When Another Pet Is Grieving: Signs and How to Help

Updated November 4, 2026

Yes, many dogs and cats show changes when a companion animal in the home passes. Owners commonly report more clinginess and attention-seeking, searching the other pet's favorite spots, changes in eating and sleeping, and, in cats, more meowing. Keep routines steady, offer extra attention, watch appetite closely, and call your vet if a cat or rabbit stops eating.

Whether animals "grieve" the way people do is still debated. What researchers can measure is what owners see. Two studies give a useful picture.

What the research found

Dogs and cats in Australia and New Zealand (2016). Researchers surveyed owners about 159 dogs and 152 cats that had lost an animal companion. The most common changes were in affectionate behavior, reported for 74% of dogs and 78% of cats, and territorial behavior, for 60% of dogs and 63% of cats. Both species were reported to demand more attention and to spend time seeking out the deceased animal's favorite spot. Dogs were reported to eat less (35%) and more slowly (31%) and to sleep more (34%). Cats were reported to meow more often (43%) and more loudly (32%). The median duration of these changes was less than six months.

Dogs in Italy (2022). A study in Scientific Reports surveyed 426 Italian adults who had owned two dogs when one died. According to the owners, surviving dogs changed in activities such as "playing," "sleeping" and "eating," and in emotions such as fearfulness. The strongest predictors of negative changes were a friendly or parental relationship between the two dogs, the dogs having shared food, and the owner's own grief and anger. How long the dogs had lived together didn't make a difference.

Both studies rely on owner reports, so they show what people noticed, not what the animals felt. The Italian authors note that the changes might reflect the loss of a companion rather than an understanding of death itself.

Common signs to watch for

Ohio State's veterinary medical center lists signs it sees in surviving animals: they "may cling to their human family members, be more reactive to stimuli, appear anxious or depressed and demonstrate a loss of interest in playing, sleeping or eating." Some show separation anxiety, with panting, pacing, whining, howling or barking when left alone.

Ohio State also notes these changes may be a response to the loss itself, to the owners' sadness, to changes in household routine, or to an underlying medical condition. That last one matters: don't assume every change is grief.

Should they see the body?

Opinions differ, and there's no strong evidence either way for dogs and cats.

• Some clinics allow it. The University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine notes that some clinics allow other pets to be present during euthanasia so they can smell the process. You can also bring home a blanket, toy or collar for your other pets to smell.
• For rabbits, it's common advice. The House Rabbit Society's guidance suggests leaving the body with the surviving companion "for a while (perhaps a few hours)," and notes that a rabbit whose companion was taken away before dying may keep waiting for it to come back.
• For dogs and cats, follow your instinct. If it feels right and it's safe, let them sniff and investigate. If not, a blanket with the companion's scent is a gentler option.

How to help a grieving pet

• Keep routines steady. Meals, walks and bedtime at the usual times. Illinois advises keeping household routines steady.
• Offer more attention, without smothering. Extra play, grooming and quiet time together.
• Exercise. Ohio State calls exercise "a great stress reliever" for pets, and notes it can help your own grief too. Check with your vet before starting something new.
• Keep a familiar scent around. Leave the companion's bed or blanket out for a while.
• Watch the relationships. In homes with several pets, the pecking order can shift. Ohio State advises letting animals work out their relationships as long as there are no physical fights, and avoiding punishment, which can increase fear and aggression.
• Ask about calming aids. Ohio State mentions pheromone products for dogs and cats; your vet can advise.
• Record them while you're out if you're worried about how they're doing alone. Ohio State suggests a camera as a way to check.
• Take care of yourself. In the Italian study, surviving dogs were more likely to show changes when owners showed more grief and anger. That isn't your fault. It's a reminder that getting support for yourself can help the whole household.

When to call the vet

Call promptly if:

• A cat stops eating. Ohio State warns this "can be a medical emergency."
• A rabbit stops eating or passing droppings for 12 hours or more. The House Rabbit Society calls this an emergency and says to see a rabbit-savvy vet immediately.
• A dog stops eating. Ohio State advises contacting your veterinarian "as soon as possible" if a dog or cat stops eating. Call sooner for vomiting, lethargy or other signs of illness.
• Behavior changes are severe or getting worse, or haven't eased after several weeks.

Getting another pet

It's natural to wonder whether a new companion would help. Ohio State suggests considering "the needs and temperament of any surviving companion animals" and talking with your vet first. Many owners find it helps to wait until the household, people and animals alike, has settled. For rabbits, the House Rabbit Society suggests preparing the introduction carefully, since a rabbit that hasn't accepted the loss may react to a newcomer with aggression.

Grieving together

Your surviving pet and you are both adjusting. Walks, quiet evenings, and the old routines can be a comfort to both of you. For your own grief, see pet loss support resources. If you have children who are worried about the other pet, our guide on explaining a pet's death to a child can help.