Have you recently lost a loved one or pet? While you’re going through this difficult time, you may want to check in on your dog. Dogs experience the same feeling of heartache as humans do when a companion passes. Just like us, they each grieve differently depending on their temperament and their relationship with the deceased.
Fortunately, there are ways to help them through their grieving so you can both continue to live happy, healthy lives. Read on to discover the signs of pet grief and how you can help.
Signs
Signs can vary from dog to dog, but the most common symptoms are:
- Decreased appetite
- Low energy
- Sleeping often
- Moving slowly
- More demanding of attention
- Laying in the deceased’s favorite spot
How to Help
Stress-relieving activities
The best way to help a dog dealing with grief is simply by distracting them! Keep your pup busy with fun activities like walks, fetch, or any other activities that they typically enjoy. This will keep their mind off the loss so they can become their usual happy selves while they’re distracted. Consider inviting some human or canine friends over to keep their spirits up.
Spend more time with them
When dogs are going through a grieving period, it’s because they’re battling loneliness from a loss. Try to spend a little more time with your pet than usual as they’re going through this tough period so they rarely feel like they’re on their own while they’re coping. Allow your pup to seek comfort and reassurance from you while they grieve—leaning on each other will make the process easier for both of you!
Provide entertainment while you’re away
We know you’ll probably need to leave the house at some point, but try to keep your pup distracted even when you’re away. Try hiding treats all over your home or getting a toy for them to play with while you’re gone. Many pet parents will also hire a dog walker or pet sitter to stop by if you’re away for a whole workday or longer. This way, they know someone will always be checking on them and they’re not totally alone all day.
Be more affectionate
If your dog is missing that physical contact that was once filled by another dog or person, it could help to fill that void with your own affection. This will make the adjustment easier and will likely make you both feel better. A common misconception is that you shouldn’t cuddle or pet dogs that are grieving because it encourages negative emotions, but this is completely false. You can’t reinforce emotions—only actions. So get to cuddling!
Consider a mood enhancer
Even if you’re doing everything right, your dog may just need time to heal. A natural mood enhancer is a great way to keep their spirits up while they grieve. PupGrade’s Hemp Health and Mood Enhancer is completely natural and perfect for reducing anxiety and sadness in dogs! Created with organic hemp powder, it easily mixes into your pup’s food for extra nutrients and anxiety relief—making it a great addition to your dog’s diet if they’re struggling with grief.
We know that grief can be tough for you and your dog, so we hope this shortlist can help you get them back to their happy-go-lucky selves! In the meantime, get your dog started on our Health and Mood Enhancer to speed up their emotional recovery. Click here to order now!
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