Published on PetFriends | By PetFriends Editorial Team
When we lose a beloved pet, the grief can be overwhelming. What many people don’t realize is that our surviving pets can also experience deep sorrow and confusion after the loss of a companion—whether it was a bonded buddy, a fellow animal friend, or even a human family member.
At PetFriends, we understand that pets aren’t just animals—they’re family. And like family, they feel emotions, form attachments, and struggle with absence. In this blog, we’re diving into the complex world of pet grief, exploring how animals mourn, the signs to look for, and how you can support your grieving pet during this difficult time.
Do Pets Really Grieve?
Yes, they do.
Research and anecdotal evidence from veterinarians, animal behaviorists, and pet owners alike confirm that pets—particularly dogs, cats, birds, and some exotic animals—can grieve. While they may not understand death the same way humans do, they recognize absence, changes in routine, and emotional shifts in the home.
A famous example is the story of Hachikō, the loyal Akita dog in Japan who waited for his deceased owner every day at the train station for nine years. While Hachikō’s story is extreme, it exemplifies the emotional depth pets can have.
What Are the Signs of Pet Grief?
Just like people, pets respond to loss in a variety of ways. Here are some common signs of grief in pets:
- Loss of appetite or changes in eating habits
- Lethargy or decreased interest in play
- Excessive vocalization (whining, howling, meowing, etc.)
- Clinginess or increased need for attention
- Withdrawn behavior—hiding, sleeping more, or avoiding interaction
- Pacing or searching for their lost companion
- Changes in bathroom habits or accidents inside the house
- Aggression or unusual behavior
The severity and duration of these signs vary depending on the pet’s personality, the nature of the bond, and the environment.
Helping Your Pet Through the Mourning Process
Supporting a grieving pet requires empathy, patience, and sometimes, a bit of creativity. Here are several ways you can help:
1. Maintain a Routine
Routine provides a sense of stability. Stick to regular feeding times, walks, playtime, and bedtime rituals. Even if you’re mourning yourself, your pet will benefit from consistency and predictability.
2. Give Them Extra Attention
If your pet is seeking more affection, indulge them. Physical touch and presence can be incredibly healing. If they prefer solitude, respect that, but check in often with gentle interactions.
3. Encourage Activity
Engage your pet in games, walks, or training sessions to help distract them and release endorphins. For cats, this could mean interactive toys or laser pointers. For dogs, perhaps an extra walk, puzzle toys, or visits to the dog park.
4. Avoid Forcing a Replacement
It may be tempting to get another pet quickly, but this can backfire. Some pets may feel threatened, while others may not be ready to bond again. Wait until your pet (and you) have processed the loss before introducing a new companion.
5. Allow Them to Say Goodbye
If possible, let your pet see or smell the deceased companion. This may help them process what happened, especially in cases of euthanasia or sudden loss. Some pets visibly calm down after this “closure.”
6. Monitor for Depression
If symptoms of grief last more than a few weeks or worsen, consult your veterinarian. Some pets may require professional help, whether that’s medical (like appetite stimulants or anti-anxiety meds) or behavioral therapy.
When the Bond Was With a Human
Pets often grieve for deceased owners or human companions. In these cases, the grief can be more intense, as the human-pet bond is often built on routine, affection, and mutual care. In such situations:
- Invite other family members to step in for care routines.
- Consider familiar items like blankets, worn clothing, or voice recordings.
- Keep their environment as familiar as possible.
- Let them participate in memorial rituals—placing flowers, sitting quietly, or even visiting a grave.
Should You Consider Pet Grief Counseling?
Yes—pet grief counseling is a real and growing field.
Animal behaviorists and therapists can work with you and your pet to navigate grief. They use techniques like behavioral enrichment, desensitization, and bonding exercises to help your pet find emotional stability.
There are also pet loss support groups for owners, which can indirectly help your pet—because when you’re emotionally supported, you’re better able to support them.
Honoring the Companion They Lost
One powerful way to help your pet (and yourself) is to create a memorial. Pets pick up on emotional rituals. Consider:
- Creating a small photo display or memory box
- Holding a family “goodbye” moment where your pet is present
- Lighting a candle during a quiet moment with your pet beside you
- Planting a tree or flower in honor of the pet who passed
These acts can bring peace to the household energy—and pets are incredibly sensitive to emotional closure.
Final Thoughts: Grief Is a Shared Journey
At PetFriends, we believe that grief is a universal language—one spoken not only by humans, but by our beloved animal companions as well. If your pet is struggling after the loss of a friend, know that their pain is real—and your love can help heal it.
Just as you need time and space to grieve, so does your pet. Be gentle. Be present. Be patient.
And above all, remember: the bonds our pets share with us and with each other are never truly broken. They live on—in memory, in love, and in the quiet moments when we feel their spirit close by.
Have You Experienced Pet Grief?
We want to hear from you. Share your story in the comments below, or tag us on social media with #PetFriendsGriefJourney. Your experience could help another pet owner feel less alone.
For more blogs on pet wellness, emotional care, and bonding tips, explore the PetFriends Blog Library or subscribe to our weekly newsletter.
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