Do Pets Grieve After a Loss? A Pet Loss Doula Explains

Do pets actually grieve, or are they reacting to routine changes and stress in ways we don’t recognize? And how much of what we label as “grief” is really our own emotion spilling over into the way we interpret their behavior? 

In this episode,  Amy talks with Kate LaSalla, a pet behavior consultant, companion animal end-of-life death doula, and certified pet loss and grief companion, about what pet grief can look like, what might just be pet care routine disruption, and what to do when your dog or cat’s behavior changes after a loss. 

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:

• The most common behavior changes pets show after a loss, and why the relationship matters
• How human grief and anger can affect a surviving pet’s anxiety and fearfulness
• When “normal” changes become a medical concern, and when to loop in your vet
• Why “animals understand death, not disappearance,” and what that means for households with multiple pets
• What to do if you’re grieving too, but still need to support your pet’s routines and provide good pet care

CONNECT WITH KATE LASALLA
WEBSITE | Rescued By Training

OTHER LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
Rescued By Training blog post on pets and grieving
Advanced care directive
“When is it time to say goodbye?” download
And be sure to check out all the other fantastic posts and resources on Kate's page!

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Each week, get practical pet parenting advice and expert help for behavior issues, rising pet costs, vet visits, training, and everyday life with dogs and cats.

From puppy biting and cat aggression to separation anxiety, emergency vet decisions, and saving money on pet care, this show helps you cut through the noise and find real solutions.

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