Unraveling canine emotions: Do dogs mourn and how to support them through grief
On the internet, it's easy to stumble upon videos or photos of dogs at their owners' graves. Do animals truly understand that they'll never see their beloved person again? What are their feelings during these moments, and is there any way we can lend a helping hand? Allow us to shed some light on the topic.
9 February 2024 15:54
Can dogs experience sadness?
Although dogs can't talk, they often find other ways to communicate with their owners. Sometimes, a single look at your pet can reflect precisely how they feel. It seems that a dog can experience joy, carefreeness, and sadness.
"Our pets are affected by sadness as much as we are," revealed dog behaviour expert Lorna Winter in an interview with Newsweek.
So, what do dogs feel when they lose their beloved owner? Similarly to humans, animals also go through their own grieving process. How does this manifest? Any changes in a pet's behavior should immediately alert us. When emotionally distressed, a dog often loses its appetite and finds no interest in play. They might also stop reacting to environmental stimuli such as the doorbell or their name being called.
How can we assist a mourning dog?
Upon noticing our dog's sadness or grief, it's crucial not to leave them on their own. In such scenarios, we should ponder on what can be done to help. It turns out that it often requires very little to uplift one's mood or that of others – this includes dogs too.
"Physical contact and cuddling release oxytocin in dogs, especially when they interact with someone they are bonded with. It's also beneficial for us, so don't hesitate to cuddle up," – explained Lorna Winter.
Ensuring that our pets feel safe and loved is exceedingly important. We don't need to make a huge effort or offer a plethora of distractions for the dog. Simply being there and providing our full support tends to be enough.
