강아지 죽음 후 반려동물 슬픔 증상과 원인, 진단·치료와 관리 포인트 총정리

Our Dog Who Lost a Companion — Signs of Pet Loss Grief and Recovery Care Points

Brain & CognitionDiseasesMeongsiljang Veterinary Advisory Board

Dogs who have lost a companion animal may exhibit signs of grief, such as decreased appetite, lethargy, and repetitive searching behaviors. Early recognition and proper environmental management can help support their recovery.

What Are Grief Behaviors in Pets?

A sad puppy sitting quietly by the window, gazing outside.

Grief behaviors, or mourning responses, can manifest as behavioral and physical changes in dogs after losing a companion animal or their owner. The most important thing to remember is not to dismiss these changes as mere mood swings. From a veterinary perspective, sudden or unusual behavioral changes in adult dogs may indicate underlying physical causes such as pain or illness, so it’s essential to rule out medical issues before attributing the behavior solely to emotional distress. If symptoms like decreased appetite, lethargy, or repetitive searching persist or worsen, it’s advisable to consult a veterinarian to evaluate potential medical causes.

Why Do Dogs Feel Grief?

Dogs are inherently social animals that form strong bonds with their companions and owners. When a cohabiting animal passes away, the sudden absence of familiar scents, sounds, and daily routines can lead to noticeable changes in behavior. However, it can be difficult to determine whether these changes stem solely from grief or from physical causes such as pain or illness. In fact, discomfort or pain can make dogs more sensitive or withdrawn, resulting in behavioral shifts. Therefore, it’s important to consider physical health factors when assessing behavioral changes. Additionally, since an owner’s emotional state can also affect their pet, it’s beneficial to care for both the dog and the owner during this time.

Checklist of Main Grief Behaviors

If you notice the following signs, your pet may be exhibiting grief-related behaviors:

Decreased appetite: Refusing treats or food they usually enjoy, or a noticeable drop in food intake.

Lethargy and reduced activity: Showing little interest in walks or play, and spending most of the day lying down.

Repetitive searching behaviors: Continuously sniffing or pacing around the deceased companion’s bed or food bowl.

Excessive attachment to the owner: Reluctance to leave your side, or a marked worsening of separation anxiety.

Increased vocalization: More frequent whimpering or barking without an apparent cause.

When to Go to the Vet Immediately

If your pet refuses food and water for more than 48 hours, exhibits self-harming behaviors such as persistent licking or chewing that cause skin damage, experiences seizures or convulsions, or shows extreme aggression, you should take them to the vet immediately. These symptoms may indicate an underlying medical condition rather than just a simple emotional response.

How Is It Diagnosed?

Grief-related behaviors can be tricky to diagnose because they often overlap with symptoms of other conditions. Veterinarians typically follow this step-by-step evaluation process:

Step 1 — Rule out underlying medical conditions: Blood tests and physical exams are used first to check for physical causes such as hypothyroidism or pain-related disorders.

Step 2 — Assess behavioral history: The vet will look at changes in your pet’s routine before and after the loss, when symptoms began, and how long they’ve lasted.

Step 3 — Conduct a behavioral assessment: In some cases, a veterinary behavior specialist may use standardized behavioral evaluation tools during the consultation.

Treatment Methods — Step-by-Step Approach by Severity

Grief behavior therapy is approached in stages based on symptom severity.

Mild (natural recovery expected within 1–2 weeks): The key is maintaining routines, stabilizing the environment, and increasing physical affection from the caregiver.

Moderate (lasting 2–4 weeks): Begin a behavior modification program with a veterinary behaviorist. Structured play and positive reinforcement training can be helpful.

Severe (impairment of daily function): Short-term use of anti-anxiety medication may be considered under veterinary guidance. Medication is intended to alleviate symptoms, not to treat the underlying cause.

A pet owner gently stroking their dog on the sofa

Management Points You Can Do at Home

You can actively support your dog’s recovery at home.

Maintain a routine: Keeping walk and meal times consistent with the past creates a predictable environment.

Provide new stimuli: Introduce new toys, scent games, and nose work to encourage positive focus.

Avoid excessive sympathy: Overreacting to grief behaviors can inadvertently reinforce them.

Gradually remove reminders: Instead of clearing everything away all at once, slowly tidy up over the course of one to two weeks.

Manage your own emotions: Since dogs pick up on their owner’s anxiety, it is important that you also take the time to process your own grief.

No Need to Rush Adopting a New Pet

Rushing to adopt a new pet to cope with grief can backfire. We recommend waiting until your current dog has fully settled in—typically after one to three months—and the entire household is ready, before making a careful decision.

Recovery Period and Prognosis

Every dog’s recovery journey is unique. The longer you’ve lived together and the older your dog is, the more time it may take to return to normal daily life. Prognoses vary widely—some dogs make a full recovery, while others improve only partially or recover more slowly. Keep in mind that healing takes time, so maintaining a predictable routine and a stable environment is essential. If behavioral changes persist or if you notice significant weight loss, it may not just be a grief response but could indicate an underlying medical condition. In such cases, a follow-up visit with your veterinarian is necessary to rule out any health issues.

A healthy and happy puppy playing energetically in the park

Reviewed by a veterinarian

Dr. Tony — Punnawat Phongkittirak

Veterinarian

A veterinarian who majored in veterinary medicine at Khon Kaen University, Thailand, and completed the IVSA program at North Carolina State University in the United States. Drawing on clinical experience at animal hospitals, he works in the pet healthcare field and is dedicated to building a digital care environment that connects pet parents with veterinarians.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do dogs really feel sadness?

When a companion animal passes away, dogs may show changes such as decreased appetite, lethargy, or increased searching behavior. However, it is difficult to definitively say whether this is the same emotion as human grief, as similar changes could also be due to pain or illness. Therefore, if behavioral changes are noticeable, it is best not to attribute them solely to emotional causes but to also check for any underlying physical issues.

How long do grief behaviors typically last?

The recovery period varies from dog to dog, so it’s difficult to give a one-size-fits-all timeline. The length and nature of recovery can differ significantly depending on how long you’ve lived together, your dog’s age, and how you respond as a caregiver. Some dogs may fully recover, while others may only show partial improvement. If behavioral changes persist for an extended period or are accompanied by weight loss or changes in water intake, it’s a good idea to consult a veterinarian to rule out any underlying medical conditions.

Will showing the deceased pet's body help you understand?

While some believe that scent can help dogs recognize the absence of a companion animal, there isn't enough solid evidence to support this. It's not a method recommended for all dogs, and reactions can vary depending on the dog's personality and the situation. If you're unsure, it's best to consult with your veterinarian first.

Will bringing another dog home quickly help my current dog feel better?

Rushing the process can actually backfire. We recommend waiting until your current dog has fully adjusted—typically 1 to 3 months—and ensuring your entire household is ready before making a careful decision.

Is it really necessary to use an anti-anxiety medication?

Mild to moderate cases can often improve with environmental management and behavior modification alone, without medication. Behavior modification is most effective when started at home. In cases of severe symptoms, such as self-injury or fasting for more than 48 hours, or when daily function is significantly impaired, short-term use of medications for behavioral issues may be considered under veterinary guidance. Always consult your veterinarian before deciding whether to use medication.

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References

[1] Silverstein D, Hopper K. Small Animal Critical Care Medicine, 3rd Ed. Elsevier, 2022.

[2] Lindemann E. Symptomology and management of acute grief. Am J Psychiatry 101:141-148, 1944.

[3] Little S, et al. 100 Top Consultations in Small Animal General Practice. Blackwell, 2011.

[4] Shear MK. Complicated grief treatment: the theory, practice and outcomes. Bereave Care 29(3):10-14, 2010.