Pet Forum / Miscellaneous / Animal Health / July 2004

No original advice, but this fromabout half way down the page at
http://www.homeranimals.com/rainbow.htm

"What many people find hard to believe is that animals can form very
firm attachments with each other. In fact, even pets that outwardly
seem to barely get along will exhibit intense stress reactions when
separated.
Grieving pets can show many symptoms identical to those experienced by
the bereaved pet owner. The surviving pet(s) may become restless,
anxious and depressed. There may also be much sighing, along with
sleep and eating disturbances. Often, grieving pets will search for
their dead companions and crave more attention from their owners.
How can an owner help the grieving pet? By following the following
recommendations:
1. Keep the surviving pet(s) routines as normal as possible.
2. Try not to unintentionally reinforce the behavior changes.
- if the pet's appetite is picky, don't keep changing the food. All
that does is create a more finicky pet.
- Don't overdo the attention given to the pet(s) as it can lead to
separation anxiety.
3. Allow the surviving animals to work out the new dominance hierarchy
themselves.
- there may be scuffles and fights as the animals work out the new
pecking order (dogs mostly)
4. Don't get a new pet to help the grieving pet(s) unless the owner is
ready.
- It will backfire unless the owner is emotionally ready for a new
pet.
- People still grieving won't have the energy for it.
Should the owner let the surviving animals see and smell their dead
companion?
There is no evidence that doing so will help the surviving pet(s), but
some people claim that it does.
Usually, all it accomplishes is to make the owner feel better.
Therefore, if the owner wants to have the surviving pets "say
good-bye," then it should be allowed.
Written by Margaret Muns, DVM."