Do Dogs Grieve? Understanding How Dogs Mourn the Loss of a Companion

You lost one dog, and now your other dog is not acting like themselves. They are sleeping more, eating less, wandering through the house like they are looking for something. You wonder if they understand what happened. You wonder if they are grieving. The short answer is yes — dogs do grieve. And if you are reading this because you are watching your surviving dog struggle after losing their companion, you are not imagining it. What you are seeing is real.

This guide covers what science tells us about dog grief, the specific signs to watch for, how long it typically lasts, and concrete steps you can take to help your dog — while also navigating your own grief. Because right now, you are both mourning. And you need each other.

Signs Your Dog Is Grieving

Dogs cannot tell us they are sad, but their behavior speaks clearly. Researchers at the University of Milan published a landmark study in 2022 surveying over 400 dog owners who had lost one dog in a multi-dog household. The behavioral changes they documented were striking and consistent. Here are the most common signs:

Appetite Changes

One of the most common and earliest signs of dog grief is a change in eating habits. Your dog may eat less than usual, show no interest in food they normally love, or skip meals entirely. Some dogs do the opposite — they eat compulsively, as if trying to fill an emotional void. In the Milan study, 35% of surviving dogs showed decreased appetite for days to weeks after the loss.

Lethargy and Withdrawal

A grieving dog often becomes less active. They may sleep more than usual, lose interest in toys or games they used to enjoy, and seem generally listless. This is not laziness — it is the canine equivalent of depression. They may withdraw to a quiet spot in the house, particularly a place where the deceased dog used to rest.

Searching Behavior

This is one of the most heartbreaking signs of dog grief. Your surviving dog may walk through the house sniffing spots where the other dog slept, ate, or played. They may stand at doors waiting, look out windows more than usual, or check the backyard repeatedly. Some dogs go to the place where the other dog died and lie there. They are looking for their companion, and they do not understand why the search keeps coming up empty.

Vocalization Changes

Some grieving dogs become more vocal — whining, howling, or barking more than usual, especially at night or when left alone. Others become unusually quiet. If your dog used to bark and play with their companion and is now silent, that silence is significant. Dogs who howl after a loss may be calling for the missing animal, a behavior observed in wolves mourning a pack member.

Clingy or Needy Behavior

A dog who was previously independent may suddenly become your shadow. They follow you from room to room, sleep closer to you at night, and become distressed when you leave the house. This is not manipulation — their social structure has been disrupted. You are the remaining member of their pack, and they are holding on to what they have left.

How Long Does Dog Grief Last?

There is no universal timeline. Research suggests that most dogs show behavioral changes for two to six months after losing a companion, with the most intense signs occurring in the first two weeks to one month. However, some dogs adjust within days, while others show changes for a year or more.

Several factors influence the duration:

• Length of the relationship. Dogs who lived together for many years tend to grieve longer than those who were together for a shorter time.
• Quality of the bond. Not all dogs who live together are close. Some are indifferent housemates. Dogs who ate together, slept together, and played together are more likely to show prolonged grief.
• The surviving dog's temperament. Anxious or sensitive dogs tend to grieve more visibly and for longer periods than confident, independent dogs.
• Whether they witnessed the death. Some veterinary behaviorists suggest that dogs who see their companion's body may adjust faster because they have closure. Dogs whose companion simply disappears one day (went to the vet and never came back) may search longer.
• Your behavior. Dogs are highly attuned to their owner's emotions. If you are deeply grieving, your dog may pick up on your sadness and mirror it, potentially extending their own adjustment period.

How to Help a Grieving Dog

You cannot explain death to a dog. But you can create an environment that helps them adjust, feel safe, and eventually return to their normal behavior. Here is what works:

Maintain Their Routine

This is the single most important thing you can do. Feed them at the same times. Walk them on the same schedule. Keep bedtime consistent. When a dog's social world has been disrupted, routine provides the stability they desperately need. Resist the urge to drastically change their environment — moving furniture, rearranging rooms, or changing their sleeping spot can add confusion to an already disorienting experience.

Give Extra Attention — But Do Not Overdo It

Your dog needs more of you right now. More petting, more talking, more time together. But be careful not to smother them with so much attention that you inadvertently reinforce anxious behavior. If your dog whines and you immediately rush to comfort them every time, they learn that whining brings attention. Instead, offer calm, consistent presence. Be nearby. Be available. But also model normal behavior — go about your day, do normal activities, and include your dog in them.

Increase Physical Activity

Exercise is one of the most effective natural treatments for depression in both humans and dogs. Add an extra walk, visit a new park, or introduce a new game. Physical activity releases endorphins, provides mental stimulation, and helps counter the lethargy that grief creates. If your dog used to play with their companion, you need to step into that role temporarily.

Do Not Rush a New Pet

Getting a new dog immediately to “cheer up” your surviving dog almost never works the way people expect. A grieving dog does not want a replacement — they want their companion back. Introducing a new, energetic animal into a home where a dog is mourning can actually increase stress. Give your dog time to adjust before making any decisions about a new pet. For more guidance on this, read our multi-pet household grief guide.

When to See a Vet

Most dog grief resolves on its own within a few weeks to months. However, you should consult a veterinarian if:

• Your dog has not eaten in more than 48 hours.
• They are losing weight rapidly.
• Lethargy is severe — they do not respond to treats, toys, walks, or your voice.
• They are drinking significantly more or less water than usual.
• Behavioral changes persist beyond two to three months with no improvement.
• They are engaging in destructive behavior (chewing furniture, scratching doors, self-harm).
• You notice vomiting, diarrhea, or other physical symptoms alongside behavioral changes.

Your vet may recommend anti-anxiety medication for severe cases. This is not a failure — it is appropriate medical care. Some dogs benefit from short-term pharmaceutical support while they adjust, just as some humans do. Calming supplements, pheromone diffusers (like Adaptil), and anxiety wraps can also help.

Should You Get Another Dog?

This question has two parts: is it good for your surviving dog, and is it good for you? Both matter.

For your dog, the answer depends on their personality. Social dogs who thrived with a companion may genuinely benefit from a new friend — but not immediately. Wait until your surviving dog has returned to baseline behavior. If they are eating normally, engaging with you, and showing interest in the world again, they may be ready for a new companion. If they are still withdrawn and searching, a new dog will likely be more stressful than helpful.

For you, the decision about when to get another pet is deeply personal. There is no right answer and no right timeline. The only wrong move is getting a new dog to avoid grieving the one you lost.

If you do decide to adopt, consider the dynamics carefully. A senior dog may not appreciate a rambunctious puppy. A timid dog may be overwhelmed by a dominant newcomer. Many rescue organizations allow meet-and-greet sessions so you can gauge compatibility before committing.

Honoring Your Dog's Companion

While you help your surviving dog adjust, do not forget to process your own grief. You lost a member of your family, and watching your other dog grieve adds a painful layer to that experience. For a deeper look at how animals in multi-pet homes process loss, see our guide on pets grieving other pets.

Creating a memorial for the dog who passed can help both you and your surviving dog. Consider:

• Creating an online memorial that tells their story and allows friends and family to share memories.
• Making a memorial that includes both dogs — the one you lost and the one still with you. Their bond was part of the story.
• Planting a tree or garden in the deceased dog's honor. Spending time there with your surviving dog can become a shared ritual.
• Framing a photo of both dogs together and placing it somewhere visible.

Your dog is grieving because they loved. That capacity for attachment, for loyalty, for missing someone who is gone — it is one of the most beautiful things about dogs. Be patient with them. Be patient with yourself. You are both finding your way through this, and you are doing it together.