Can My Other Pets Sense Grief?
- Dr. Emma Clark
- Aug 4
- 5 min read
The death of a pet doesn’t only affect the humans in the home—it can leave a profound impact on the surviving animals too. Whether they were bonded companions or simply shared space together, pets often display noticeable changes in behaviour following the loss of another pet.
Their routines shift, their environment feels different, and in many cases, they respond with symptoms that resemble grief.
Understanding how animals experience and express loss can help you offer them the care and comfort they need during this emotional time. With compassion, routine, and gentle support, it’s possible to guide your pet through mourning and towards a new sense of stability.
Contents
Do Pets Grieve the Loss of Other Pets?
Although pets may not comprehend death in the way humans do, they are highly attuned to the dynamics of their household. Dogs, cats, and even smaller animals like rabbits or guinea pigs can form strong social bonds with one another. When a companion dies, the sudden absence of a familiar presence—alongside changes in scent, routine, and human emotion—can create a sense of confusion, stress, and sadness in the surviving pet.
They may not understand the concept of loss as we do, but they recognise when someone they cared about is no longer there. Some pets may search the home for their companion, return to favourite shared sleeping spots, or mirror the sorrow they sense from their humans. These behaviours reflect real emotional adjustments and are best viewed through the lens of grief.
Behavioural Changes to Watch For
Grief in pets often appears as shifts in behaviour, energy levels, and interaction with their environment. These signs can be subtle at first but may grow more noticeable over time if left unaddressed. Just like people, pets express grief differently—some withdraw, others become needier, and some show physical symptoms such as changes in appetite or sleep.
Keep an eye on the following changes, especially if they persist or affect quality of life:
Reduced appetite: A common sign of grief, as stress and sadness can dull hunger or make mealtimes less appealing.
Changes in sleep patterns: Your pet might sleep more than usual, or appear restless and unsettled during the night.
Withdrawal or clinginess: Some pets prefer solitude and become less interactive, while others follow their owners constantly for reassurance.
Searching behaviours: Repeated pacing, sniffing, or waiting by doors may signal that your pet is looking for their lost companion.
Vocal changes: Dogs may whimper or howl, and cats might meow more frequently, especially during quiet hours.
Changes in grooming: Cats might over-groom or neglect grooming altogether, while dogs might lick or chew themselves more often.
Loss of playfulness: A normally engaged and curious pet might lose interest in toys or games they once loved.
These responses are part of a natural grieving process, but they should be monitored carefully, especially if they become prolonged or extreme.
How to Support Grieving Pets
While you can't explain what has happened, your presence and attentiveness can provide immense comfort. Supporting a grieving pet involves a balance of emotional reassurance, physical care, and gentle encouragement to re-engage with the world around them.
Practical ways to help include:
Maintain routine: Familiar feeding, walking, and resting schedules offer predictability and a sense of normality during a time of upheaval. This helps reduce anxiety and provides emotional anchoring.
Provide companionship: Quiet time together—such as stroking, gentle play, or sitting in shared spaces—can soothe your pet and reassure them that they’re not alone.
Encourage engagement: Without forcing interaction, introduce mild enrichment like sniff games, puzzle feeders, or slow walks to stimulate your pet mentally and emotionally.
Respect their space: If your pet wants solitude, let them have it. Grieving pets may need time to process their emotions without being overwhelmed by attention.
Use familiar scents: Leaving out a blanket, toy, or bed that still carries the scent of the deceased pet can sometimes bring comfort. Watch your pet’s response and allow access only if it seems to help.
Monitor overall health: Weigh your pet regularly, note changes in appetite and bowel habits, and consult your vet if any physical symptoms arise.
Use of pheromone diffusers, such as Adaptil for dogs or feliway for Cats, or pet-friendly essential oil diffusers such as Pet Remedy for all species, can help calm your pet.
Above all, be patient. Grief has no timetable, and it’s normal for the healing process to take time.
When to Seek Help
While many pets recover naturally from grief with time and support, there are cases where professional intervention is needed. Prolonged distress, significant weight loss, or behaviours that interfere with your pet’s wellbeing should not be ignored.
You should contact your vet or a qualified animal behaviourist if you notice:
Persistent refusal to eat: More than 48 hours without eating can lead to complications, especially in cats.
Continued weight loss or lethargy: These may indicate emotional distress or an underlying medical issue triggered by stress.
Aggression, fearfulness, or hiding: If these behaviours are new or extreme, a behaviour consultation may help.
Increased anxiety or compulsive behaviours: Such as excessive pacing, chewing, or vocalisation.
Professionals can help distinguish between grief and medical problems, and suggest tailored support—such as environmental changes, calming aids, or behaviour therapy.
FAQs
Should I let my pet see the body of their deceased companion?
Many pets benefit from the opportunity to sniff or observe the body, which can help them process the absence. However, reactions vary—some pets appear indifferent, while others may become distressed, though the latter is rare. Allow the interaction only if it seems appropriate and calm.
How long do pets usually grieve?
It depends on the pet. Some adjust within a few days, while others may show signs for several weeks. Most pets begin to return to normal routines within a month, especially with support.
Should I get another pet as a companion?
Only if you and your surviving pet are both emotionally ready. Introducing a new animal too soon can cause stress or confusion. Observe your pet’s behaviour over time and make decisions based on their long-term needs, not a short-term emotional gap.
Can young or less bonded pets still grieve?
Yes. Even pets that weren’t obviously close may react to the loss of a housemate. Young animals, in particular, may display confusion or anxiety if their routine or social structure has been disrupted.
