Pets don’t just miss a routine when a companion dies — they grieve.
Dogs and cats can show signs of deep sadness after losing a beloved human or animal friend. Understanding how to help a grieving pet can make a real difference for the whole household.
Behavior changes are common, but with patience and the right approach, most animals eventually return to their normal selves.
Dogs and Cats Feel Deep Grief
Dr. Barbara King, a professor of anthropology at the College of William and Mary and author of How Animals Grieve, argues that thanks to thousands of years of companionship, humans and dogs are quite tuned into each other. They instinctively comprehend each other’s gestures, body language, and emotions. She believes dogs and cats feel grief — not just a reaction to changes in routine or their owner’s mood.
A 2016 study surveyed 279 pet owners after a death. Among the 311 surviving pets — 159 dogs and 152 cats — owners reported clear shifts in behavior.
Affection levels changed: some animals wanted more attention, while others withdrew. Territorial behaviors also shifted. A 1996 ASPCA survey of cat owners found that changes in vocalizations were the most common physical sign after a companion died.
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- Surviving pets showed decreased appetite in some cases
- Some slept more, while others had trouble settling
- Vocalizations changed — more meowing, whining, or barking
- A few became aggressive toward people or other animals
- Some avoided usual sleeping spots or changed elimination habits
The researchers note limits to owner-reported data. Anthropomorphism — attributing human feelings to pets — and owner bias are real concerns. Some of the behavior may also stem from the owner’s own grief rather than the pet’s sense of loss. Still, the pattern across hundreds of pets suggests something real is happening.
There’s a practical reality here that’s easy for grieving owners to overlook. When a household loses a pet, the surviving animals aren’t just mourning — they’re also adjusting to a shift in their social environment.
In multi-pet homes, the death creates temporary instability. Growling, hissing, or standoffs may follow. Unless a pet becomes a danger, experts recommend letting the group work out their own new social order rather than forcing new rules.
How to Help a Grieving Pet — Practical Steps
Keeping a consistent daily routine is one of the most effective things you can do. Feed your pet the same food at the same times. Stick to regular walks, playtime, grooming, and bedtime. Pets do best when they know what to expect, especially during stressful periods.
Instead, distract her with healthy activities — a walk, a short training session, a game of fetch. That shifts the focus without rewarding distress. For cats, similar distraction through play or gentle interaction can help.
If your pet refuses to eat for more than a couple of days, call your veterinarian.
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When to Let Grief Take Its Course
Some pet owners think immediately about getting a new animal to fill the gap. This is not always a good idea. Each person and each pet processes loss differently. While some may be ready soon, others need time. Adding a new pet too quickly can cause more stress for the surviving animal.
It’s also wise to avoid dramatic emotional displays around your pet. Animals pick up on human emotions, and excessive crying or upset can confuse or frighten them. Seeking comfort from your surviving pet is fine as long as you don’t overwhelm him.
Most pets eventually bounce back.
If your pet seems to be suffering more than what seems normal, or if you suspect something deeper is going on, a veterinarian or a veterinary behaviorist can help.
Some owners choose to let the surviving pet be present during or after euthanasia, or allow them to see and sniff the body. Most pets just sniff and walk away. This moment may help them understand there’s no need to search the house. For animals with a very strong bond, seeing the body can reduce ongoing searching behavior.
Natural grief remedies are also an option. Homeopathic Ignatia, Bach flower remedies like Honeysuckle, and products from Green Hope Farm or Holistic Solutions are sometimes used. In clinical practice, applied zoopharmacognosy — letting animals choose their own remedies — has been one of the more helpful approaches for working through loss.
