Do Other Pets Grieve? Helping Dogs and Cats Cope with Loss

When a household loses one beloved animal, attention naturally turns to the people grieving. But the dogs and cats who shared their days with that companion often feel the absence keenly too. Many families are surprised by how clearly a surviving pet seems to mourn.

What grief can look like

Animals cannot tell us what they feel, but their behaviour often speaks. A grieving dog or cat may search the house, wait by the door, or return again and again to a favourite shared sleeping spot. Some go quiet and withdrawn; others become unusually clingy. You may notice changes in appetite, more sleep than usual, restlessness, or a dog who paces or vocalises in the evening. Cats may groom less, or hide more than they used to.

These signs usually ease with time and gentle attention. Most settle within a few weeks — though, like us, every animal grieves on their own timeline.

How to help them through

• Keep the rhythm of their days. Familiar routines — mealtimes, walks, play — are deeply reassuring when so much has changed. Predictability is a comfort.
• Offer extra closeness. More lap time, more gentle words, a few extra minutes of fuss. Your calm presence tells them the world is still safe.
• Encourage gentle engagement. A favourite toy, a short walk somewhere pleasant, or a little training game can coax a withdrawn pet back toward their normal self without pressure.
• Tend to yourself, too. Dogs and cats are exquisitely attuned to our moods. Caring for your own grief helps steady them; you are grieving together.

Should they see their companion's body?

Many families ask whether a surviving dog or cat should be allowed to see or sniff their friend who has passed. There is no single right answer, but some animals do seem to settle more readily when given the chance to understand, in their own way, that their companion is gone. If it feels right for your household, a few quiet moments can be allowed. Trust what you know of your own pet.

If withdrawal, refusal to eat, or distress lingers for more than a couple of weeks, it is always worth a gentle word with your veterinarian to rule out any physical cause. Grief is real for the animals we love — and with patience, warmth, and routine, they find their way back to comfort, just as we do.