When I lost my first pet dog Sandy around 20 years ago, along her I had another pet dog Blackie, who was around her age, they both had a difference of 1.5-2 years only, blackie was younger than Sandy, and she used to take care of blackie like a mother and they had shared a beautiful bond together. When Sandy passed away, that very night, Blackie was very upset and was uneasy throughout the night because sandy was in pain and blackie knew it. The moment sandy passed away, blackie went all quiet and numb, the tears fell off her eyes and the pain in her eyes could be seen. It was then I realized that these animals are full of emotion, and they share the same love and affection as we shared with our human child. Hence, many people had asked me whether animals miss their owners or their partners, so here it is that would let you know how do they feel when they lose their partner of long time, whether a furry friend or human friend.

Yes, when one pet dies, it is possible for the other pet to feel the absence of their furry friend. Many animals form strong bonds with their fellow pets, especially if they have spent a significant amount of time together. These bonds can be similar to the relationships that humans form with their pets or loved ones.

When a pet loses their companion, they may experience grief and exhibit signs of mourning. Just like humans, animals can feel emotions, and they can display sadness, anxiety, or confusion when their companion is no longer around. Some common signs that a surviving pet may be mourning the loss of their friend include:

1. Changes in behavior: The surviving pet might become more withdrawn, less interested in their usual activities, or show signs of depression.
2. Searching behavior: The pet may actively search for their lost friend, often going to the places they used to spend time together.
3. Loss of appetite: Grieving pets may experience a loss of appetite or changes in eating habits.
4. Vocalization: Some pets may vocalize more than usual, possibly expressing distress or longing for their companion. This is what Blackie did, she kept making noise because she was in stress and upset that she lost her beloved friend.
5. Changes in sleep patterns: The surviving pet might have trouble sleeping or show restlessness during the night.
6. Need for extra attention: The pet may seek more attention from their human caregivers as a way to cope with the loss.

It’s important for pet owners to provide extra love, support, and patience to the surviving pet during this difficult time. If the pet’s grief is severe and persistent, it may be beneficial to consult with a veterinarian or a professional animal behaviorist for guidance on how to help them cope with their loss. Additionally, keeping the pet’s routine and environment as stable as possible can also aid in the grieving process.

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Hena’s Blog For Paws © 2019 by Hena Osman is licensed under CC BY 4.0