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After the death of a pet, <\/span>it\u2019s<\/span> not just the humans in the family who notice the pet\u2019s absence.<\/span> As you take care of yourself and navigate through your own grief journey, <\/span>it\u2019s<\/span> also important to support our remaining pets through their <\/span>own <\/span>grief journeys.\u00a0<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n It\u2019s<\/span> not uncommon<\/span> for remaining pets to act differently when a pet dies. In fact, the Companion Animal Mourning Project, a study conducted by the <\/span><\/span>ASPCA<\/span><\/span><\/a>, found that more than 60% of both dogs and cats <\/span>exhibited<\/span> at least four behavioral changes after the death of a fellow pet<\/span>, although some pets may also <\/span>exhibit<\/span> no behavioral changes at all. <\/span>The<\/span> most noticed behavioral changes included:<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n What\u2019s<\/span> important to remember is that just like people, all pets react differently to a loss. <\/span>Give your pet time and space to adjust to the \u201cnew normal\u201d in your home, which may take <\/span>1-6<\/span> months. If any behaviors are severe or dangerous, such as not eating at all or active aggressi<\/span>on<\/span>, ask your family veterinarian for help. There may be an underlying medical condition which requires attention. <\/span>Overall, though, o<\/span>ne of the best things you can do is to spend time with your grieving pet, which will <\/span>likely help<\/span> both of you.\u00a0<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Some pet owners may be tempted to get a new pet solely to \u201ccheer up\u201d their remaining pet. Remember that a new animal won\u2019t replace the deceased pet, in your eyes or your pet\u2019s eyes.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n But there may come a time when you think about getting a new companion animal. During this time, many people ask themselves:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The answers <\/span>to these questions <\/span>are different for everyone and can range from never getting another pet to getting a new pet right away. As you consider what is best for you and your family, the following may help you reach a decision:\u00a0<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n If <\/span>you\u2019re<\/span> still not sure, try volunteering with an animal organization such as a shelter, rescue, or wildlife center. You can spend time with animals and support their needs while you further assess your desire and ability to be a full-time pet parent. Remember, there is no right or wrong answer, just what is best for you and your family.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Animal Emergency & Referral Center of Minnesota offers a Pet Loss Support Group that currently meets virtually via Zoom on every fourth Tuesday of the month at 7pm. <\/span>Learn more about our group here<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n We also offer a private Facebook group to promote connection and sharing among those experiencing companion animal loss. <\/span>Click<\/span><\/a>\u202fto request to join.\u202f<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n More Reading:<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n![\"cat,](\"\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/2-1.png\")
<\/p>\nHow Pets May Express Their Grief<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n
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<\/p>\nAdopting Another Pet<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n
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