Do Dogs Mourn Other Pets? Recognizing and Helping with Grief

You’ve just lost a beloved pet. You are heartbroken. But then you look at your surviving dog, and you realize something is wrong with them too. They are moping. They aren't eating. They are pacing the halls.

For a long time, science debated whether animals felt "grief." Today, the consensus among behaviorists is clear: Yes, dogs mourn.

They may not understand the concept of "death" in the human sense, but they acutely feel the sudden absence of a pack member, the break in their routine, and the emotional distress of their owners.

Signs of Grief in Dogs

According to an ASPCA study called the "Companion Animal Mourning Project," 66% of dogs showed significant behavioral changes after the loss of a companion pet.

1. Searching and Waiting The most heartbreaking sign. The dog wanders from room to room, checking the deceased pet's favorite sleeping spots. They may wait at the door or window.

2. Appetite Loss About 30% of grieving dogs eat less or refuse food entirely. Food is social; eating alone feels wrong.

3. Clinginess (Velcro Dog) The pack has shrunk, and the survivor becomes terrified of losing you too. They may develop separation anxiety, follow you into the bathroom, or whine when you leave.

4. Vocalization Howling, whining, or barking more than usual. This is a "contact call"—trying to locate the missing member.

5. Withdrawal Sleeping more (depression), hiding, or refusing to play.

The "Viewing" Question: Should They Say Goodbye?

This is a personal choice, but many experts suggest: Yes.

Animals rely on scent.

• If a pet goes to the vet and never comes back, to the surviving dog, they simply "vanished." This prompts the endless searching behavior.
• If the surviving dog is allowed to see and sniff the deceased body, they process the death differently. They detect the biological change (the absence of life signs/scent).

Anecdotal Evidence: Many owners report that after sniffing the body, the surviving dog stops searching and seems to accept the loss more quickly.

If you choose to do this:

• Bring the body home (if euthanasia happened at the vet) or have the euthanasia at home.
• Let the survivor sniff. Do not force them closer than they want to be.
• Usually, they will sniff, perhaps whimper, and then walk away or lie down. That is the closure.

How to Help a Grieving Dog

You cannot "fix" grief, but you can lead them through it.

1. Stick to the Routine

Grief is chaos. The pack structure is broken.

• Keep meal times, walk times, and bedtimes exactly the same.
• Routine provides safety and predictability.

2. Distraction (The "New Normal")

Don't let them mope all day.

• Go for walks in new places (new smells engage the brain).
• Buy a new toy.
• Training sessions (learning releases dopamine).
• Create new rituals that don't involve the deceased pet.

3. Be Careful with Reinforcing Sadness

If your dog is howling or moping, and you run over to coddle them ("Oh, you poor thing"), you are effectively saying: "Good boy, keep being sad, I like this behavior."

• Instead, try to engage them in a happy activity. Reward the joy, not the depression.

4. Don't Force Eating

If they skip a meal, pick it up. They won't starve. Adding gravy or warm water might tempt them, but don't obsess over it. Hunger will return.

The Question of a "New" Dog

"My dog is lonely. Should I get a puppy immediately?"

Generally: No.

• The Rebound: You are grieving. The dog is grieving. Bringing a chaotic, high-energy puppy into a sad house is often a disaster.
• The Senior Dog Factor: If the survivor is old, they may have enjoyed the companionship of their friend, but they might hate a puppy. They want their friend back, not just any dog.
• Wait: Give it 2-6 months. Let the new family dynamic settle. Let the survivor recover.
• Test: Introduce them to other dogs on walks to see if they are actually seeking play, or if they just want to rest.

When Grief Becomes Medical

If your dog refuses to eat for more than 48 hours, or is vomiting/diarrheic, go to the vet. Stress depresses the immune system. Grief can trigger underlying health issues.

The Bottom Line

Dogs bond deeply. The loss of that bond is a trauma. Be patient. They will heal, just as you will. The "new normal" will eventually just become "normal."

Related: When Is It Time to Say Goodbye? Related: Best Supplements for Senior Dogs