Dogs and cats experience grief when they lose a bonded companion, whether another animal or a human family member. Understanding animal grief helps owners provide appropriate support during loss.
Animal grief is real, measurable, and an important welfare consideration for owners navigating multi-pet household losses. The surviving animal experiences genuine psychological distress that can affect health through reduced appetite, immune function, and increased stress hormone production. Owners who dismiss these signs miss opportunities to support their animals through a difficult period. The welfare response involves maintaining routine, providing extra engagement, and giving the animal time to adjust before introducing a new companion. Some animals benefit from veterinary support including short-term anxiolytic medication during acute grief.