How a pet’s death can affect your other pets

Our canine companions and feline friends bring us a lot of joy and for many pet parents, the death of a beloved animal companion can evoke feelings of grief akin to that experienced from the loss of a close human family member.

But in multi-pet households, when one pet “crosses the rainbow bridge”, could other animals in the family also mourn for them? Many owners believe so, and observations of companion animal behaviour support this too.

Here’s how the behaviour of pets may change after the loss of another close animal companion, and how we can help them through this tough period.

How pets experience grief

The degree to which a pet will be affected by the loss of a companion depends on the bond that existed between the two. More social species (which many companion animals tend to be) are more likely to develop deeper bonds, even with other species.

While we can’t understand exactly how a pet feels and interprets the loss of a companion, we can observe for changes in their behaviours and activities, and make reasonable assumptions on how the experience has affected them.

What the research says about grieving pets

In Australia, emerging research also supports the idea that animals experience grief. A 2024 University of New England study looked at how attachment works between people and their companion animals and highlighted how strong and emotionally significant these bonds can be for many owners. These findings help explain why the loss of a close companion can be so distressing for people, and why surviving pets may also show grief-like changes in their behaviour.

A 2016 study went a step further and examined how surviving pets respond when another animal in the household dies, surveying 279 dog and cat owners about their pets’ behaviour after the loss of an animal companion. Owners reported that many pets showed changes such as withdrawal, increased vocalisation or changes in appetite, and noted that these patterns paralleled behaviours seen in dogs with owner-oriented separation anxiety. This led owners to believe that such responses may reflect an inner emotional experience of grief, anxiety or distress in those pets.

Common behavioural changes after a pet’s death

After the loss of a close animal friend or relative, dogs and cats may show a variety of changes in their behaviours and activities, the duration of which may last days, weeks or months.

In the same 2016 study we mentioned above, the most common behavioural changes noted in the observed dogs and cats included:

• 74% of dogs and 78% of cats demonstrating changes in affectionate behaviour (with most becoming more demanding of attention or more clingy/needy, and a smaller proportion seeking less affection)
• 60% of dogs and 63% of cats demonstrating territorial behaviours (such as seeking out the deceased pet’s favourite spot)
• 46% of cats demonstrating changes in vocalisations (with mostly an increase in the frequency and/or volume)
• 42% of dogs demonstrating changes in sleep behaviour (mostly an increase in sleep duration)
• 42% of dogs demonstrating changes in eating behaviours (most commonly a decrease in the speed of eating or the amount of food consumed)

Signs your pet may be grieving

If you’ve recently lost an animal in the household to which another of your pets was closely bonded, odds are that you’ll notice some behavioural changes in the remaining cat or dog due to pet loneliness, which could include:

• Increased neediness/clinginess
• Increased vocalisation
• Increased sleepiness
• A loss of interest in play or other normal activities
• A decreased appetite

Unfortunately, it’s also possible for some pets to develop more challenging symptoms traditionally associated with pet anxiety, such as house-soiling, destructive behaviours like barking a lot at night, or overgrooming.

Related: Interpreting body language in dogs: A complete guide

How to support a grieving pet

As you are likely to be grieving too after the loss of one of your beloved animal family members, you and your remaining pet or pets may find some comfort in “banding together” during this sad time because every pet parent wants to see their four-legged family member healthy and happy.

While it can understandably be difficult, it is often helpful for both you and your pet to try to stick to your usual daily pet-related routines, such as feeding times, play times, and getting out for walks, or even just relaxing in the sunshine. Gently and kindly encourage your pet to participate, but don’t force them if they really don’t seem to be in the mood.

If your pet has any friends outside of the household (people or otherwise), organising a playdate for them at home or out and about could help to give everyone a bit of cheer.

Try to offer your pet some extra cuddles and affection if they’re seeking it (as cuddles are good for human emotional health too!). However, if your pet has retreated to their own rest spot, it’s best to leave them in peace, as unwanted interactions could stress them out.

Lastly, don’t punish your pet for any unpleasant behaviours they demonstrate during this time, as it could just increase their anxiety. Instead, try to distract them with more appropriate activities, and reward them for doing “the right thing”.

When to seek veterinary advice

A common question from owners in this situation is, “How do I know that my pet is grieving, and not actually ill?”. Given the behavioural changes associated with loss in pets can be very similar to a few common symptoms of physical unwellness, it’s a valid concern.

It’s possible for pets to actually become sick during a time of loss. This might be coincidence (for example, two elderly pets in the same household), but it’s also plausible that grief-related stress could contribute to health or behaviour changes in bonded animals, just as stress from a broken heart can affect people.

It’s safest to have your pet assessed by a veterinarian if:

• Their behavioural symptoms are lasting more than a week without improvement
• Their behavioural symptoms seem more severe, e.g. loss of appetite to the point of losing weight
• They are showing other signs of unwellness, e.g. vomiting
• You are having difficulties with your pet’s behaviour, e.g. they are toileting inappropriately around the house

With TLC and time – and sometimes a professional helping hand – you and your pet can make it through together.

While grief can take time, knowing your remaining pets are supported can make the journey more bearable.

Discover more articles and insights on The Dish.

27 May 2026