Expert: Alan J Turner, SATS LL1 - 3/30/2008

Question
Wondering if you have any insight on behavior among littermates when one of the littermates passes away after almost 12 years of being together. 1 of our female Brittany's passed away last week. The other 2 female littermates are definately missing her. We try to keep them upbeat and not show our own grief around them, but at times it is apparent they are very down and are wondering where their sibling is. We never let them dominate one another and they have excellent temperment, but if I had to describe the situation, the two dogs that we have now are the somewhat-alpha dog (doesn't eat or drink first or anything like that - that behavior was equal among the 3 but this dog would be the most aggressive of the 3) and the other dog is the very playful one. She is still playful but seems to miss her favorite playmate. It seems the dog we had to put to sleep (diabetes and kidney problems suddenly occurred - bloodwork was perfect 5 weeks prior) held the 3 together. I think the 2 dogs we have will just become closer friends, but currently we have a dominate dog with no one to dominate and a playful dog missing her playmate. The 3 got along very well but just seemed each of the 2 we have now were closer to the one we lost. Do you have access to any research on this? Is there anything we can do to make sure they don't suffer too much due to the loss of their sibling? We are afraid this will affect them to the point we may lose them to so want to make sure that does not occur.

Answer
Dear Coleen,

Thanks for writing. Sorry to hear of your loss.

"Do you have access to any research on this? Is there anything we can do to make sure they don't suffer too much due to the loss of their sibling? We are afraid this will affect them to the point we may lose them to so want to make sure that does not occur."

Anytime you add or subtract a pet or person from a household the dynamics between animals (and humans) changes. I am not aware of any research on how the loss of one litter mate or pet affects the remaining animals. I do believe that like humans, animals miss the company of their usual house mates. I've met dogs who seem to grieve over such a loss. They appear apathetic and are not their "usual selves".

I would try to keep them engaged with lots of exercise and play. Over time, they will stop looking for her.

Sorry, I'm not sure what you mean by "affect them to the point that we may lose them".

I wish you the best during this sad time. Thanks for writing.

Alan J Turner
http://howsbentley.com