Do Pets Experience Grief? Common Signs to Watch For

February 12, 2025

Have you noticed your pet acting differently after the loss of a loved one?
For many widows, pets are not just companions—they’re family. When a spouse or another pet passes away, it’s natural to wonder if animals experience grief too. While pets can’t express emotions in words, their behavior often reveals signs of mourning, showing us just how deeply they’re affected by loss.

Let’s explore whether pets grieve, what signs to look for, and how you can support them through this transition.

1. Do Pets Really Grieve?

Studies and observations suggest that pets, particularly dogs and cats, do grieve:

Emotional Bonds: Pets form strong attachments to humans and other animals in their household. When that bond is broken, they feel the absence.
Behavioral Changes: Pets may exhibit signs of sadness, confusion, or stress when a loved one is gone.
Biological Responses: Just like humans, pets’ hormones can fluctuate during stress, leading to changes in appetite, sleep, and mood.

While their grief may not be as complex as ours, pets clearly experience loss in their own way.

2. Common Signs of Grief in Pets

If your pet is mourning, you may notice:

Changes in Appetite: Eating less or refusing food altogether.
Withdrawal: Avoiding play, hiding, or seeming less interested in interaction.
Increased Vocalization: Whining, howling, or meowing more than usual.
Restlessness or Sleep Changes: Pacing, inability to settle, or sleeping more than normal.
Clinginess: Seeking more attention and staying close to you for comfort.

These behaviors often mirror how pets process the absence of someone they loved.

3. How Long Do Pets Grieve?

The duration of a pet’s grief varies widely:

Some pets adjust within a few weeks as they settle into a new routine.
Others may exhibit mourning behaviors for months, especially if they were closely bonded with the person or animal they’ve lost.
Like humans, pets benefit from consistency and patience as they navigate their emotions.

By providing comfort and stability, you can help ease their transition.

4. How to Support a Grieving Pet

Helping your pet through grief involves creating an environment of comfort and reassurance:

Maintain Routines: Stick to regular feeding, walking, and play schedules to provide stability.
Offer Extra Attention: Spend quality time with your pet to reassure them of your presence.
Encourage Play: Use toys or games to help distract and uplift their mood.
Introduce New Stimuli: Take them to a new park or let them explore a different area of the house.
Monitor Their Health: Ensure changes in appetite or behavior aren’t due to underlying medical issues.

Small acts of care can make a big difference for a grieving pet.

5. When to Seek Help

If your pet’s grief seems prolonged or severe, consult a veterinarian or animal behaviorist:

Unresolved Symptoms: Persistent lack of appetite, extreme withdrawal, or unusual aggression may require intervention.
Health Check: Rule out medical conditions that could be contributing to their behavior.
Professional Guidance: An expert can recommend strategies or therapies tailored to your pet’s needs.

Just as with humans, some pets need extra support to work through their grief.

Final Thoughts

Pets are deeply intuitive, and their grief reflects the bonds they’ve shared with their human or animal companions. By recognizing their emotions and providing comfort, you can help them navigate loss and adjust to life’s changes.

Just as they offer us unconditional love, our care and patience can guide them through their own journey of healing. Together, you and your pet can find a new rhythm, honoring the love and connection you both feel so deeply.

With compassion and hope,
Julie