Dogs show clear behavioural and physiological responses to the death of bonded companions, and supporting dogs through bereavement requires understanding their genuine grief experience.
Dog bereavement welfare is increasingly recognised as a genuine welfare concern rather than anthropomorphism. Dogs that lose bonded companions - whether canine or human - show measurable changes in behaviour including increased vocalisation, searching behaviour, appetite loss, and altered sleep. These are grief responses driven by genuine attachment and the loss of social regulation that bonded companions provide. Supporting grieving dogs requires patience, routine maintenance, additional human attention, and waiting until the dog is emotionally ready before introducing new companions. Individual responses vary enormously - some dogs show rapid recovery while others grieve for extended periods. Rushing recovery by immediately acquiring a new dog can overwhelm a grieving animal.