Dogs, cats, and other companion animals show behavioral changes following the death of a bonded companion. Recognizing animal grief helps owners provide appropriate support during bereavement.
Animal grief represents a welfare impact of companion animal death that is frequently overlooked. When a bonded companion dies, surviving animals may search for the deceased, show reduced interest in food and play, seek increased contact with human family members, and vocalize more than usual. These behavioral changes reflect genuine distress from social loss. Supporting grieving animals includes maintaining consistent routines, providing extra interaction and enrichment, allowing the animal to sniff and investigate the deceased companion where possible, and introducing new social companions gradually when appropriate. Forcing rapid replacement of a deceased companion is generally less successful than allowing a natural grieving period.