Pets grieve, too

In 2011 when Navy SEAL Jon Tumilson, who was killed in Afghanistan, lay in a coffin, draped in an American flag, his loyal Labrador, Hawkeye remained by his casket with his head down for the entire funeral. Hawkeye was in mourning for his beloved companion.

Pets, just like humans, can experience feelings of grief and go through a mourning period when they lose a close companion, whether it's their pet parent or another furry friend in the household.

According to Dr. Sophia Yin, a San Francisco-based veterinarian and animal behaviorist, "Grief is one of the emotions dogs experience, just like people."

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals conducted a Companion Animal Mourning Project in 1996. The study found that 36 percent of dogs ate less than usual after the death of another canine companion. About 11 percent actually stopped eating completely. And around 63 percent of dogs vocalized more than normal or became quieter. More than half the surviving pets became more affectionate and clingy with their pet parents or caregivers. Overall, the study revealed that 66 percent of dogs exhibited four or more behavioral changes after losing a furry companion.

How can you help a dog that is grieving deal with his pain?

Mourning may lead to a loss in appetite, lowered water intake, sluggish response to people and other pets, a loss of interest in play or physical activity, and even a few mournful howls. The symptoms can also increase gradually over weeks or months.

It's also important to know that these changes in behavior can also indicate an illness, so it's important to have an exam done by Rover's veterinarian to be sure that there's not an underlying medical cause.

If you find your furry friend moping around the house after the death of an animal or human family member, the best thing for you to do is to get your dog's mind off the loss by engaging him in fun activities such as a game of fetch, brisk walks and play dates with other pets. The physical interaction promotes a sense of joy and connectedness, and also releases oxytocin, a hormone that increases a sense of well-being and bonding in all mammals.

Provide him with more attention and affection, and if Rover enjoys human company, invite friends that he likes to visit and spend time with him. Another way to keep your dog busy is with food toys. Hide them around the house during the day filled with his favorite treat.

While extremely long periods of grieving aren't normal in dogs, simply showing patience and understanding to your pet in mourning can help an anguished dog cope, suggests anthropologist Elizabeth Marshall Thomas.

Maintaining a normal routine for your dog, such as a familiar eating time or playtime, is the best way to help with the grieving process.

If you are thinking about adding another dog, please wait until you and your furry family member have adjusted to the loss. Forcing Rover to get to know a newcomer may only add stress to his emotional state.

Remember to be patient. Your dog may miss his companion as much as you do.