    • Viewings
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    • Exhumation
  • Commemorative Products
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  • Support
    • Dealing With Grief
    • FAQS
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Loganholme

Head Office
22/24 Babdoyle Street,
Loganholme Qld 4129

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Clontarf

37 Snook Street,
Clontarf Qld 4019

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333 Brisbane St,
West Ipswich Qld 4305

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36a Vanity Street
Rockville QLD 4350

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