When a pet passes away, other pets in your home may experience signs of grief. This can include looking for the lost pet, crying, becoming agitated or loss of appetite.

Not all pets will experience signs of grief, but it’s important to know what to look out for, to enable you to support your pet as much as possible.

Keep an eye on their behaviour

Watch for any behaviour changes. Do they seem less energetic than usual? Has their appetite changed? These are normal reactions to the loss of their companion, which should improve over time.

Offer comfort if required

It’s important to be there for your animal companion if they’re struggling with the loss of another pet. Make time for your pet and offer comfort if they need it.

Reward calm behaviour

Try not to encourage any poor behaviour. It can be easy to want to give treats to your grieving pet, but this can instil bad habits that can be hard to break. Reward them when they are calm, but remedy any negative behaviour as usual.

Stick to your routine

Stick to your usual routine to make the transition as easy as possible for other pets. Try not to change the way you interact with them, as this may cause issues.

Focus on your bond

Spend time with your pet, whether going for walks, training or doing something they enjoy. It can be easy to isolate yourself when you’re grieving, but spending time together will be beneficial for both of you.

As part of our home end-of-life care, we offer support and counselling for pet owners struggling with bereavement. You can find out more here.