How Other Pets Grieve: Supporting Your Animal Family Through Loss

Losing a beloved pet is a heartbreaking experience, not just for the humans in a household, but for the other pets who shared their lives with them. While grief in animals might look different from how we express sorrow, it is very real. Pets form close bonds with one another, and when one passes, those left behind can experience emotional distress, confusion, and behavioural changes.

At Lakeside Mobile Veterinary Services, we’ve seen firsthand how animals respond to the death of a companion. Understanding how to recognize and support grieving pets is just as important as processing your own grief. This guide will help you identify signs of grief in pets and provide practical, compassionate ways to support them during this difficult time.

Can Pets Really Grieve?

Yes, they can. While animals may not understand death in the same way humans do, they can feel the absence of a close companion. Dogs, cats, and even smaller animals like rabbits or birds have been known to mourn. They can show signs of stress, confusion, sadness, and withdrawal.

Grief in pets isn’t just anecdotal—it has been observed and documented by veterinarians, animal behaviourists, and pet owners alike. Like humans, each animal grieves in their own way, and their response can vary based on their species, personality, and the depth of the bond they share.

Signs Your Pet Might Be Grieving

Understanding how your pet may react to the loss of their friend is key to providing the right support. Here are some common behaviours to look out for:

• Change in Appetite: A grieving pet may lose interest in food, eat less, or sometimes not at all for a few days.

• Lethargy: You might notice your pet sleeping more or showing less interest in play and exercise.

• Searching or Pacing: Pets may wander the house looking for their companion, sniffing their belongings, or pacing around areas they used to share.

• Vocalizations: Increased barking, whining, meowing, or other vocal sounds can be a way for your pet to express confusion or loneliness.

• Clinginess or Withdrawal: Some pets may want to be around you more, while others may prefer to be alone.

• Changes in Bathroom Habits: A grieving pet might have accidents or change their bathroom routine due to stress or distraction.
  

If your pet’s symptoms are severe or persist beyond a few weeks, it's important to consult your veterinarian. Behavioural changes can sometimes mask medical issues, especially in older animals.

How to Support a Grieving Pet

Just as there is no right or wrong way for humans to grieve, the same goes for animals. Here are some supportive strategies you can use to help your pet adjust after a loss:

1. Keep a Routine

Routine provides comfort and security for pets. Try to stick to regular feeding times, walks, and bedtime rituals. This consistency reassures them that, while their world has changed, many things remain stable.

2. Offer More Attention and Affection

Physical touch and quality time can go a long way. Spend more time cuddling, grooming, or simply sitting beside them. If your pet seeks comfort, be there. If they need space, respect that too.

3. Encourage Play and Activity

Gentle encouragement to engage in play or light exercise can help distract your pet and release feel-good endorphins. Go for walks in new areas, introduce a new toy, or explore a different room in the house.

4. Provide Opportunities for Expression

Some pets need to sniff or lie near the belongings of the pet who passed away. Letting them interact with these items (toys, beds, or blankets) for a short time may help them process the loss. If your pet seems distressed by the presence of these items, it may be best to gradually remove them.

5. Monitor Their Health Closely

Grief can weaken your pet’s immune system or mask underlying health problems. Stay observant. If your pet refuses to eat for more than 24-48 hours or shows unusual symptoms, contact your veterinarian.

For families in Guelph, Mobile Veterinary Services in Guelph offers the advantage of professional support in the comfort of your own home, which can be especially helpful for grieving or anxious pets.

6. Consider Pet-Friendly Calming Products

There are pheromone sprays, calming treats, and anxiety wraps that may help soothe grieving pets. Talk to your vet before trying anything new, especially if your pet is on medication or has health concerns.

7. Don’t Rush Into Getting a New Pet

It’s tempting to bring home a new furry friend to fill the void, but your grieving pet needs time to adjust. Introducing a new animal too soon could create confusion or issues with relationship dynamics. Wait until your pet shows signs of emotional recovery and readiness for a new companion.

When to Seek Professional Help

If your pet’s grief seems prolonged and intense or is affecting their overall well-being, it’s time to consult with your veterinarian. Sometimes, pets need the support of a professional animal behaviourist or even temporary medication to help them cope.

Through Mobile Veterinary Services in Guelph, families can access compassionate veterinary care at home, minimizing additional stress for grieving animals.

Helping Pets Heal, Together

The loss of a companion animal affects everyone in the home, including our pets. It's important to remember that they feel loss too, and they rely on us to help them navigate this difficult time. Grieving pets need patience, reassurance, and love—just like we do.

By being observant and responsive, you can help your surviving pets through their sorrow and eventually return to a place of peace and stability. You may even find that the process of supporting your pet helps you in your own healing journey.

For families in Guelph facing pet loss, Lakeside Mobile Veterinary Services provides gentle, in-home support for both end-of-life care and grief guidance. Our team is here to help your whole family—including the four-legged members—through every step of the journey.