Signs a Dog Could be Heartbroken
Dogs are very attached to their owners. A breakup can cause heartbreak for the dog. You might recall the sad expressions of your dog’s family members who died when you were a child.
These signs will help you recognize when your dog is grieving the loss of a loved one. You will notice a change in your dog’s behavior. They may not be interested in food and they may look sad.
As a way to relieve their pain, they may chew on their paws or lick them excessively. Normally, a dog would respond to the word “walk” with a tail-wagging, but your pup is now whining and whimpering from the house changes.
Be prepared to grieve if your partner leaves and you have a strong relationship with your dog. It is possible that you feel the pain and your dog may be too. Animals mourn their deceased in very humanistic ways all around the globe. Elephants have been known to attempt to revive a friend who has died and cover him with dirt and leaves as a funeral ceremony.
Dogs can become very attached to their partner. Separation anxiety can develop in dogs that were once happy when their owners were away. The do may bark and howl when the pet parent is away. They are in a state of shock as they wait for their guardian to return. They might cause damage to furniture or urinate on the floor as a way of expressing their sorrow.
If your furbaby is having trouble sleeping, it could be Broken Heart Syndrome. South Pacific County Humane Society know this. As soon as they realize that they have lost their home, pets who are surrendered can enter a state of panic. This can cause illness or even death. This life-threatening condition can cause severe chest pain, shortness of breath, irregular heartbeats, and even death.
Your pet should be taken to the vet immediately if they show signs of distress, such as a lack of focus or dilations in their pupils.
The History of Heartbroken Dogs
Before dogs became man’s best friend, wolves stalked the prairies in the midst of early man. A two-legged creature was determined to dominate nature and took on the big beasts, plentiful at the time. The playing field between wolf and man was decided as these noble creatures threw down the white flag and declared a willingness to work with humans. Men became superior hunters with the wolves by their side
Some believe it was humans poaching wolf cubs to tame them. This is also highly possible. One problem with the original theory is that wolves kept in captivity are not very friendly to humans because their genes are similar to wild animals.
The amount of breeding done in the time of domestication has rearranged the genetic makeup of dogs. Humans created many breeds to enjoy their pleasure and work without any regulations or rules. Mother Nature intervened and created a trailblazer for cooperative genetics. The Poodle, Boxer, and German Shepherd have further removed from their ancestors the wolves.
One thing that can’t be denied is the fact that both dogs and wolves have the capacity to feel heartbreak when a member of their clan dies. Wolves can chillingly howl, with their heads held low, when a member of the pack passes. Dogs can whine and lose their playful motivation.
A dog’s guardian can cause them to lose their enthusiasm for life, according to the veterinarian featured in Animal Wellness Magazine. Dogs may not be able to understand what has happened or why their guardian might have died. This can lead to a dog that is depressed and doesn’t want toys.
Hachiko, an Akita who waited over nine years at a Japanese railway station for his owner to return, is one of the many heartbroken dogs history has to offer. These stories are a testament to human empathy and amazement. Can a dog truly love a person as much as a human?
Dogs’ cognitive abilities are similar to toddlers aged 2 and 3. They don’t understand the permanence of death but can feel the pain and grief of separation.
Science of Dogs Feeling Heartbreak
Couples who are super-close have been known to die within a short space of each other as their heart literally stops working. It seems hard to believe that the body could shut down in such a permanent way.
A doctor featured on PET MD said that the romantic idea of dying from a broken-heart is called takotsubo cardiacopathy (broken heart syndrome). It can be very real. Scientists believe it may be adrenaline and stress hormones, which prevent the heart from functioning normally.
NBC Newsreports on the sad story of Liam, a British soldier and his bomb-detecting English Springer Spaniel named Theo. Unfortunately, Liam, a lance corporal in the Royal Army Veterinary Corps died while on duty. His loyal dog suffered a fatal seizure within hours of Liam’s death. Theo’s death was believed by Liam’s father to be an overdose. His mother also agreed and said that Theo had died from a broken heart.
As we all know, people can die suddenly after the death of someone they love. So why not dogs? They are able to share the same mammal mind and emotions as us.
Helping a Dog in Need
Helping a dog to see a ray of light through a dark period takes a little creativity and a whole lot of love. If your pup is down in the dumps because a family member has vacated the premises, you’ll need to spend time reassuring them it’s going to be OK.
Dogs are habit-oriented creatures and love routines. Your dog will need you if the family has been through a difficult time, such as a death or divorce.
If you are feeling overwhelmed or grieving, ask a friend or family member if they can take your dog for a walk every day. Your dog should be able to get away from home and feel happier. One of their favorite places is the dog park. If this is the case, a neighbor dog owner might be able to take your pooch to the dog park. Your pup will benefit from having support.
A vet visit is necessary to check for any physical conditions and concerns about your dog’s mental or physical health. Your vet will be able to recommend medication or treatment if your dog is truly depressed.
Playing soothing music or a happy tune could be a good idea. Dogs can absorb negative vibes from a home that is unhappy. It might be a good idea to have them stay with someone they love. Bring them home if they don’t like this idea, or it makes them feel worse.
If your Labrador or Maltese are not accompanied by a dog, buying new toys will spark their interest. Start giving praise and treats to dogs that show a little hope. After a life-altering event, it can be difficult to return to normalcy. However, there are always new beginnings and light at the end of that tunnel.