Pets In Grief

Helping you help them

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Adapted with permission from Two Hearts Pet Loss Center

What’s Happening with My

Other Pets

Animals, like humans, may experience feelings of grief when they lose a pet friend. As with people, other pets in the household will handle their grief differently—some may show visible signs, while others may not show any at all. These differences often depend on the relationship the pets had, how long they were together, their age, and other factors.

What’s most important during this time is that, as a pet parent, you recognize your pet might be grieving the loss of a companion—whether another pet or even a human friend. Being aware of your pet’s emotions will help you provide the comfort and support they need as they mourn their loss.

Signs of Their Mourning

“If having a soul means being able to

feel love and loyalty and gratitide, then

animals are better of than a lot

of humans.”

--James Herriot

Your pet may visibly show signs of mourning, such as:

Loss of appetite
Restless sleep
Wandering aimlessly
Being “quieter” than normal in their barking, meowing, or other communication
Or, on the opposite end, becoming more vocal than usual
Constantly searching for their pet friend
Demanding more attention than normal
Showing little desire to be social

Just like people, pets should be given the opportunity to say goodbye to their companion as well. It can be distressing for a pet to see another member of the household leave and never return. Many pets will search the house repeatedly, wait by the door for their friend to come back, and eventually show signs of depression.

If it isn’t possible for your remaining pets to say goodbye before burial or cremation, consider saving a small locket of fur from their friend. Allowing them to smell it can help them understand that their companion has passed. This locket can also serve as something for the surviving pets to “hold onto” as they grieve.

When pets are allowed to say goodbye to their deceased friend, you may notice different behaviors, such as:

Sniffing the body to confirm the death
Lying beside their friend
Trying to “bury” the body by nudging dirt or pulling a blanket over it
Howling or whimpering
Pawing at the body as if to “wake” them up
Bringing a favorite toy to the deceased pet for “play”
Or, possibly, showing no reaction at all

To Assist Your Pet with Their Grief Journey

While it’s important to keep your pet’s routine consistent, give them the extra care and attention they may be seeking—it will benefit both of you.

Provide your pet with something that carries the deceased pet’s scent for comfort.
If a car ride is a treat, take your pet along for extra time together.
Go on longer or more frequent walks so your pet isn’t left alone.
Allow your pet to sleep in areas they might not have used before, such as the deceased pet’s chair or bed.
Talk to your pet about their lost companion. Share your own grief and give them “permission” to grieve as well.

You and your pet are mourning the loss of a shared bond. Allow yourself the time and patience to pay tribute, grieve, and honor the special connection that has been broken.