Dogs, cats, and other companion animals experience grief when they lose bonded companions. Recognizing and supporting grieving animals significantly improves their welfare.
Companion animal grief is real, documented, and often undertreated. The behavioral and physiological changes that dogs and cats show after losing a bonded companion parallel human grief responses in meaningful ways. Yet owners often minimize these changes or attribute them to other causes, leaving grieving animals without appropriate support. Practical welfare interventions for grieving animals include maintaining consistent routines (which provide predictability during destabilizing change), increased human interaction and affection, gentle exercise and activity to redirect energy, and veterinary consultation if grief manifests as health problems. The decision of whether and when to introduce a new companion animal requires careful consideration — too soon may create stress, but ultimately social animals generally benefit from appropriate companionship.