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TL;DR
Dogs do grieve when another dog they are close to dies but how they express that grief may depend on their relationship with the dog who passed: whether they were best friends, siblings, or part of the same pack.
- A sibling or littermate may become lethargic or clingy
- A dog who lost their leader or calming friend might pace or show anxiety
- A more dependent dog may withdraw if they lost a parental figure
Let your surviving dog adjust in their own way. Your calm presence, gentle consistency, and small acts of care are the most powerful support you can give.
Bonds Shape Grief
Not all dog-to-dog relationships are the same. A surviving dog’s grief can look very different depending on the nature of the relationship:
- Sibling or littermate: These dogs often share a comfort level people don’t. The surviving sibling may become lethargic, cling to the same spots, or stay close to their human as a dependence shift.
- Leader or more confident friend: If the lost dog was a calming presence or pack leader, the surviving dog may display anxiety, restlessness, and pacing as they try to fill that role or understand what changed.
- Parental figure (especially in multi-dog homes): A dog who looked up to the deceased as a guide may withdraw entirely or lose confidence in both home and environment.
- Factors like age, health, personality, and pre-existing anxiety also play a role: Older or anxious dogs may struggle more to readjust, while confident or independent dogs may grieve internally or minimally.
What Science Knows and Doesn’t
What We Know
86% of surviving dogs show behavioral changes after the passing of a bonded canine companion—especially when the dogs were friendly or parental pairings.
A study of 279 households showed 74% of surviving dogs became more affectionate, while 10% withdrew entirely.
Other reported signs of grief included:
- 60% showed territorial behaviors, such as guarding spaces or revisiting their companion’s belongings
- 35% ate more slowly or with less enthusiasm
- 34% slept more than usual
- 31% reduced how much food they ate
What We Still Don’t Know
- Scientists aren’t sure if dogs grieve the same way humans do.
Some of these behavioral issues may stem from disrupted routines or the absence of a familiar family member rather than a full understanding of death. - We also don’t know whether dogs truly understand that their friend is gone forever, or if they’re just reacting to the change in daily life.
- Owner stress may influence the dog’s behavior; yet studies suggest behavioral changes are not just projections but may reflect actual emotional responses.
- The emotional context, perception of loss, and long-term effects remain under-researched.
Practical Things You Can Do Today to Help a Grieving Dog
These tips are designed to support both of you through this difficult time.
1. Try small wins that offer immediate comfort
These tiny actions can create a sense of safety and emotional relief.
Scent swap trick
Rub a worn t-shirt of yours on your dog’s bed or toy. Your scent plus their familiar items = comfort they can literally curl up with.
Extra flavor
Add warm bone broth, , or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese to their food, provided they do not have sensitivities to the extra treat. It encourages appetite and signals care without pressure.
Start a “grief walk” ritual
Take your dog on a short, slow walk along a familiar path, ideally one their companion used to love. Let them sniff, pause, and process.
2. Don’t do these (even if they seem helpful)
Sometimes, good intentions can backfire during grief. A few things to avoid:
- Don’t rearrange the house too soon
Familiar spaces matter. - Don’t remove your other dog’s items right away
Unless your surviving dog is avoiding them, their presence may be soothing.
3. Stick to your normal routine
Consistent structure also helps reduce separation anxiety, which can worsen in a grieving pet. Try to keep feeding times, walks, and bedtime on the same schedule. Even if you’re also grieving, maintaining their routine helps them, and you too, feel secure.
4. Give extra love (but don’t overwhelm them)
Offer more cuddles, pets, and couch time if your dog wants it. This kind of extra attention can ease their sadness without overwhelming them.
But pay attention to their body language. If they come to you, give them all the affection they need. If they walk away or want space, let them have it.
5. Wait before adopting again
It’s tempting to fill the silence with a new companion but give yourselves space first. Grief needs time. And a new pet deserves to be welcomed with your full presence, not as a replacement.
When the time does feel right, this guide can help:
When to Get a New Dog After Losing One
Relevant FAQs
Should my dog have seen their companion euthanized?
There’s no evidence that witnessing euthanasia is harmful to surviving dogs. In some cases, allowing your dog to be present or see their companion afterward may help them understand that their companion dog is gone, rather than searching or waiting for their return.
Why is my dog suddenly whining or howling more?
Vocalizing is a common sign of grief in dogs. Some become quieter, while others whine, whimper, or howl. This behavior can be normal for some grieving pets.
Should I try dog training to help my grieving dog?
If your dog develops long-term behavioral issues, like aggression, destructive behavior, or separation anxiety, a certified trainer or behaviorist can help.
Should I avoid changing my dog’s care routine or caregivers while they’re grieving?
Yes, if possible. Most dogs need stability regardless of the time of life. Introducing new dog care routines, new people, or unfamiliar places can add stress when they’re already feeling vulnerable or stressed.
Try to avoid switching walkers, sitters, or even grooming routines for a few weeks. If a change is unavoidable, keep everything else as consistent as you can.
Give Them Time and Stay Close
There is no fixed timeline for how long a dog will grieve. Some dogs might start to bounce back after just a few days, whereas others may exhibit signs of sadness or changed behavior for several weeks or even months. Each surviving dog’s behavior is different.
During the grieving process, what helps most is your calm presence and patience. Sit beside them, speak gently, and let them rest near you. Most dogs do adjust and find happiness again, especially when they have other loved ones present.
If the grief doesn’t ease over time, or your dog seems physically unwell, consider consulting your DVM to ensure there are no other factors at play.
