The grieving process for everyone is different be it humans or Pomeranians, but when a Pomeranian littermate dies it seems especially difficult. I was terribly heartbroken when my little Luka passed… one, because it was so sudden and two, we were told there was nothing to worry about… famous last words. I’m an adult most of the time and realize that rescuing Pomeranians and giving them a home is a huge gamble. Most Rescue Shelters don’t ask that many questions when owner’s surrender their dogs, so there isn’t much information to go on and you kinda leave it up to your Veterinarian to guide you through the first year or so making sure everything is okay. pomeranian littermate dies
When we rescued Luka and Niko… we had absolutely no information on them. All we knew was that they were littermates and had been together for at least 5 years. When I held Luka for the first time he clung to me like he was never going to let go… and when we brought these two beautiful boys home, they did everything together. Ate, drank, played and even slept on top of each other. They would chase each other around the house and when Mika would try to join in, Luka would bark at her to stop and then kept playing with Niko. pomeranian littermate dies
When a Pomeranian Littermate dies
So when Luka died… I didn’t know what to do about Niko. If I was this heartbroken, I couldn’t even imagine how Niko felt. Some experts say that dogs don’t have the same feelings that us humans do but I know that Niko was heartbroken because he looked it. You don’t have to be a member of Mensa to realize, Luka’s brother was hurting. Like I said, I didn’t really know too much about what happens when a littermate dies, so I contacted my “go to” Animal Behavior Specialist, Cricket. pomeranian littermate dies
Some of the things she told me were pretty much common sense… but as the saying goes, “it might be commonsense but NOT common practice”. Here are some of the things that need to be done when a Pomeranian littermate dies :
- Try very hard to keep as close to the same routine as you always have (feeding time, walking, playtime)
- If the littermate is lethargic, not eating or just plain sad looking, let them be (I know when Luka died… I didn’t want to be cheered up… so don’t try to make your Pomeranian happy… let them grieve. )
- Leave all the blankets, toys and bed the the littermate had out for a week or so.
- Do not try to pair them up with other dogs if you have them… it will come naturally. If you have multiple dogs the death of one of them will create a a hierarchy shift in the household. Let it happen. We are going through that right now. I think Yoki is taking her position as the Alpha in the pack… our little Yoki is all grown up.
- If you don’t have other dogs/Pomeranians… give attention as the Alpha to the remaining littermate as a bonding exercise. Some things to do are; brushing, petting, teaching them a trick or two. These are bonding exercises, not changes in the routine. These are considered little extras. pomeranian littermate dies
- If your Pomeranian littermate didn’t get to see his brother or sister die… it will take a little longer for them to adjust. Because of the nature of how Luka died, we weren’t able to have Niko see him. It is recommended that if a littermate or long time dog mate dies, that the remaining dog should be there to understand… they will usually sniff and either yelp, whimper or just bark uncontrollably… let it happen. It’s heartbreaking but it is how they understand. Niko still searches for his brother whenever he goes outside or to my husband’s office. You can tell he smells his brother but can’t find him.
I know it sounds crazy because most people should notice that their Pomeranian littermate isn’t acting their normal happy self but here are a few things to look for to know your littermate is grieving. pomeranian littermate dies
- Decreased Appetite
This is a sure sign your Pomeranian littermate is grieving. Pay close attention to how much less they are eating… if it goes on too long significant weight loss can occur and cause health problems for the remaining littermate.
- Lethargy and Depression pomeranian littermate dies
Obviously you’re not a doggie psychiatrist so you probably weren’t trained in doggie psychology but certain things won’t happen… if they are lethargic or depressed. Most commonly your Pomeranian littermate won’t want to play with his toys, or play with you. They will refuse to go on walks and just lay by the bed or door. It basic terms they won’t want to engage you as they once did when the littermate was around.
- Separation Anxiety
If you never seen a Pomeranian with separation anxiety consider yourself blessed, because it is painful to watch. Your Pom will demonstrate a fearful running from room to room, jump up on chairs, couches, and tables… just looking for the other littermate. If that’s not bad enough they will want to know where you are every minute of the day… and if you leave the same type of running happens. Other symptoms are; excessive salivation, barking, whining, destroying items in the home, attempting to escape from the crate or room, eliminating in the room or crate, scratching at walls, doors and floors, and even trying to jump through windows. If the latter happens you need to consult an Animal Behavior Specialist. It is worth the money to not have broken and torn up furniture.- Excessive Vocalization
You may find your Pomeranian is a little more vocal then you are used to. These vocalizations may not be barking but often are whimpering, howling or a kind of whining. They may do this in front of you or off alone somewhere. This type of behavior along with the some of the other symptoms of grieving can last upwards of several weeks.
Every set of littermates are different but as with what I have experienced so far with Luka’s littermate, Niko, this is what I can come up with. Niko is starting to adjust to this new chapter in his life. It truly isn’t the same without Luka but he is adjusting. He is starting to come out of his shell and be the beautiful boy he knows he is. Patience and a commitment to being an awesome Pommy Mommy is all that it takes to get through when your Pomeranian Littermate dies. If you have experienced a death of a littermate please add your comments below. pomeranian littermate dies - Excessive Vocalization
26 comments
All so true. My Tiki went through the greiving process when our lab Luna passed.
When my Pom, Dolly, passed, our corgi grieved for her. We were given Tippy, who’s mother welped the litter at 4 weeks, and he was so lost. Dolly took him under her Momma wing and nurtured him. She was such a good mama to all her babies — human (my son) or dog. He eventually came around and is still with us today. 😀
When my Pom, Dolly, passed, our corgi grieved for her. We were given Tippy, who’s mother welped the litter at 4 weeks, and he was so lost. Dolly took him under her Momma wing and nurtured him. She was such a good mama to all her babies — human (my son) or dog. He eventually came around and is still with us today. 😀
My girl Shelby grieved uncontrollably when my first Pom passed… It was awful to go threw that while watching her go threw the same thing. Going from room to room looking for him, whining by the door, all the above mentioned. This lasted about a month or so with her. I cried for him and cried for her because u cannot fix it or make them better. Very sad time… But she’s well now and has her adopted brother marley who certainly keeps her entertained!!
Thank you so much for this post. Of course my hope is that my babies will live forever, I know that won’t happen. Bless you heart & little Niko too . <3
Thank you so much for this post. Of course my hope is that my babies will live forever, I know that won’t happen. Bless you heart & little Niko too . <3
Thank you so much for this post. Of course my hope is that my babies will live forever, I know that won’t happen. Bless you heart & little Niko too . <3
Thank you so much for this post. Of course my hope is that my babies will live forever, I know that won’t happen. Bless you heart & little Niko too . <3
This will sound strange, I know, but when we lost our Scarlett, her brother Rhett, who had slept with her all the 5 years of their lives, didn’t even seem to notice. He seemed glad to have the bed to himself
This will sound strange, I know, but when we lost our Scarlett, her brother Rhett, who had slept with her all the 5 years of their lives, didn’t even seem to notice. He seemed glad to have the bed to himself
This will sound strange, I know, but when we lost our Scarlett, her brother Rhett, who had slept with her all the 5 years of their lives, didn’t even seem to notice. He seemed glad to have the bed to himself
it broke my heart to see my kitty Sophia mourn her bestie Fabio. She looked for him for about 6 weeks. Luckily my son brought her Lucy (aka bitty kitty) to be her new bestie. So great to see her happy again.
it broke my heart to see my kitty Sophia mourn her bestie Fabio. She looked for him for about 6 weeks. Luckily my son brought her Lucy (aka bitty kitty) to be her new bestie. So great to see her happy again.
Our precious Minnie had to have an emergency hysterectomy 3 months ago. Our 2 boys were lost…they cried for her, we cried for her…it was heartbreaking to say the least. We got to bring her home (thank god) the next day. Our angels are so at home and comfortable with each other…
Our precious Minnie had to have an emergency hysterectomy 3 months ago. Our 2 boys were lost…they cried for her, we cried for her…it was heartbreaking to say the least. We got to bring her home (thank god) the next day. Our angels are so at home and comfortable with each other…
Our 10yo Lacey died this March left behind was our 14yo Lucky who is deaf and almost Blind. He grieved for a couple of months it was really hard. Lacey was our alpha. we just got a new puppy 3 weeks ago. Lucky doesn’t want anything to do with her 🙁 I hope it gets better
Our 10yo Lacey died this March left behind was our 14yo Lucky who is deaf and almost Blind. He grieved for a couple of months it was really hard. Lacey was our alpha. we just got a new puppy 3 weeks ago. Lucky doesn’t want anything to do with her 🙁 I hope it gets better
I had two Poms who had been together their whole lives (7 years). Then I took them because their owner died. One died a year later from congestive heart failure. When I went to go to work the next day and the remaining Pom realized she would be home alone, she panicked. The vet put her on Xanax. I kept her on it for two months until I felt she was ok. I let her smell the body of her dead best friend as is recommended. She snorted, which is her way of showing disgust, so I think she really knew that her friend was gone.
When my Apple died I could tell Molly missed her, they weren’t litter mates but they loved each other….I wish I had of let her see Apple before I buried her at my parents house, but when we went over there, I told her this is where Sissy was buried…I know have another Pom and they get along well and love each other!!! But it does take time!!
Years ago when my 1st pom, Buddy died, my remaining pom, Naima grieved. But my cat didn’t like Buddy – who barked incessantly at the cat . My cat who stayed upstairs his while life avoiding Buddy suddenly came downstairs. All the time. He and Naima became pals & cuddled. Seeing them bond helped ease all our grief.
I brought home a tiny puppy mill Yorkie, Cocoa. About a year later I got another Yorkie who had lived a traumatized life for 2 yrs. Rosie immediately became Cocoa’s protector. Twelve years later Cocoa passed unexpectedly while at the vet. We brought Cocoa home to Rosie. Afterwards Rosie never ran barking upstairs when we would come home, telling us to get Cocoa out of the ex-pen. It was like Rosie knew Cocoa was gone. She never looked for Cocoa. She knew. Going to cry just thinking of my two precious teeny girls who left me one year apart.
I brought home a tiny puppy mill Yorkie, Cocoa. About a year later I got another Yorkie who had lived a traumatized life for 2 yrs. Rosie immediately became Cocoa’s protector. Twelve years later Cocoa passed unexpectedly while at the vet. We brought Cocoa home to Rosie. Afterwards Rosie never ran barking upstairs when we would come home, telling us to get Cocoa out of the ex-pen. It was like Rosie knew Cocoa was gone. She never looked for Cocoa. She knew. Going to cry just thinking of my two precious teeny girls who left me one year apart.
I brought home a tiny puppy mill Yorkie, Cocoa. About a year later I got another Yorkie who had lived a traumatized life for 2 yrs. Rosie immediately became Cocoa’s protector. Twelve years later Cocoa passed unexpectedly while at the vet. We brought Cocoa home to Rosie. Afterwards Rosie never ran barking upstairs when we would come home, telling us to get Cocoa out of the ex-pen. It was like Rosie knew Cocoa was gone. She never looked for Cocoa. She knew. Going to cry just thinking of my two precious teeny girls who left me one year apart.
I brought home a tiny puppy mill Yorkie, Cocoa. About a year later I got another Yorkie who had lived a traumatized life for 2 yrs. Rosie immediately became Cocoa’s protector. Twelve years later Cocoa passed unexpectedly while at the vet. We brought Cocoa home to Rosie. Afterwards Rosie never ran barking upstairs when we would come home, telling us to get Cocoa out of the ex-pen. It was like Rosie knew Cocoa was gone. She never looked for Cocoa. She knew. Going to cry just thinking of my two precious teeny girls who left me one year apart.
I just lost Baerit on 07Oct14 and now Ursula is dealing with the loss, in the same way as Niko, without seeing her sister. Baerit was just whisked away and I couldn’t get back to Ursula until the next day (she was boarded by their vet, so she was cared for). This is a good article and I’ll stay vigilant to insure she makes progress through her grief and continues to live as the pampered sweetie that she is.
I need help my teacup Lucy is getting old. She is 15 years old. I feel she may be dieing. She has a scratchy coughs very loud she pees on everything even with peep peep pads dosnt play with toys always sleeping. The the coughs start again. then she eats her food and she throws it right up then she lays there don’t get up I play with her every day when I get off at work while family there during the day. So she is alway active and so happy she wags her fluffy butt and tongue sticking out always drink water but spits food right out. she has a doggy bed with a pillow and with a awesome bed pillow.I plaid like 300 just on the pillow so she can just be comfortable. with stainless Steal water and food bowl and a doggy mat under it. she has clean peepee pads every where and she has the whole hallway to the house with a princess bed and toys and always smelling better then me. I need help why is she getting this sick.i did go to the vet she is taking Furosemide syrup and pedigree little champions meaty ground dinner with turkey. Also Zephyrhills water bottle and one ice cube in the water. So please feel free and let me know what to do. I want her happy again.