Dog Grief: Do Dogs Mourn Other Pets & How to Help

By Sarah Bennett, Certified Animal Nutritionist

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When we lose a beloved pet, the sorrow we feel is profound — but we are rarely the only ones grieving. If you share your home with multiple animals, the surviving dogs often experience their own form of mourning after a companion's death. For years, pet owners described this behavior to veterinarians, who acknowledged it anecdotally. Today, a growing body of scientific research confirms what those owners already knew: dogs genuinely grieve.

Understanding how grief manifests in dogs — and what you can do to support your pet through it — can make a meaningful difference in how quickly and completely they recover.

What the Science Says About Dog Grief

The idea that dogs experience grief was once considered sentimental anthropomorphism. That view has shifted substantially. In a landmark study published in Animals (MDPI), researchers surveyed 426 dog owners who had experienced the death of at least one companion animal in a multi-pet household. The results were striking: 86% of surviving dogs showed behavioral changes after the death of a companion, and those changes were consistent with what we would describe as grief responses in humans.

The ASPCA has also investigated companion animal grief, reporting that surviving pets frequently seek out their deceased companion's belongings, show reduced interest in play, and demonstrate changes in appetite and sleep patterns. These are not random behavioral fluctuations — they cluster temporally around the loss event and gradually resolve over weeks to months, mirroring the arc of human grief.

Neurologically, this makes sense. Dogs have a limbic system — the emotional processing center of the brain — structurally similar to our own. They form strong social bonds, rely on routine social cues from companions, and experience measurable hormonal changes (including shifts in cortisol and oxytocin) in response to the absence of bonded individuals. Grief, at its biological core, is the neurological response to the rupture of a social bond. Dogs are exquisitely social animals, and the death of a companion represents exactly that kind of rupture.

Common Signs of a Grieving Dog

Grief does not look the same in every dog. Personality, the nature of the relationship with the deceased companion, and individual temperament all influence how grief is expressed. That said, several behavioral patterns appear consistently enough to serve as recognizable signs:

Searching behavior: One of the most poignant signs of grief is a dog actively searching for its missing companion. They may sniff around the deceased pet's favorite sleeping spots, check familiar rooms, or wait at doors. This behavior reflects the dog's inability to understand what death means — they simply know their companion is absent and seek to find them.

Lethargy and withdrawal: A dog that was previously energetic and engaged may become slow, unresponsive to usual invitations to play, and more inclined to sleep. This is one of the most commonly reported signs by owners.

Appetite loss: Grieving dogs frequently eat less than normal. Some skip meals entirely for a day or two. Mild, short-term appetite reduction is normal; sustained refusal to eat is a signal to contact your vet.

Vocalization: Some dogs whine, howl, or bark in an unusual or mournful way after losing a companion. These vocalizations may peak in the first few days and gradually subside.

Increased clinginess: Many grieving dogs become more attached to their human family members, following owners from room to room and seeking physical contact more than usual. This is the dog seeking reassurance and connection in the absence of their animal companion.

House-training regressions: In some dogs, emotional stress triggers temporary regressions in previously solid house-training. Accidents inside should be treated with patience rather than correction during this period.

How Long Does Dog Grief Last?

Based on owner reports compiled across several studies, the acute phase of grief in dogs typically lasts between two weeks and two months. Most dogs show a gradual return to normal behavior within six weeks, though some dogs — particularly those who lived with a companion for many years — may take longer.

It is worth noting that grief timelines in dogs appear to correlate with how deeply bonded the animals were. Dogs that slept together, played together daily, and spent most of their time in physical proximity tend to show more intense and more prolonged grief responses than dogs with more casual relationships with their deceased housemate.

What You Can Do to Help a Grieving Dog

Maintain routine: Routine is profoundly stabilizing for dogs. Keep feeding times, walks, and bedtimes as consistent as possible. The predictability of routine signals safety and helps anchor the dog emotionally during an uncertain time.

Increase quality time and gentle exercise: Extra walks, gentle play sessions, and calm companionship all help. Physical activity promotes the release of endorphins and serotonin, which have mood-elevating effects. Do not force interaction — follow the dog's lead — but be available.

Avoid reinforcing fearful behavior: It can be tempting to over-coddle a grieving dog in ways that inadvertently reinforce anxious behavior. Offer comfort, but encourage normal activities too. Balance is key.

Consider natural anxiety support: Some dog owners find that calming supplements help ease the anxiety component of grief. CBD products formulated specifically for dogs have gained popularity as a gentle supportive option. If you are considering this route, look for products with third-party lab testing and clear dosing guidelines.

Looking for a calming supplement for your grieving dog? HolistaPet's CBD for Dogs is a popular option among pet owners seeking natural anxiety support — formulated specifically for dogs, with transparent lab testing.

Thinking about a new companion: This is a deeply personal decision with no universal right answer. Many dogs do benefit from having another companion, but introducing a new dog too quickly — before the surviving dog has had time to stabilize — can increase stress rather than ease it. Most animal behaviorists recommend waiting at least two to three months before introducing a new companion, and always doing so with a slow, carefully managed introduction process.

When Grief Becomes Clinical Depression

Normal grief gradually improves over time. If your dog's behavioral changes do not show any sign of improvement after four to six weeks, or if the dog is not eating at all, is not responding to any stimulation, or is showing signs of self-harm, the grief may have progressed to clinical depression.

Canine depression is a recognized veterinary diagnosis. Treatment options include behavioral modification, environmental enrichment, and in some cases short-term anti-anxiety or antidepressant medications prescribed by a veterinarian. If you are concerned, do not wait — early intervention leads to better outcomes.

A Final Word

Your dog's grief is real, and your patience and presence matter enormously during this time. Dogs do not have the cognitive framework to understand death as a concept, but they feel the absence of a beloved companion with full emotional weight. The consistency of your care — your routines, your affection, your calm presence — is the most powerful medicine available to a grieving dog.

Key Takeaways

Scientific research confirms that dogs genuinely experience grief after the death of a companion animal.
Common signs include searching behavior, lethargy, appetite loss, vocalization, and increased clinginess.
Most dogs return to normal within two to six weeks; some may take longer depending on bond depth.
Maintaining routine and increasing quality time are the most effective supportive measures.
If grief persists beyond six weeks without improvement, consult your veterinarian — it may have progressed to clinical depression.
Introducing a new companion is best delayed at least two to three months after the loss.

References

Applebaum JW, Nolan VK, Doore KM, et al. "A Dog's Death: Associations Between Companion Animal Loss and Owner Mental and Physical Health." Animals (Basel). 2021;11(9):2549. PMID: 34573515.
Pirrone F, Pierantoni L, Pastorino GQ, Albertini M. "Owner-reported Aggressive Behavior Towards Familiar People May Affect Cortisol Levels and Behavioral Style in Pet Dogs." Journal of Veterinary Behavior. 2015;10(4):309–315. PMID: 26366155.