Is it possible for a dog to mourn the loss of another dog?

Question

2 days ago our 12 year old Chocolate Lab died in her sleep. 3 yrs. ago we brought a mini-daschund into our home. The lab actually nursed the doxie and has spent the last 3 years, routinely grooming her, playing with her etc...Since the loss of the lab the doxie waits at the door for the lab and also tries to dig at the gravesite of the lab whenever let out. Is she mourning or is she picking up on our sad feelings?

The lab was named Abby and the Doxie is named Lucy.

Answer 1

Many animals today live in multi-pet households and therefore have house mates that they share experiences with well into old age. A common behavioral problem for older dogs is mourning for the loss of a house mate. Although there has not been a great deal of research on mourning in pets, it is well known that pets form attachments to other animals they live with, and anecdotal evidence indicates that animals grieve over the loss of their companions. For some animals this grieving process may be short, or it may not be evident or visible to the owner. For other animals, especially geriatric pets, mourning can be a real phenomenon with behavioral ramifications.

Dogs may undergo several behavioral changes after the loss of a companion. these include a decrease in appetite and activity, possible anxiety or restlessness, depression, or sleep disturbances. Some animals have been observed to be "searching" for the missing companion. While not all of these reactions occur, they are not uncommon. These changes often abate over time, especially if the owner attempts to follow a few of these suggestions.

Keep the routine as close to the previous routine as possible.

Good Luck

Answer 2

I want to start by saying I am sorry to hear about your lab. I had a mini doxie that passed away six days ago so I know what your going through. I also have a Jack Russell at home and she has been in mourning since this happened. She hasn't eaten that much and she doesn't really want to play anymore. As the days go on she does sit up now if she hears something outside and she has finally started giving me kisses again. The two of them were like sisters, following each other around, cleaning each other and even fighting over toys.

There is nothing anyone can say or do to make you or your doxie feel better. I have learned from talking to people on here has helped me. Make sure your daschund is eating at least a little everyday and give her the unconditional love that your lab gave her. Your little daschund will pull through this and so will you.

Answer 3

Most definately your Doxie is mourning the loss of its buddy. Dogs are very emotional creatures, just like humans. Time will eventually heal the wounds your Doxie feels. Make sure to reassure your dog that the Lab is in a better place and the Doxie will meet up with him/her later on.

Answer 4

In the wild, wolves live in packs. When a pack member dies, the pack does mourn. So yes, they do. The same thing happened with my dog I have now. We had the 1st dog, Hank for 1 year before getting the other, Alex. Alex followed Hank everywhere, which is what also almost got him killed. One day they both got out of the fenced in back yard, ran out in the road, and got hit by a car. Hank died...Alex lived with a puncture wound. For 3 days after that, Alex followed my every footstep even though he was in obvious pain. He didn't want to be alone even for a second. He wouldn't wag his tail and just "moped" around really is how I would explain it. He just looked sad in general. He slowly got over it just like people would. Maybe if you get her a new friend it will help her get over the loss of the other one and keep her mind on new things. Also, dogs know what we know and they know what we don't know. They are some of the best readers of behavior. Certainly your dog knows that you and others are upset, but he probably doesn't connect that with the death. I was sad about Hank, but I was a very bust person at the time and had to get over it quickly. Alex was still acting upset for a little while after I did.

Answer 5

I'm sorry about your Lab. I think your Doxie is sad and maybe even lonely now. If these were your only two dogs she's lost almost her entire pack (aside from you). You may be part of her pack, but she had a different relationship with the Lab.

I would consider getting another one at some point when you are ready.

Answer 6

Dogs have their own feelings. I had a female dalmatian and a mixed breed small male dog who became ill and died. The dalmatian was very upset at the loss. About 3 months later I bought a mastiff puppy and this relieved her anxiety about the loss of the other dog. Then after about a year the dalmatian died and I went through the same problem with the mastiff. He has since quit mourning the loss bu it took a lot of time spent walking and working with him to get over it.

Answer 7

OMG yes! The doxie is used to having the lab there to play with, etc. Animals act differently when you introduce a new one, why would it be any different when one is gone? They miss the companionship. That is mourning.

Answer 8

Yes its actually very common when you have more than one family pet. If one dies the other becomes depressed without its friend. Its the same as the dog would feel if you or someone else it is close to died. Therapy is highly suggested. Some dogs stop eating, start crying very often and stop playing and being happy. Some dogs are so extreme they start getting self inflicted wounds and continuously bite and chew on their paws.

Answer 9

I just recently lost my boxer "Maxine". We also have a Basenji "Sparky" Well when maxine died sparky put his nose in front of maxines face and was like trying to see it she was still breathing, well when we barried her he was trying to nudge her to get her to move away from the dirt. It was really sad but also a little funny. After we brought him back to the house she ran as hard as he could to her old bed and was sniffing the air trying to find her. The sad part, After he found out that she wasnt there any more he went strait to her bed and stayed for about 2 days. I could just tell he was so sad cause is a very active dog. Now he wont go down stairs any more either, cause that is where she use to stay when things started going down hill.

Answer 10

that is so sad! yes , dogs and other animals mourn death of other animals and even people. my moms dog mourned the death of my grandfather, she sat under my grandfathers favorite chair for almost a week and had to be dragged out to eat and go potty. my rabbit mourned the death of our lab/shep mix, they use to sleep together and best of friends. the rabbit wouldn't come out from behind the sofa for 3 days, i had to put his litter box and food behind the sofa. we have a new dog now and the dog is afraid of the rabbit ( dog got beat up by rabbit the first day home) the rabbit is starting to be friendlier to the dog ,now, 8 months later.