There is a process that humans go through when a loved one passes away or breaks off a relationship. It’s called mourning. There are even known stages of grief that are predictable and expected. But what about our canine companions? What do they go through when a person to whom the pet is closest dies or is suddenly otherwise absent from the pet’s life?
They grieve. They may show signs of loss and mourning in ways that the family may not recognize; however different than our show of grief, they do feel the loss of loved ones. Many have a significant degree of attachment to their owner that may even lead to anxiety and distress when even short-term separation is thrust upon them, let alone bereavement.
Possibly, the most famous dog-grieving story ever told is that of Greyfriars Bobby, a Skye terrier owned by a Mr. John Gray of Edinburgh, Scotland. When Mr. Gray passed away in 1858 and was buried in Greyfriars’ Churchyard, Bobby was one of the conspicuous mourners. As time went by he never forgot his deceased master. Every day for the next 14 years until his own death in 1872, Bobby spent each night lying on his master’s grave come rain, hail and snow. In honor of Bobby’s devotion, a statue and water fountain was erected to his memory in 1873.
Which dogs suffer most?
Usually, dogs that have the hyper-attachment syndrome of separation anxiety are likely to be hard hit following their owners’ demise. The primary signs of this not uncommon condition, affecting up to 15 percent of dogs in the United States, are as follows:
- A checkered history of earlier neglect or multiple owners
- Excessive following behavior (“Velcro dog”)
- Pre-departure anxiety as owner prepares to leave
- Barking, whining or howling immediately after the owner’s departure
- Destructive behavior only in the owner’s absence (often directed toward doors and windows)
- House soiling only in the owner’s absence
- Loss of appetite when the owner is gone
- Depression/inactivity in the owner’s absence
- Self-directed licking behavior in the owner’s absence (e.g. lick granuloma) or other repetitive,
compulsive behavior
- Excessive greeting behavior upon the owner’s return
A dog experiencing at least five of those ten possible symptoms confirms separation anxiety. Some dogs with separation anxiety are so bonded to one person that if that person leaves the dog with other people in a crowded room he will display full-blown signs of separation anxiety. Such a dog will not adjust well at all to his owner going away on a trip, let alone to the permanent separation caused by death. The dog will panic at first and will eventually become depressed. While we can’t ask a dog how he feels, we can (and do) sometimes see all the visible signs of depression in bereft dogs that we see in a recently bereaved or otherwise depressed person.
Clinical Signs of Mourning in Dogs are:
- Lack of energy and interest
- Absence of play
- Listlessness/moping
- Loss of appetite/anorexia
- Reduced social interactions
- Increased daytime sleeping
- Nighttime restlessness/insomnia
- Weight loss
In people, post-bereavement depression following the death of a loved one should eventually begin to decrease. Sometimes it lasts 2 months, sometimes it lasts longer requiring medical or psychological help. The same is true in dogs. Some will eventually get over their loss and form new bonds but others enter a seemingly interminable funk. The latter cases present a therapeutic challenge.
Treatment of Dogs for Bereavement-related Depression
Where possible, allow time to heal the wounds and merely supply appropriate supportive therapy. Make sure the dog continues to eat and drink, even if this means assisted feeding of favorite foods.
Provide company during the daytime and at night. Have the dog sleep in the bedroom with his caretakers whether it is a new family or the dog’s remaining human/animal family.
Provide distractions during the day such as toys, delicious food treats, games, excursions and so on, so that the dog is gainfully employed and entertained. Some coaxing may be necessary.
Attempt to interest the dog in interacting with people or dogs. Sometimes a visitor dog to the house will stimulate the affected dog’s appetite and activity by a process known as social facilitation.
Daily exercise is extremely important as it has a calming, soothing, and mood elevating effect. Aerobic (running) exercise is best if possible.
Medication is a last resort in severe cases. Human anti-depressants work well in this situation. There are many to choose from and each has its own unique advantages in terms of mood elevation and stabilization; and each has its own slightly different therapeutic profile and list of potential side effects. Remember, these drugs must be prescribed by a veterinarian – doses for humans are very different from what dogs are prescribed. That means NEVER try to medicate your dog with prescriptions of your own or from a friend.
It is interesting to note that the extent of the suffering is directly proportional to the strength of the bond with the owner and is a function of the dog’s reliance and perceived dependence on that person. Owners who feed into a dog’s intense dependence on them are more likely to have dogs that do not cope well when left alone for any reason. The emotional pain dogs feel on their owners death is an extension of, and extreme, protracted version of separation anxiety. While we all enjoy a close bond with our pets, and children for that matter, it is important to prepare them to stand on their own four feet so that they are not adrift should anything happen to us. Just like children, there comes a time when they must be able to feel secure without anyone around, whether you’re going out for the evening or away to the hereafter.
