Dogs show clear behavioural and physiological responses to the death of companion animals and humans, and understanding canine grief helps owners provide appropriate support.
Canine grief is real and can be significant, though it differs from human grief in its nature and duration. Dogs do not mourn in the abstract — they respond to the disappearance of a companion who was part of their daily sensory and social world. The welfare implications are meaningful: dogs in acute grief may stop eating, become lethargic, or show anxiety behaviours that require active management. Owners often underestimate the depth of their dog's response, particularly when the deceased was another animal rather than a human. Supporting a grieving dog requires patience, routine maintenance, gentle social engagement, and veterinary support if the response is prolonged or severe.