Predictors of owner response to companion animal death in 177 clients from 14 practices in Ontario

Abstract

Bivariate and multivariate analyses highlighted the impact owners' attitudes about euthanasia and professional intervention by the veterinary team had on reactions to pet death. Owners' perceptions of societal attitudes, also a predictor of grief, indicate that grief for pets is different than grief associated with other losses.

Psychiatric Investigation of 18 Bereaved Pet Owners

“…These grief reactions lead to various symptoms, including depression, anxiety, worry, loneliness, emptiness, potential for self harm, disturbed sleeping patterns, loss of appetite, and weight loss [16]. These symptoms may be milder than those following a human death [4,24], but the bereavement process after a pet death seems to be different from that which occurs after a close person has passed away [1]. Therefore, we should investigate factors that can affect grief reactions following the loss of a pet, in order to consider and formulate interventions to these differing reactions.…”

“…It might be assumed that an owner who tends towards depression might be more likely to discuss with a veterinarian about treatment policy, or that the consultations had acted contrary to the owners' expectations. Adams et al [1] have also demonstrated severely grieved owners desiring more professional support from veterinary team. As for intervention after pet death, all participants thought they could talk to their family member or friend about grief, whereas owners who felt that they could seek help from veterinary or medical profession numbered only nine and seven, respectively.…”

“…The death of a much-loved pet can sometimes cause its owner significant grief [1,27]. This is probably one of the greatest disadvantages of living with a pet, although there are, of course, also a great many advantages to be enjoyed [20].…”

“…Female pet owners tend to present intense reactions [6,15,22,27,31], while some studies have shown that younger people grieve more severely [1,27,28]. The presence of a family member or close friend can work as a social support, and facilitate acceptance of the loss [9,15,27].…”

“…It is possible that owners who keep their pets indoors have a stronger attachment to their animals than those who keep them outdoors. Attachment is well known as a contributing factor to grief [1,6,11,25,27,31].…”