Do Pets Grieve? Helping Your Pet Find Closure After Loss

Yes, pets can grieve

. Animals like dogs, cats, and even birds often show signs of distress after losing a companion, whether another pet or a human. Behaviors such as lethargy, loss of appetite, vocalizing, or seeking out the lost companion’s scent are common. For example, dogs may wait by the door or sleep in their deceased friend’s spot. Studies, like one from the ASPCA in 2019, found 66% of dogs exhibited grief-like behaviors after another pet’s death. Cats may become withdrawn or clingy. While the emotional experience differs from humans, these behaviors suggest pets feel a form of loss. Supporting them with routine, attention, and comfort can help.

Helping a grieving pet involves providing comfort, stability, and attention to ease their distress. Here are practical ways to support a pet mourning the loss of a companion (pet or human):

Maintain Routine: Keep feeding, walking, and play schedules consistent. Familiar routines provide security and help reduce anxiety.

Offer Extra Attention: Spend more time cuddling, petting, or playing to reassure your pet. Gentle interaction can alleviate loneliness.

Provide Comfort Items: Offer familiar toys, blankets, or bedding with the scent of the lost companion (if it soothes them). For some pets, removing these items may be better if they cause distress.

Encourage Activity: Engage them with walks, games, or new toys to distract from sadness and stimulate their mind. For dogs, a new training activity can be engaging; for cats, interactive toys like feather wands work well.

Monitor Eating and Behavior: Ensure they’re eating and drinking normally. If appetite decreases, try warming food or offering favorite treats. Watch for prolonged lethargy or unusual behavior.

Create a Calm Environment: Minimize stress by keeping the home quiet and avoiding major changes (e.g., moving furniture or introducing new pets too soon).

Consider Pheromone Products: For dogs or cats, products like Feliway (for cats) or Adaptil (for dogs) can reduce anxiety and promote calmness.

Introduce New Companionship Gradually: If considering a new pet, wait until your pet shows signs of emotional recovery (weeks to months). Introduce slowly to avoid overwhelming them.

Consult a Vet: If grief symptoms (e.g., refusing food, extreme withdrawal) persist beyond a few weeks or worsen, seek veterinary advice. They may recommend behavioral therapy or, in rare cases, medication.

Be Patient: Grieving varies by pet—some recover in days, others take months. Allow them time to adjust while monitoring their progress.

Example for Context:

If your dog is grieving the loss of another pet, maintain their walk schedule, offer extra playtime with a favorite ball, and let them sleep near a blanket with the companion’s scent if it comforts them. If they stop eating for more than a day or two, consult a vet.

These steps, supported by observations from pet behaviorists and studies like the 2019 ASPCA report on pet grief, can help your pet navigate their loss while feeling supported. If you have a specific pet or situation in mind, let me know for tailored advice!

Does allowing your pet to see and sniff the dead body help 

Yes, allowing a pet to see and sniff the body of a deceased companion can help them process the loss and reduce confusion, but it depends on the pet and situation. Here's how it works and considerations to keep in mind:

How It Helps:

Closure and Understanding: Pets rely heavily on scent and visual cues. Seeing and sniffing the body can help them recognize that their companion is no longer alive, reducing the likelihood of searching or waiting for their return. For example, dogs may stop pacing or checking the deceased pet’s favorite spots.

Reduces Anxiety: Without seeing the body, some pets may become anxious or confused, expecting the companion to reappear. A 2016 study in the journal Animals noted that dogs exposed to their deceased companion’s body showed fewer prolonged searching behaviors compared to those who weren’t.

Natural Process: In the wild, animals often encounter deceased pack members and use scent to confirm death. Allowing this mimics a natural instinct, helping pets like dogs or cats process the loss.

Considerations:

Pet’s Temperament: Some pets may become distressed or agitated when seeing the body, especially if they’re highly sensitive or the death was traumatic. Observe their body language—cowering, growling, or avoidance may indicate it’s not helpful.

Context of Death: If the body is severely injured (e.g., from an accident), it may be traumatic for the pet to see. In such cases, a vet or behaviorist might recommend against it or suggest covering parts of the body.

Timing and Environment: Present the body in a calm, familiar setting soon after death, before significant changes (e.g., rigor mortis) set in. Let the pet approach at their own pace without forcing interaction.

Species Differences: Dogs often benefit more from this than cats, as dogs are more social and scent-driven. Cats may show indifference or avoid the body, though some still investigate. Other pets (e.g., birds, rabbits) may not respond predictably.

Cleanliness and Safety: Ensure the body is clean and safe to sniff (e.g., no toxic substances). If the pet died of a contagious disease, consult a vet first to avoid health risks.

How to Do It:

Place the deceased pet’s body in a familiar spot (e.g., their bed or a quiet room).

Allow the living pet to approach naturally, without coaxing or restraining them.

Give them time to sniff, nudge, or observe—some may linger, others may walk away quickly.

Stay nearby to monitor their reaction and provide comfort if needed.

Afterward, remove the body respectfully (e.g., for burial or cremation) and clean the area to avoid lingering scents that might confuse the pet.

When It Might Not Help:

If the pet seems frightened or aggressive toward the body, remove them gently and focus on other comfort methods (e.g., routine, extra attention).

If the death occurred days ago or the body has been refrigerated, the scent or appearance may confuse rather than clarify.

For human deaths, this isn’t applicable, and pets may need other cues (e.g., maintaining routines) to adjust.

Example:

If your dog’s companion dog has passed, lay the deceased dog on their bed and let your dog sniff or circle at their own pace. If they whine or retreat, comfort them and don’t force interaction. Many dogs will sniff briefly, then show signs of acceptance, like lying down nearby.

While not universally necessary, allowing a pet to see and sniff the body can aid their grieving process by providing clarity. If you’re unsure about your pet’s reaction or the logistics (e.g., euthanasia at a vet), discuss with your veterinarian for guidance tailored to your situation.