How do you handle when you have multiple dogs and one passes?

If an animal in the household dies, surviving pets can sometimes seem clingy, anxious or more sensitive to things going on around them. They might even seem depressed, losing interest in playing, sleeping, or eating. These changes could be a reaction to missing their friend, because they’re picking up on their owner’s sadness or a response to changes of routine. Remaining pets may begin to show signs of separation distress. In the short term, try not to leave your pets alone. If you have more than one surviving pet, watch for changes in their relationships. Your surviving pets will now need to work out how to live without their old friend. They may have relied on each other in different ways and the loss could affect their confidence and dynamic. Allow them to work out their new relationship. Stick to your normal routine, to keep thing consistent for your remaining pets as much as possible. Try not to change the way you interact with your surviving pets. Don’t rush to get another dog, a new dog might not help your surviving dog feel better. The change could actually make them feel more uncomfortable.

When it’s time to say goodbye to such an integral part of our families, it can be a traumatic experience. Grief is an extremely personal journey and isn’t a linear experience. Allowing yourself and any other family members time to process these feelings is sensible before making a decision. If you have another dog or other pets, it’s important to consider them before introducing a new dog to the household. Dr. Gardner says you need to consider how the new pet can change the dynamics in the house. However, dogs can experience grief at the loss of their furry friend too, and, sometimes, having a new dog around for companionship can help them feel less lonely. The existing pet may enjoy a new friend to play with. It’s a very personal decision, and there’s nothing wrong with getting a new pet right away—or waiting for months or years to love again. Processing grief can be very helpful in general, and the distraction of a new pet may be good, but may also take away from memorializing the first dog. The last thing you want is to resent your new dog because you haven’t grieved enough. Sometimes the silence in the home is too much for a grieving owner, and filling the void is helpful.

When someone or another pet in the home dies, dogs may show signs that could be interpreted as grief, including crying or searching, appetite loss, a sad demeanour. Keeping your dog’s routine as close to normal as possible will help them cope with loss. If a fellow dog has died, getting a new dog or puppy may be a good thing for your dog, if introduced to each other carefully. Dogs may experience anxiety when a person or pet they spent a lot of time with no longer comes through the door at the same time each evening, or isn’t there to share in the excitement of going out for a walk. The best thing you can do is be there for your dog. Dogs are creatures of habit, so keeping their routine as close to normal as possible is a good way to avoid the stress of disruption. Take the time to focus on your bond with your surviving pet. Think about what makes them happy and do more than that. When a pet passes away it can be tempting to get another quickly, not only for your own benefit, but so your surviving pet will have another companion, but don’t rush into this decision. Dogs are sociable animals that live in family groups, so your surviving dog is likely to adapt well to a new canine if the pair are a good match.