PlayInfoBox

Home /Education /Helping a Surviving Pet Cope After Losing a Companion Animal

Helping a Surviving Pet Cope After Losing a Companion Animal

Tap through the steps in order to see how to help.

  1. Watch for changes in appetite and water intake

    After losing a companion animal, a surviving pet may eat or drink less than usual for a few days. A day or two of change is normal, but if it continues for many days in a row, it's worth paying closer attention.

  2. Watch for lethargy, pacing, or other behavior changes

    Some pets wander the house as if searching for the animal that passed, or become unusually quiet and withdrawn. These reactions are a natural sign that animals, too, notice when a relationship in their life has changed.

  3. Keep familiar routines as steady as possible

    Sticking to the usual feeding times, walk times, and daily schedule helps a surviving pet regain a sense of stability. Try to avoid adding other big changes, like moving furniture or changing rooms, during this period.

  4. Gradually add more play and bonding time

    Spend a little more time than usual on affection and closeness. Playing a favorite game together, without forcing it, can also help.

  5. See a vet if changes last more than two weeks

    If reduced appetite or lethargy continues for more than two weeks, or if you notice a clear drop in weight, it's safest to get a veterinary checkup -- something besides grief could also be going on.

  6. Remember the surviving pet needs time to adjust too

    Just like people, animals need time to adjust to the loss of a relationship. Try not to rush the process, and keep watching over them patiently.

Animals notice loss too

Pets that lived closely with a companion animal often sense that something in the household has changed, even without understanding death the way people do. A drop in appetite, energy, or sociability in the weeks after a loss is a common and natural reaction, not a sign that something is inherently wrong with your pet.

Normal adjustment vs. something to flag

A short dip in appetite or a few quiet days is typically part of normal adjustment. Signs worth flagging to a vet include: no interest in food or water for more than a day or two, ongoing weight loss, or lethargy that doesn't improve after two to three weeks. When in doubt, a quick check-in with your veterinarian can rule out anything unrelated to grief.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does pet grief typically last?

It varies by individual animal, but noticeable changes in appetite or behavior usually ease within one to a few weeks. If it drags on much longer or seems to be getting worse, a veterinary visit is a reasonable next step.

Should I get a new pet right away to cheer up my grieving pet?

It's generally better to wait until the surviving pet (and the rest of the household) has had time to settle. Introducing a new animal too quickly can add stress rather than comfort, especially while everyone is still adjusting.