In nature, animals face loss in different ways, and just like us, many animal species suffer the loss of a close companion and go through a process that shares the psychic and emotional principles of grief. By definition, grief is considered a natural response, mainly emotional, related to an important loss in life — for example: an absence, a death, an abandonment or a life change; events that inevitably are part of the natural process of any being's existence, during which changes appear at the physical, cognitive and, of course, behavioral level. This process isn't exclusive to human beings — scientific evidence has observed grief showing up in different social animal species such as elephants, dolphins, wolves, whales, great apes and, particularly, in companion animals like dogs and cats, which are considered to perceive and go through the death of someone close to them, generating emotional and behavioral reactions or responses of sadness and depression similar to those of humans. As journalist Abel G.M. reported in an article for 'National Geographic': “dogs aren't aware of death itself, but of the change to their routine.” This means our furry friends grieve the loss of the companions with whom they shared routines like eating, sleeping, playing or going for a walk — whose absence generates a lot of confusion in them, to the point that they may come to perceive the loss as a sign that there's some unknown danger in their environment, causing them nervousness and fear.
Under this premise, we understand that in many homes we share our lives with more than one companion animal, and therefore some of them will suffer, at least once, the loss of a companion. Faced with this kind of loss, it's clear that animals change their attitude and routines, especially if they had a very close relationship or emotional bond with the deceased, to such an extent that neuroscience and behavioral ethology have identified that animals activate the same brain regions we humans activate when facing the death of a loved one (the limbic system). It isn't known exactly how each individual will face the loss or how they will express it, however, in the case of our furry companions the following behavioral manifestations have been identified:
● They seek more attention from humans as a protective mechanism.
● Cats intensify affectionate behaviors, seeking more attention and affection. They rub against their caregivers' bodies more.
● Low enthusiasm and motivation when it comes to playing.
● Excessive passivity.
● Low appetite.
● They sleep more.
● Fearful and nervous attitudes (emotional insecurity).
● Increased howling or barking.
● Cats meow frequently and intensely.
● Cats show greater signs of stress: scratching more and urinating or defecating outside the litter box.
● Repeatedly checking the places where the deceased companion used to stay (where they slept or ate).
On the other hand, it's worth noting that our furry friends have the ability to perceive our mood changes and are also very sensitive to them, so they will also pick up these changes when they sense suffering in their guardians or caregivers (emotional contagion). For all of the above, it's important that we support our furry friends through their grief — let's keep in mind that each animal has their own way of being and will react differently and unpredictably to the loss of a companion. Likewise, each grieving period should be respected and, as a result, we should adjust to their behavior. It's essential to maintain routines, speak to them in a positive tone and with kind words, give them attention, and make room for interaction, without forcing or pressuring them if they don't want to engage. Increase petting and do motivating activities like mountain walks, play their favorite game, and keep the closeness and physical contact they seek. Support them with natural therapies — for example, flower therapy is designed for every moment in life, and in these situations it provides great support for the emotional process our furry friends may be going through. Use our Farewell formula — it's the ideal flower essence to use during those difficult moments and after the grieving process. It not only helps with emotional processing, but also creates an atmosphere of peace and calm for the animal — it's the vibrational blend that harmoniously accompanies the sadness, sorrow, discouragement or confusion that losses cause in our animals. Using orange blossom essential oil helps in circumstances where sadness, depression and loneliness show up due to serious losses, lifting the animal's energy and mood. Remember to always consult experts about managing and treating behavioral changes in your furry friend.