Do Pets Grieve? Signs of Pet Grief and How to Support Them
Losing a beloved family member is heartbreaking, and it’s not just us humans who feel the pain. Whether it's a fellow furry friend, feathered companion, or even a human in the home, pets can grieve—and often do. Here at Petdirect, we truly believe We Get Pet. That means understanding not just their nutritional needs, but their emotional wellbeing too. So, do pets experience grief? Absolutely—and in this blog, we’ll explore the signs of grief in pets and how you can gently support them through such a sensitive time.
How Do Pets Experience Grief?
Pets form deep attachments with their family—both human and animal. When a companion is suddenly absent, pets can feel confused, anxious or even depressed. While they can't tell us in words, pets often show grief through changes in behaviour, similar to signs of separation anxiety or low mood.
- Dogs may whine, search the house, or lose interest in favourite toys or walks.
- Cats may hide more than usual, meow excessively or go off their food.
- Birds might become quieter, pluck feathers, or display a loss of appetite.
- Small pets might appear withdrawn, lethargic or pace around their enclosure.
Every pet is unique, and their way of grieving will reflect their personality and bond with the one they've lost.
Signs Your Pet Might Be Grieving
While grief isn't clinically diagnosed in pets like it is in humans, research and countless accounts from Kiwi pet parents point to key signs that may indicate mourning:
- Less interest in food or play
- Increased clinginess or withdrawal from affection
- Changes in sleeping habits or restlessness
- Pacing, whining or excessive vocalisation
- Having accidents inside despite being well-trained
Notice anything out of the ordinary that lasts longer than a few days to a week? It’s always good to rule out underlying health issues by checking in with your vet. But if everything checks out physically, grief may well be the cause.
Ways To Support A Grieving Pet
Just like us, pets need time, comfort, and gentle consistency after a loss. Here are a few ways you can help your furry (or feathery) one heal:
1. Stick With Routine
Keeping feeding and walk times consistent can offer a sense of normalcy that feels safe and familiar. Try using smart feeders or automated routines to ensure meals are on time, even on tough days.
2. Offer Comfort & Presence
Spend extra time simply being near your pet. They take great reassurance from physical closeness, kind voices, and calm environments. Snuggly beds for dogs or cat bedding can help them feel secure.
3. Keep Them Engaged
Mental stimulation can be an excellent way to help temporarily shift your pet’s focus. Try a new interactive toy or a fetch session, depending on your pet’s energy levels. For cats, feather chasers or interactive cat toys may help gently reignite curiosity.
4. Try Calming Supports
If your pet continues to show signs of stress or anxiety, calming solutions may help. You could try calming supplements, comforting sprays, or even calming beds designed to ease anxiety.
5. Offer Treats & Rewards
Small treats and positive reinforcement can help create happy moments again. Choose nourishing options like natural pet treats or special chews.
Should I Introduce A New Pet?
It can be incredibly tempting to fill the void with a new addition, but timing is everything. While some pets do benefit from a new companion, others may need space to grieve first. Watch for signs that your pet is starting to return to their usual self—eating well, showing interest in play, and appearing relaxed. If introducing a new pet, ease them in slowly and always put your grieving pet’s comfort first. Our puppy and kitten starter packs can make new beginnings extra smooth.
Honouring The Pet You’ve Lost
Rituals, memory boxes, or even planting a tree in memory can help both you and your pet say goodbye. Some pet parents find it helpful to keep an item with their scent—especially when helping a surviving pet adjust. If your pet had a favourite toy or bed, keeping it nearby may offer comfort during the transition.
We're Here To Help, Every Step Of The Way
At Petdirect, we understand the deep emotions behind pet loss because we’re pet lovers too. Whether you’re looking for supplements to support pet wellness during tough times or need gentle distractions through play, we’re here with expert guidance, rewards through our Pet Perks programme, and even options to earn Airpoints while caring for your pet.
Loss is never easy, but with love, patience, and a little help, your pet can find joy again. And so can you.