Helping Your Other Dog or Cat Grieve After a Pet Dies

Quick answer: Yes, dogs and cats can grieve the loss of an animal companion. Signs include changes in appetite, lower energy, searching for the missing pet, clinginess, restlessness, or vocalizing more. To help, keep routines steady, offer extra attention and gentle activity, and be patient as they adjust. Most pets settle within weeks. If a pet stops eating or seems seriously withdrawn, consult your veterinarian.

When a pet dies, the humans in the home are not the only ones who feel the loss. Surviving pets often notice their companion's absence and may show real signs of grief. Understanding what your remaining pet is going through, and how to support them, can help your whole household heal together.

This is general guidance. If you are concerned about a grieving pet's health, especially if they stop eating, contact your veterinarian.

Do pets really grieve?

While we cannot ask them, animals clearly form strong bonds and often react to the loss of a companion. Many owners observe behavior changes after a pet dies, and animal-behavior experts recognize that dogs and cats can experience something much like mourning. Whether or not it mirrors human grief exactly, the disruption is real to them, and it deserves gentle attention.

Signs of grief in dogs and cats

Grief looks different from pet to pet, but common signs include:

•       Changes in appetite — eating less, or occasionally more.

•       Lower energy or seeming withdrawn and 'flat.'

•       Searching behavior — looking in the missing pet's favorite spots.

•       Increased clinginess or following you more closely.

•       Restlessness or pacing, or changes in sleep.

•       More vocalizing — whining, howling, or meowing.

•       Changes in routine interest, like less enthusiasm for play or walks.

Keep routines steady

Animals find security in routine, and consistency is one of the most powerful comforts you can offer. Keep feeding times, walks, and play as regular as possible. Familiar rhythms reassure a grieving pet that their world, though changed, is still safe and predictable. Avoid making other big changes, like moving furniture or schedules, at the same time if you can help it.

Offer extra attention and gentle activity

A little more affection and engagement helps fill the gap left by a lost companion. Spend extra time together, offer gentle play, and encourage light exercise, which lifts mood for pets just as it does for people. Be guided by your pet — some want closeness, others need quiet. Follow their cues rather than forcing interaction.

Should you let them see the body?

Some owners wonder whether a surviving pet should be allowed to see or sniff their companion's body. There is no firm rule, but many believe it may help some animals understand that their companion has gone, potentially reducing prolonged searching. If it feels right and is possible, a calm, brief opportunity may help. Trust your judgment and your pet's temperament.

Give it time

Most pets gradually adjust over a few weeks as they settle into the changed household. Their appetite returns, their energy lifts, and they find a new normal. Patience is key — you cannot rush their adjustment any more than you can rush your own. Simply being present, consistent, and loving is the support they need most.

When to call the vet

Sometimes grief-like behavior overlaps with medical issues, or a pet struggles more than expected. Contact your veterinarian if your pet refuses food for more than a day or two, shows signs of illness, or remains deeply withdrawn without improvement. Your vet can rule out physical causes and suggest ways to help. It is always okay to ask for guidance.

Thinking about a new companion

You may wonder whether adding a new pet would help. Sometimes it does, but timing matters — for both your grieving pet and your grieving family. Give everyone space to adjust first, and consider your surviving pet's personality. There is no rush. A new companion, when the time is right, should be a thoughtful choice rather than a quick fix for grief.

Caring for your whole family. At Rest & Return, we understand that loss touches every member of a household, including the furry ones. If we can support you with compassionate aftercare during this time, reach out at 301-338-8673 or care@restreturn.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do dogs and cats grieve when another pet dies?

Yes, they often do. Animals form strong bonds and frequently show behavior changes after losing a companion, such as searching, lower energy, or appetite changes. While it may not mirror human grief exactly, the loss is real to them and deserves gentle support.

What are signs my pet is grieving?

Common signs include changes in appetite, lower energy, searching the missing pet's favorite spots, increased clinginess, restlessness, more vocalizing, and less interest in play or walks. These usually ease over a few weeks as your pet adjusts to the change.

How can I help my grieving pet?

Keep routines steady, offer extra attention and gentle activity, and follow your pet's cues about whether they want closeness or quiet. Consistency and patience help most. Avoid making other big household changes at the same time if you can.

Should I let my pet see their companion's body?

There is no firm rule, but a calm, brief opportunity to see or sniff their companion may help some animals understand the loss and reduce prolonged searching. Trust your judgment and your pet's temperament in deciding what feels right.

When should I worry about my grieving pet?

Contact your veterinarian if your pet refuses food for more than a day or two, shows signs of illness, or stays deeply withdrawn without improvement. Grief-like behavior can overlap with medical issues, so it is always okay to seek guidance.