How do I help my pet cope with grief after losing a loved one?

I'm so sorry for your loss! Pets grieve, just as we do. Try to keep your dog's daily routine as normal as possible, while giving your dog some extra attention and exercise as a distraction. Ultimately, grief takes time to process for our four legged friends, just as it does for us.

I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Mattie. Losing a pet can be one of the hardest things to go through. There are a few things that may be able to help. Many veterinary clinics (and some local animal shelters) do offer grief counseling for the loss of a pet, as well as support and craft groups that allow owners to share their stories, and even create memorials for their pets. If that is not available, speaking with a counselor or therapist in your area may also help so that you do not have to go through this on your own. There are also resources online such at The Rainbow Bridge, where you can chat with and share stories with other owners which may help you to remember the good times you had with Mattie, instead of the sorrow over her loss. It sounds like Mattie was very loved and well cared for during her time with you, and she likely loved you just as much.

I'm sorry to hear about the loss of your pup. Depression and mourning are very normal in dogs, especially after the loss of a close companion. It may be that Aysha needs some more time to mourn, and some extra attention, care and loving would help. Sticking to a schedule can also help her return to a more normal routine. If she is still having lots of issues, speaking with a local vet or veterinary behaviorist to see if medication would be helpful may also be beneficial for her.

Try getting him out and going places with you if he likes rides. Make play dates with friends who have dogs so he can play and have the company of other dogs. If you are ready, consider adopting another pet so he has a playmate and companionship. Try gently encouraging him to play with you, teach him tricks or get him involved in a group activity like agility. I hope you can find him something to spark his interest and get him engaged again.

I do think our pets grieve, and this can last various lengths of time. All you can do is provide lots of love and affection and with time the grief will improve. New [toys](https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/category/cat/cat-toys) and [treats](https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/category/cat/cat-treats) can help. You can also try a [pheromone product]() that can help cats during periods of adjustment. It is available in a room diffuser or a spray.

I am so sorry to hear this! It is always sad to lose a 4 legged family members but it is also heart breaking to watch their house mates suffer the same grievance. I would make sure to give your dog plenty of extra TLC and spend extra time with him when you can. I would also consider put a calming collar on him like adaptil to help calm him while you are away. There are also calming chews you could try like composure or the prescription version composure pro. At the end of the day, it is going to take time for him to grieve just like us. Unfortunately, some do not completely heal until they have a new companion to be with. I hope this helps and please know you are in my thoughts.

Poor Madge! I'm sorry to hear about your loss. Dogs can and do mourn much like people do, so it is likely that she is feeling a bit lost and afraid now that her friend is no longer there. There are a few things you can do to help with separation anxiety, including playing a soothing talk radio or TV show while you're gone, leaving a puzzle toy to distract her, going on a long walk to tire her out prior to your leaving, or having a T-shirt or blanket that smells like you or your passed away pup to cuddle with. Pheromone diffusing collars can also help by releasing a calming pheromone to help reduce stress and anxiety. If you can, coming home for breaks during the day to let her out and play with her may help reduce her anxiety. If the problems persist or do not improve, speaking with a trainer or behaviorist in your area may help. They may be able to formulate a training plan to help Madge feel a bit better and get comfortable in her new situation.