Allowing surviving animal companions to interact with the body of a deceased pet serves as a way for them to acknowledge and understand the absence of the departed individual. This interaction provides an opportunity for the surviving animals to process the change in their environment and social structure. The olfactory experience, in particular, can contribute to their comprehension of the death.
This practice can potentially mitigate behavioral issues that may arise from the sudden disappearance of a housemate. Animals often rely on scent to navigate their surroundings and maintain social bonds. Denying them access to the deceased pets scent can lead to confusion, anxiety, and prolonged searching behavior. Historically, allowing animals to investigate the deceased has been a common practice rooted in intuitive understanding of animal behavior.