Dogs need bereavement help

Life turns upside down for dogs when their owner is no longer with them.   Do dogs love certain people?   There is no doubt that this is true.   Our communication with dogs is not so good, how can we let them know that they will still be cared for and loved when the person who has looked after them for years is suddenly gone?

Benni was unsure of himself when he arrived but he is settling down just fine now and the distraction that a change of home brings can help.  A new routine is beneficial, just going for a different route on the walk, a run in the country, a trip to the seaside – these are all good for dogs who have been left behind when their owner has passed on.

Letting the dog just mope will lead to him or her feeling even more miserable.  Whilst they may not feel like playing, there are still things to catch their interest.  Meeting new dogs is sometimes the answer (so long as they are friendly).  Dogs socialize with each other and if it’s the right pal, they will start to play and look forward to mealtimes.

Familiar belongings are a help and we would never take a fleece or rug away because it was a bit grubby.   The scruffier the better at this vulnerable time.   An old jumper from the person they are missing will be a consolation for a while.   They will gradually shift their attention as time goes on.   Now is the time to offer comfort food – something they specially like and that is easy to digest.   It’s a shock to be left alone and we must make allowances and try a bit of pampering.

Sometimes wrapping your dog up is a great comfort.  This isn’t just for bereavement help but whenever your pet is feeling poorly or a bit under the weather.   A fleece blanket is ideal, wrap it loosely round him in a cocoon and sit a stroke him for a while.   A cuddle blanket isn’t just good for babies!

Music is a great healer and that goes for dog listerners too.   Try soothing music to begin with, Mozart is good.  Then you can move on to country and western and easy listening.   There’s nothing like conversation and talking to a bereaaved pet is all to the good.  Do dogs understand what we’re saying?   You bet they do.  It’s us who don’t understand them most of the time.