Virtually all pet owners agree that dogs, cats, and other animals have an amazing capacity to foster friendship. And if you have several pets, expect your furry friends to bond not only with you but also with one another. Facilitating this bond is an important part of pet care — and so is comforting your animals when it’s broken. If you recently lost a pet, here’s what you should know about helping the other animals in the house cope with their grief. 

Maintain Consistency 

Having one less pet around will undoubtedly affect everyone’s routine, especially in the days and weeks following the loss. Try to maintain a fairly normal schedule for your other animals, though. Pets thrive on predictability, so keep feeding them, playing with them, and taking them out at the same time every day. Your animals may not want to participate at first — and they may even refuse to eat — but give them a day or two to adjust to the new normal. If they still haven’t eaten after two or three days, contact Liberty Veterinary Hospital to rule out any health issues that could be causing the lack of appetite. 

Provide Distractions 

While you should maintain roughly the same schedule when it comes to eating, exercising, and playing, it’s okay to try new things during these times. For example, take a different route when walking your dogs, and get some new toys to use when playing with your cats. Generally speaking, pet care experts advise owners to give their animals something new to focus on when they’re grieving. Distractions can help pets overcome the loss and uncertainty they’re feeling and encourage them to do something other than sulk.

If you have an aging pet whom you fear is nearing the end of their life, turn to the compassionate providers at Liberty Veterinary Hospital. Serving the Liberty Township area in Ohio, this practice is an accredited member of the American Animal Hospital Association. At their state-of-the-art facility, they provide comprehensive pet care for all your furry friends. They also offer boarding, grooming, and dog training. To explore all the services they provide, visit their website, and then call (513) 755-9700 to make an appointment.