Instructions
Loss of Animal Companion
Engage your dog in his favorite fun activity, whether it is playing with a toy, going to the dog park or just going for a walk around the block.
Distract your grieving dog from whining or moaning by playing hide-and-seek with his toy or adding peanut butter to his favorite ball. Some dogs will vocalize to express their stress and anxiety.
Allow your animal to cuddle with you, sit next to you on the couch or ride next to you in the car. Because dogs are den animals, they are used to being physically close to their animal companions. Body contact with you can relieve some of their unease.
Invite friends over that your dog trusts and enjoys being around in order to change her routine. If they have dogs that your pet will socialize with comfortably, ask your friends to bring them together for a ̶0;play date.̶1;
Loss of Human Companion
Introduce new, strong leadership into your dog̵7;s life if he is mourning a human companion. Use positive reinforcement and gentle commands to become the ̶0;leader̶1; missing from his life.
Establish new rituals and routines. If your dog normally goes on a walk in the afternoon, take her in the morning. If she eats at 5 p.m., feed her at 6 p.m. Changing her schedule will force your dog to respond to different stimuli and move away from old behaviors.
Compel your dog to engage his brain by playing active games, taking him to different places or teaching him new tricks. Now would be the time to instruct him in the basic commands of ̶0;sit,̶1; ̶0;stay̶1; and ̶0;come̶1; if he doesn̵7;t already know them. These activities may pull him out of any depression he is exhibiting.
How to Help a Dog Who Lost His Companion to Death
No human really knows for sure whether dogs experience the emotions of grief or sorrow after the death of a companion animal or human. Many pet owners acknowledge behavioral changes in their dogs, including signs of depression and lethargy and a withdrawal from interacting with others. This behavior becomes a serious concern if the dog stops eating or drinking. According to Kathy Diamond Davis, an author and dog trainer, in her article ̶0;Grieving: When Your Dog Mourns the Loss of Another Dog,̶1; pet owners ̶0;will need to help [the] dog find the way to a healthy new position in the social order̶1; of the family.