Being a huge movie buff, one of my all-time favorite teen flicks being “Clueless” starring Alicia Silverstone, Paul Rudd, who later went on to “Friends” and other movies, and Brittarny Murphy. So I was stunned last December, when the news broke about Brittany Murphy’s sudden death. Animal Chiropractic

As they laid her to rest, following her funeral at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Los Angeles, California, my heart went out to her mother and her husband, Simon Monjack. News reports have listed the 32-year-old actress’ death as being caused by a heart attack at the home she shared with her husband in LA on December 20, 2009.

As I clicked through her husband’s web site I saw breathtaking photos that Simon had taken of Brittany. Such a shame for someone so beautiful and talented to be taken from us too soon.

What truly broke my heart was when I learned of Brittany’s female Maltese named Clara aside from the tragic loss of her family and fans. As an animal lover, I wept when I read online from people magazine’s web site that the dog was experiencing a change in behavior since Brittany’s death, according to Brittany’s husband.

Clara was given to her as a Christmas gift the previous year. Brittany named her after silent film star Clara Bow and was reported as describing Clara as “a humongous personality in a tiny package. She is treated not as a pet but as a family member.

Though I had never really given much thought, this tragic turn of events make me wonder how pets react to their owner’s death. Do pets have the ability to mourn? If so, how do survivors help the pet’s physical and emotional health during the mourning period?

Dr. Ava Frick, my pet’s veterinarian, is a pet behavior specialist. Due to problems of excessive barking and showing aggression toward my other two dogs, she has been using Alpha-Stim technology treatments on one of my dogs.

Dr. Frick and I discussed Clara and pets’ ability to mourn during our next appointment. She said that undergoing a mourning period after the loss of a human or animal companion is common for a dog. The symptoms are actually exhibited for days or even weeks plus decreased appetite, lethargy, and changes in the dog’s behavior.

She said that it is important to keep a dog in its normal routine in such cases. Exercise can do wonders to alleviate stress for pets like humans who are going through issues. Also, acquaintance with familiar people and meeting new friendly faces can boost the pet’s mood.

If the pet’s mourning period seems to carry on, it is a good idea to seek the advice of professionals. Your veterinarian can identify Physiologic abnormalities, which might be contributing to the dog’s depression.

For those dogs that are depressed, Alpha Stim – is often a very interesting treatment recommended. Dog Pain Relief

Tagged with: • • • • •

Filed under: Pets Advice

Like this post? Subscribe to my RSS feed and get loads more!