Yes, surviving pets can genuinely grieve too

Many owners notice a surviving dog or cat searching the house, eating less, sleeping more, or seeming subdued after losing a companion, and yes, this does appear to be a genuine grief response, not just a change in routine. Pets who lived closely together for years build real attachment, and the sudden absence of a companion they saw daily can be disorienting and sad for them too.

Signs a surviving pet may be grieving

Common signs include a drop in appetite, searching favourite spots the other pet used, increased clinginess to you, changes in sleep, vocalising more than usual, or seeming withdrawn and low-energy. Most pets show some combination of these for one to a few weeks, gradually easing as they adjust to the new normal. It's worth keeping a light eye on things during this period, much as you would with a grieving family member.

Simple ways to support them

  • Keep routines steady, regular meal times, walks, and bedtime help provide a sense of stability while everything else feels different.
  • Give extra attention and affection, especially in the days right after, without forcing interaction if they'd rather withdraw for a bit.
  • Avoid rushing to get a new pet purely to "fix" the grieving pet, a surviving animal, and your family, usually benefit from time to adjust before a new companion enters the picture, and a new pet is not truly a replacement for the one who was lost.
  • Let them see, if practical and appropriate, a moment near where their companion passed or their belongings, some owners find this helps a surviving pet understand the absence, though evidence here is more anecdotal than proven, and it isn't necessary for every pet.
  • Watch for changes that don't ease, if appetite loss, lethargy, or withdrawal continues beyond a few weeks or gets worse, book a vet check to rule out anything medical, since older or unwell surviving pets can sometimes decline for reasons separate from grief.

Multi-pet households and shifting dynamics

If you have more than two pets, expect some shuffling of routines and relationships as the group adjusts, a formerly quieter pet may become more dominant, or a previously independent pet may become more attached to you. This settling-in period is normal and usually resolves within a few weeks to a couple of months.

When to get extra help

If a surviving pet stops eating for more than a day or two, seems to be in physical distress, or their behaviour changes dramatically and doesn't improve, it's worth a vet visit to check there isn't an underlying health issue alongside the grief. For persistent behavioural changes, a vet behaviourist can also help, especially in dogs who were extremely bonded to the pet they've lost.

Be patient with them, as you are with yourself

You're likely grieving too, and caring for a grieving pet while processing your own loss can feel like a lot at once. Extending the same patience to them that you're trying to extend to yourself, steady routines, gentle affection, and time, is usually the kindest and most effective thing you can do.