Did you know that when experiencing grief, every human being generally goes through five stages: denial, anger, offering, depression, and finally, acceptance. So, what about the animals around you, like dogs, for example? In fact, dogs can also grieve after the loss of their flock, although the form of their grief is different from that of humans. In particular, their emotional turmoil is triggered by a loss of security due to a changed routine, and this situation has the potential to trigger a stress disorder. After all, dogs are individual animals so they will show their depression in different ways. Want to know how to help your beloved dog cope with the death of his pack? Read on for this article, OK!
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Part 1 of 2: Helping the Dog to Relieve His Grief
Step 1. Consider showing him the body of a dead dog
Many people believe that this method can help surviving dogs accept the death of their flock. In theory, the dog will develop an understanding that the herd is dead and will, therefore, be able to accept this reality better. However, since there is no scientific method to support this theory, it's still best to do what's best for you and your dog.
- In fact, proving the effect of this method on a dog's reaction to the death of his herd is not as easy as turning the palm of the hand. Although the positive effects are difficult to prove, it is almost certain that the negative effects are minimal. Therefore, feel free to do so if you think this method can help restore the dog's feelings.
- Generally, the feelings of depression or grief that dogs exhibit are caused by a change in the “package” that makes their routine and sense of security disappear or diminish.
Step 2. Maintain your dog's routine so he can adjust to the changes
Because dogs have a very high survival instinct, they generally won't spend too much time alone together. That is, they have a tendency to maintain their hunting and self-cleaning patterns. Keeping a routine is also able to relieve stress levels, which he certainly doesn't want to feel after experiencing the loss of his herd.
Therefore, no matter how tough the situation is for you, keep trying to stick to the same routine, such as giving food at the same time, taking the dog for a walk at the same time, and taking him to places that you both usually go. Doing so will help your dog realize that regardless of the problem, his life will continue as it should be. As a result, he was able to respond to the situation of the loss better
Step 3. Don't pamper the dog
Calming a grieving pet dog is human nature, and unfortunately, isn't the best method you can use to deal with the loss. For example, if your dog refuses to eat from its container, your natural reaction as the owner is to put the food out of your hand and praise it for eating it. As a result, he received the compliment because he wanted to eat food from your hands, not from the food container. In the future, it is feared that he will develop an unhealthy habit, which is to only eat what is in your hand, instead of what you have prepared in a bowl. Of course, you can't always do this behavior, right?
Therefore, try to act as normal as possible when it's time to eat. By doing so, you seem to want to show that even if his friend is gone for good, his life will still be fine. Therefore, keep giving food at the same time every day. If he doesn't want to eat it, throw it away after ten minutes and don't offer anything until the next meal. As evil as it sounds, understand that in dog language, this behavior is actually a powerful way to reinforce his routine and give him the sense of security he desperately needs when he's grieving
Step 4. Give him time to find his “place”
Basically, dogs need to know where they are in the pack to feel safe, and if one member of the pack dies, it's natural for the remaining dogs to feel anxious or confused. One of the keys to dealing with this problem is to give dogs, both head and pack members, space and time to adjust. In other words, make sure you maintain a normal play and practice routine.
- If the dead dog is the head of the pack, chances are the surviving dogs will feel insecure, especially because of a change in their understanding of leadership. As a result, the dog will usually bark at the pack constantly, as if wanting to assert his newfound freedom, or simply because he feels threatened and tries to warn other dogs not to approach.
- If the dead dog is a member of the pack, it is likely that the surviving dog will feel lost because his guidance and help is no longer needed. As a result, he will look restless and walk aimlessly, without having members follow his steps.
Step 5. Fill in the time with interactive games
Chances are, two dogs living together will constantly interact in ways that may not be visible. If one of them is no longer alive, the stimulation for the other dog will definitely decrease. As a result, he too will experience boredom that is difficult to ignore. To help your dog adapt to new situations, try filling in the gaps with various methods of mental stimulation, such as playing with him, taking him for more walks, or even teaching him some new tricks.
This kind of personal interaction is able to distract him from the grief that arises, it will also strengthen the relationship that exists with you as the owner. In fact, this method can also relieve your grief, lo
Step 6. Consider getting a new dog
Basically, the best time to get a new dog is when “you” feel ready. Therefore, don't do it if your only motivation is to get rid of the other dog's grief. Remember, dogs are very individual animals. As a result, if he has a very strong bond with a dead dog, chances are that even your decision to bring in a new dog won't be able to "replace" his old friend's place in his heart.
In addition, the decision may also make things worse and make the dog even more stressed because he feels his land is being “violated” by other dogs. That's why, bring a new dog into the house only when the whole party is fully prepared to do so
Step 7. Try bringing a friend's dog home to check on your pet's reaction
If you believe that the arrival of a new dog will take away the grief, try bringing a friend's dog home and letting them play together. Observe your dog's reaction afterward. If his reaction is positive, chances are he's ready to accept the new dog. If not, it's best to be patient and wait.
If you really want a new dog but your pet doesn't react positively to the presence of another dog, try buying or adopting a dog of a different sex or body size. Chances are, your dog may be more receptive to a dog that seems more intimidating or vice versa, and has a different disposition
Part 2 of 2: Coping With Depression in Dogs
Step 1. Understand depressive disorders in dogs
Generally, dogs will show depression through body language. Even though it looks worrying, understand that it is very natural to show a depressed reaction when experiencing grief. However, if the reaction persists for more than a month, or if your beloved dog continues to exhibit strange behavior during this time, try to see a doctor for appropriate treatment recommendations. Some of the common symptoms of depression exhibited by dogs:
- Refuse food
- Refusing to do activities that he used to enjoy
- Shows changes in sleep patterns, such as sleeping more often or having trouble falling asleep
- Indicates a change in routine. For example, he no longer greets you at the door when you come home
Step 2. Consult the possibility of giving your dog a calming pheromone
Grieving is a very natural process and must be passed to achieve maximum healing. That is why, numbing feelings with the help of drugs is not recommended, unless the symptoms of depression do not subside for weeks. If you have tried everything you can but your dog remains depressed for more than three or four weeks, try taking him to the vet. One option that doctors will generally recommend to relieve depression in dogs is to administer a sedative pheromone.
One of the trademark sedating pheromones that you can find in the market is Adaptil. Specifically, Adaptil is packaged in the form of a diffuser capable of releasing pheromones into the air, or in the form of a collar that can be wrapped around a dog's neck. Adaptil contains synthetic analogues of pheromones, or chemicals that are released by dog mothers when breastfeeding to make their puppies feel safe and comfortable. When you inhale these synthetic pheromones, your dog will feel safe and well. As a result, stress levels can decrease. Although the benefits are not instant, at least this method can help your dog recover slowly and make him more accustomed to the changes that occur
Step 3. Ask your doctor for an antidepressant prescription
Another option your doctor may recommend is prescribing an antidepressant, which is generally only done if all other methods have not worked, and if the dog's depressive symptoms have persisted for more than a month. An antidepressant drug specifically intended for dogs is clomipramine, which is actually a tricyclic antidepressant. This type of antidepressant works by inhibiting the reabsorption of some neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and norepinephrine, in the brain, and can relieve anxiety disorders in dogs.
- Generally, the appropriate antidepressant dose is 1-2 mg for every 1 kg dog, which means a Labrador dog weighing about 30 kg should take tablets of 80 mg antidepressant, twice a day.
- Be aware that most antidepressants have side effects to watch out for, such as constipation and dry mouth. In addition, taking antidepressants can also increase plasma levels in some antiepileptic drugs. That is why, its use must really be done with caution.
