The loss of a beloved canine companion can be absolutely devastating. As a dog owner, you likely considered your furry friend to be a member of the family. When that family member passes away, it leaves a huge void. During this painful time of grieving, you may wonder if your dog will ever get over the death of another pet or human companion.
Do dogs understand death?
First, it’s important to consider whether dogs even understand the concept of death. Unlike humans who grasp the permanence of death from an early age, dogs do not have an understanding of the finality of life. They do not comprehend that a deceased being will never return.
However, dogs certainly feel the loss of a companion, both human and canine. Dogs are highly social animals who form deep bonds with their families and fellow pack members. When one of those close companions disappears, they definitely notice and experience grief in their own way.
Signs your dog is grieving
Some common signs that your dog is grieving a loss include:
- Loss of appetite
- Increased vocalization
- Pacing
- Anxiety
- Sleeping more or less than usual
- Seeking more attention
- Loss of interest in toys, treats, or activities
- Searching or waiting for the deceased
- Depression
Your dog may exhibit a few or many of these behaviors after the loss of a pet or human companion. The severity and duration of the grieving process will vary from dog to dog.
How long does grieving last for dogs?
There is no set timeframe for how long grieving lasts in dogs. It depends on factors including:
- The dog’s temperament
- The relationship with the deceased
- The dog’s history of loss
- Whether it’s a human or animal companion that died
- The dog’s change in routine
Some dogs may only grieve for a few days, while others can experience loss for months. Grieving may come and go in waves. Your dog may seem to be getting over the loss, only to experience a setback such as losing interest in food again.
If your dog is still exhibiting signs of grief beyond 2 months, consult your veterinarian. Prolonged grieving may require medical treatment for depression in dogs.
Does the relationship with the deceased impact grief?
Yes, the depth of the relationship with the deceased plays a significant role in the grieving process for dogs. Consider the following scenarios:
| Relationship | Grief severity |
|---|---|
| Littermate or sibling | High |
| Parent or puppy | High |
| Primary caretaker | Very high |
| Dog companion | Moderate to high |
| Secondary caretaker | Low to moderate |
| Only met a few times | Very low or non-existent |
As you can see, dogs grieve most for their closest animal and human companions with whom they share a deep bond and attachment. The more integral the deceased was to the dog’s life and routine, the more difficult the loss.
Does age impact grief?
A dog’s age may also factor into how they handle loss. Here’s an overview:
| Age | Impact on grief |
|---|---|
| Puppy (under 1 year) | May not understand loss fully but will respond to absence |
| Young adult (1-3 years) | Strong, lasting attachment forms; will intensely grieve |
| Mature adult (4-10 years) | Very attached; closely bonded; profound grieving |
| Senior (10+ years) | May be set in routines; very disrupted by loss |
Puppies may lack understanding of permanent loss. Senior dogs intensely feel the disruption from losing a long-time companion. No matter the age, dogs grieve most deeply when the relationship was strongly imprinted in their daily life.
Will getting a new dog help grief?
After losing a beloved dog, some owners quickly replace their pet with a new puppy. However, getting a new dog right away likely will not ease your grieving. It also won’t help your dog get over the loss.
Your dog needs time to process their grief and readjust to life without their companion. Immediately introducing a new pup can inhibit your dog’s ability to cope with that transition.
That doesn’t mean a new dog can never help your grieving pup. After an appropriate amount of time has passed, like several months, adopting a new canine companion can lift your dog’s spirits. Take it slowly with lots of supervised interaction.
Never get a new pet to try masking your own grief either. You will likely compare the two dogs, resent the puppy, and set unrealistic expectations. Allow yourself time to fully grieve before considering another dog.
How to help a grieving dog
As your dog navigates loss, be patient and allow them to grieve in their own way. Here are some tips for helping a grieving dog:
- Keep routines consistent for food, walks, play, etc
- Give ample attention, petting, and cuddling
- Engage in extra playtime and exercise
- Try aromatherapy, music, or massage for relaxation
- Consider calming supplements
- Be patient and allow dog to grieve
- Visit happy places like the park
- Gradually reintroduce toys or treats
- Watch for prolonged depression or loss of appetite
If your dog lost a fellow canine companion, allow them time to readjust to being a single dog before getting another pet. Some dogs prefer being solo dogs after losing a close companion. Let your dog’s needs guide the decision.
Should you let your dog see the deceased?
There are mixed opinions on whether you should let your dog view a deceased companion’s body. Some experts believe it can bring closure. But other vets warn that it may confuse your dog and complicate the grieving process.
If you do decide to let your dog view a deceased pet, have them do so in a calm, controlled setting like at the vet’s office. Keep your dog leashed and don’t force any interaction. Not all dogs will have an interest in seeing the body.
Will my dog ever get over the loss?
With patience and compassion, your dog can recover from losing a human or animal companion. The grieving process takes time. While your pet may still occasionally show signs of sadness, most dogs can eventually get over the loss.
Focus on reestablishing routines, providing reassurance, and helping your dog readjust to daily life. Seek veterinary guidance if signs of depression linger. With your support, your beloved pal can absolutely find happiness again.
The key is accepting that grief comes in stages. There may be painful setbacks even as your dog heals. But just be there providing the stability, comfort, and kinship they need. If you let your dog grieve at their own pace and adjust to the transition in their own way, they can get over the loss and learn to enjoy life without their departed friend by their side.
Acceptance and moving forward
While the grief process is painful and challenging, with time, patience and care, dogs can move through the stages of grieving and into acceptance. By remembering the joy of previous relationships and finding hope in new bonds and routines, dogs can absolutely recover from loss and find happiness in their lives once again. Trust in your dog’s resilience – with your gentle guidance, they can overcome their grief and learn to live fully and joyfully again. The memory of departed friends remains close, but need not overwhelm the creation of new memories. Honor the past, embrace the present, and believe in your dog’s capacity to heal. Together, you and your pup will find peace, purpose, and playfulness guiding you into a bright future beyond grief.