When animal companions die, surviving pets can experience grief-like responses. Understanding and supporting grieving animals improves their welfare during difficult transitions.
Social animals that lose companions experience genuine behavioral and physiological changes consistent with grief. Studies of dogs, cats, and horses show increased cortisol, reduced activity, searching behavior, and altered social behavior following companion loss. These responses indicate that companion loss is a welfare-relevant event requiring active support. Maintaining routine, providing extra interaction, and allowing animals to sniff the deceased companion (where appropriate) support processing of the loss. Premature introduction of a new companion before the grieving animal has stabilized can add rather than reduce stress.