Helping your dog or cat cope with grief

Find out how to comfort your grieving dog or cat after the loss of a human or animal loved one. Recognize signs of grief along with gentle ways to support him.

Losing a beloved human or animal companion is one of the most painful events in life. It causes us great physical and emotional distress. Your dog or cat also suffers when bereaved, especially as he doesn’t understand where his friend has gone. Helping your dog or cat cope with grief means offering him loving support and dependable comfort. 

Do dogs and cats experience grief like we do?

Dogs and cats may not cry, but they still feel deep emotional and physical pain when they lose a bonded friend. Grief in animals can last days, weeks, and even months.  

Grief can cause physical symptoms, including: 

• Loss of energy/lethargy
• Not wanting to eat or drink
• Vomiting and diarrhea
• Heightened signs related to an existing ailment or illness (allergies, UTIs, etc.).

Dogs and cats also experience behavioral changes, such as:

• Anxiety (pacing, increased vocalization, crying)
• Loss of interest in playing or taking walks (especially if they walked the same routes with their missing friend)
• Constantly searching for their friend (this may lessen if they can view the body after death)
• Isolating themselves from others
• Sitting for hours by their friend’s bed, food bowl, or favorite chair 
• Having accidents indoors (dogs) or outside the litterbox (cats)
• Depression

7 ways to help your dog or cat through loss 

1. Spend lots of quality time with your dog or cat. Cuddle with him and tell him you love him. Gently talk to him and explain what happened, especially if he didn’t see your loved one’s passing. He won’t understand your words, but your voice and heartbeat will comfort him.

2. Consider changing your dog or cat’s routine if he isn’t eating/drinking or appears uninterested. Place his food bowls in a different spot, take a new walking route, or start an activity together. However, if he’s still eating and drinking normally and dislikes change, keep his meals and walks on the same schedule. 

Important: If your cat isn’t eating, contact your vet. Cats that don’t eat for more than a day or two may develop hepatic lipidosis – a serious disease that can be fatal without veterinary attention.

3. Consider taking your dog on a trip for a few days — a short road trip or time spent in nature can provide solace. While some cats like to travel, most prefer to stay in familiar surroundings. Travel often upsets cats even more. Spend as much time at home with your bereaved kitty as possible. 

4. Give your pet a toy, bed, or shirt that carries his friend’s scent. Cuddling with this item can bring him comfort.

5. Place a stuffed animal by his bed if he struggles to sleep. It can comfort animals used to sleeping beside a friend. You can buy stuffed animals that include a heartbeat feature for extra comfort. You can also invite him to sleep in your own bed.

6. Always be patient while helping your dog or cat cope with grief and adjust to the changes. Keep talking gently to him, and cuddle often!

7. If you are considering adding another animal to your household, talk with your family and veterinarian first. Don’t rush into a decision too soon after your loss. Make sure everyone — human and animal — is truly ready before welcoming a new dog or cat. 

Losing a beloved animal or human companion is heartbreaking. It’s even harder when your remaining dog or cat grieves beside you. Our four-footed friends are very loyal and devoted to their human and animal loved ones. So they’ll usually display emotional and physical suffering after a friend’s death. 

Your dog or cat depends on you to guide him through the mourning process. Spend quality time together. It’s one of the best ways to help him heal. Keep reassuring him of your loving presence. Know that it’s okay to take your time grieving, and lean on one another as you find ways to honor your missing loved one. 

Questions to ask about your dog or cat’s well-being

Following a loss, it’s important monitor any physical/mental changes in your dog or cat. Ask yourself these questions: 

• How is my dog or cat doing, physically and mentally?
• Did he witness his friend’s passing or see the body afterward? With at-home euthanasia, your other dogs or cats can stay nearby to say goodbye. Letting them spend time with the body can help with closure.
• Has his behavior changed significantly since the loss?
• How is his current quality of life? 
• What can I do to help him feel better?
• Should I call the vet?

If your dog or cat’s behavior or health hasn’t improved within a few days after the loss, contact your veterinarian for guidance.

Take care of yourself too! 

Remember that it’s vital to take care of yourself as well as your grieving dog or cat. Be gentle with yourself. Eat well, rest, and move your body so you can stay healthy. If you’re struggling to cope, seek help from family or friends, your doctor, a grief counselor or support group.

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