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You can tell when a dog is happy, scared, or guilty, but what about grief? Dogs live in a sensory-rich world, guided by smell, sound, and routine. When a companion dies, those signals vanish. They may not understand death the way we do, but they feel the absence — deeply.
Table of Contents
In this guide, we’ll explore what science says about whether dogs understand death, how grief shows up in their behavior, and the best ways to help a mourning pet heal.
Can Dogs Understand The Concept Of Death?
Dogs experience the world through their senses, not abstract thought. Their noses detect scents we can’t imagine, and their ability to read body language is almost uncanny. But do dogs understand death in the same way humans conceptualize it? Probably not.
Instead of thinking about mortality, dogs notice what’s missing — a familiar smell, a favorite sound, a comforting routine. That absence can cause confusion, stress, and behaviors that look very much like grief.
It’s not just about missing a friend; it’s the sudden change in the rhythm of life. The absence of familiar smells and friends. The quiet where there used to be play.
The day I said goodbye to my old dog, Finn, I thought I had an emotional handle on the hardest part — until I saw his best furry friend, Tiny, searching every room, sniffing his bed, and letting out a soft, broken whine. It made me wonder: do dogs know when other dogs die?
Did You Know? Dogs can detect changes in a companion’s scent before death. Scientists believe this may help explain their sudden clinginess or distress before a loss.
Do Dogs Know When Other Dogs Die?
Many owners swear their surviving dog knew something had happened before they even removed the body or returned from the vet. One dog might sit by the door for hours, another might cry softly, and some seem restless or confused, pacing around as if searching for answers.
While we can’t prove “knowing” in the human sense, evidence shows they are acutely aware of absence, and that awareness can affect them emotionally and physically.
Dogs live in a sensory world dominated by smell. A living companion carries a complex scent signature that shifts subtly with mood, diet, and even illness. Animal ethologist Marc Bekoff, Ph.D., explains that dogs can often sense illness before death because they detect these scent changes.
After death, that primary scent signature disappears almost immediately, which may explain why many surviving dogs engage in searching behaviors or act distressed.
Did You Know? Some owners let the surviving dog see or sniff the body. For many, this simple act seems to reduce searching behavior later on — a small bit of closure in a confusing time.
If your dog is showing signs of distress or confusion, comfort through consistency. Keep walks, mealtimes, play sessions, and bedtime routines predictable. Familiar structure helps them rebuild a sense of safety.
For additional support, see our guides on dog anxiety and interactive toys to help ease emotional stress and restlessness.
Do Dogs Grieve Other Dogs?
Grief in dogs is real — though it looks different than it does in humans. A 2016 study published in the journal Animals surveyed over 250 dog and cat owners and found that 75% noticed at least one behavioral change in their surviving dog after an animal companion passed away.
Even more compelling, a 2022 study in Scientific Reports surveyed 426 multi-dog households. Over 85% of owners observed behavioral changes after one dog’s death, including increased clinginess, less play, and longer sleep.
- Increased attention-seeking (67%)
- Reduced playfulness and overall activity (57%)
- Increased sleep (35%)
- Loss of appetite (32%)
- More frequent vocalization (30%)
For many dogs, these behaviors fade after a few months, but about one-quarter of dogs continue grieving for six months or longer. Those with especially strong bonds show the deepest changes.
When to Worry: If your dog refuses food for more than two days, or withdraws completely from play, it’s time to talk to your vet. Prolonged grief can sometimes mask health issues or depression.
Remember that dogs often mirror their owner’s emotions. If you’re visibly sad, they pick up on your tone, body language, and energy. Healing together through routine, affection, and quiet moments helps both of you recover.
Other Possible Signs A Dog Is Aware Of A Companion Dog’s Death
- Refusing to enter certain rooms where they spent time together
- Searching the house or yard as if looking for the missing companion
- Whining or howling at usual playtimes
- Sniffing bedding or toys intensely, then ignoring them — almost as if confirming the absence of scent
If you’ve seen any of these signs, you know they’re not just “acting out” — they’re processing a change they don’t fully understand, but they know things are different.
My Colleague’s Personal Experience With A Pup Grieving Their Furry Sibling
I saw firsthand how the death of one dog can leave ripples that touch every corner of a home, including other pets. When my beloved Chihuahua passed away a few years ago, it felt like the loss of a family member, a piece of daily life suddenly missing.
What I didn’t expect was how deeply it would affect my other dog, Daisy. Daisy paced the house, unsettled, as if searching for a rhythm that no longer existed. She clung to me in a way I had never seen before, shadowing me from room to room, even nudging her way into the bathroom.
Her grief spilled into the smallest details, ignoring her food, refusing the comfort of her own bed. That bed had always been hers, but it had also been shared with our sweet Chi. For weeks, she would not sleep there.
When I spoke to my vet, they explained that this was Daisy’s way of grieving. In time, life slowly found a new shape, and the house softened back into something like normal.
But Daisy never let go of that fierce need to be close. Even a year later, when we opened our home to a new rescue pup, she stayed pressed to my side.
– Danielle DeGroot, Rescue Dog Mom, Canine Journal Writer
Can Dogs Sense Death Before It Happens?
Many pet owners swear their dog acted differently in the days before a loved one passed — staying unusually close, staring quietly, or whining without cause. Could they somehow know what’s coming?
Science suggests dogs may sense approaching death, not through psychic ability, but through scent. Dogs can detect changes in human body chemistry, including the smell of illness, infection, or stress hormones like cortisol. As the body begins to shut down, those scent patterns change dramatically.
Behaviorists also note that dogs react strongly to emotional energy shifts in the household. If family members are tense or grieving in advance, dogs may mirror that stress long before the moment of loss.
Did You Know? Therapy dogs in hospice settings often become quieter and calmer near patients nearing death — a gentle instinct rooted in empathy, not superstition.
So while dogs may not understand death, their extraordinary senses let them recognize when something profound is changing. Their response, often gentle vigilance, is their way of showing love.
Do Dogs Understand An Owner’s Death?
When a beloved owner passes away, the loss can shake a dog’s world as much, if not more, than the loss of a canine companion. Dogs rely on their humans for food, care, affection, and daily structure. When that presence suddenly disappears, it can leave them anxious, restless, and withdrawn.
Their bond with us runs deeper than habit — it’s biological. A 2011 study on human–dog interaction found that simple petting increases a dog’s oxytocin levels, the same hormone that bonds parents and infants.
Other studies have shown that dogs become anxious when their owner is away, even for short stretches, and that the stress grows stronger the longer the separation lasts. This helps explain why some dogs become “velcro dogs” sticking close wherever you go.
Quick Tip: If your dog seems lost after a loved one’s passing, keep their schedule rock-steady with the same meal times, same bedtime, same walks. Routine restores security faster than comfort alone.
This also helps explain why some dogs develop separation anxiety when an owner dies or leaves for extended periods. They don’t understand the concept of “gone forever” — only the painful absence of their person.
If your dog’s anxiety leads to destructive behavior, house accidents, or refusal to eat, a professional can help. Explore our best online dog training courses for expert-guided behavior support you can start at home.
Stories That Mirror the Science
Science may measure hormones and heart rates, but dog owners know the signs of grief firsthand. Some dogs wait by doors or windows. Others sleep on their owner’s clothes. Many refuse food or wander the house as if searching.
And of course, there’s the famous story of Hachikō, the Akita in Japan, who waited at a train station for nearly 10 years after his owner’s death. His story isn’t just folklore; it mirrors what we still see today in service dogs who lie beside a fallen handler’s coffin or pets that linger near their owner’s grave.
In both science and story, one truth stands out: dogs may not understand death, but they know absence. And when that absence is the person or canine companion they’ve loved most, the adjustment can be as emotional for them as it is for us.
What’s The Difference Between Grief And Anxiety In Dogs?
When a dog loses a beloved companion, some of the behaviors you notice may look a lot like anxiety — pacing, whining, or clinging to you more than usual. But there are subtle differences between grief and separation anxiety, and knowing them can help you support your dog better.
Grief Behaviors often appear around familiar times or spaces linked to the lost pet or person:
- Searching for the deceased dog or person
- Sleeping more than usual
- Loss of appetite
- Vocalizing at unusual times
- Withdrawal from play or favorite activities
Anxiety Behaviors are more likely to show up when your dog is left alone:
- Destructive chewing or scratching doors
- House soiling even when housetrained
- Excessive panting or drooling
- Constant pacing until you return
- Immediate relief once you’re home
The key difference is triggers. Grief tends to appear around routines, objects, or times connected to the lost companion, while anxiety is triggered by your absence.
Of course, some dogs experience both at once — grief that turns into heightened separation anxiety. If your dog’s distress feels extreme or doesn’t improve after a few weeks, talking with your vet or a behaviorist can make a world of difference.
How To Help A Grieving Dog Heal
When a dog is grieving the loss of another dog or human companion, they need stability, patience, and gentle encouragement.
While it can take some dogs a long time to heal, here’s what you can do to help your furry friend:
- Stick to routines — Meals, walks, and bedtime should be predictable.
- Give extra affection — Petting, grooming, and quiet companionship can offer comfort.
- Keep things familiar — Surround them with familiar people, scents, and objects.
- Maintain exercise — Walking and light play encourage endorphin release.
- Offer mental enrichment — Puzzle toys, brain training games, and new scents help keep their mind active.
- Let them rest — Some dogs need quiet time as much as play.
- Monitor eating and drinking habits closely — early vet intervention can prevent health decline.
When To Seek Professional Help
Most grieving dogs start to improve within a few months. But if grief turns into prolonged depression, it’s time to talk to your vet or a certified canine behaviorist. Sudden weight loss, refusal to eat, or extreme withdrawal can indicate both emotional and physical health issues. A veterinary behaviorist can also create a personalized plan to help your dog adjust.
When Grief Affects Health
Most grieving dogs gradually adjust over time. But in some cases, the emotional stress takes a toll on their body as well as their heart.
Red flags to watch for include:
- Refusing food for more than 24–48 hours
- Noticeable weight loss
- Sudden changes in bathroom habits
- Lethargy that doesn’t improve
- Worsening of existing conditions, like arthritis or heart disease
Stress hormones such as cortisol can weaken the immune system if they remain elevated for too long. This makes senior dogs or those with chronic illnesses especially vulnerable.
If you notice these changes, don’t wait — schedule a veterinary checkup. A grieving dog may also be a sick dog, and catching health issues early is the best way to protect them while they heal emotionally.
Can A New Dog Help A Grieving Dog?
When a beloved dog passes, it’s natural to wonder if bringing another pet into the home will ease the surviving dog’s sadness. The answer isn’t simple — and timing matters.
For some dogs, a new companion can provide distraction, play, and comfort. For others, especially those still deep in mourning, a new dog may feel overwhelming or even threatening.
Signs your dog may be ready for a new companion:
- Appetite and sleep have returned to normal
- Curiosity about other dogs has reappeared
- Playfulness and energy are starting to return
Signs your dog may need more time:
- Refusal to eat or engage with toys
- Persistent searching for the deceased dog
- Anxiety, withdrawal, or excessive vocalizing
The key is to let your dog set the pace. Rushing the process can add stress rather than comfort. If you do bring home a new dog, make introductions slowly and offer plenty of reassurance so your grieving pup doesn’t feel replaced.
Other Animals Who Demonstrate Grief Behaviors
Dogs aren’t the only animals who show signs of mourning. In fact, an entire field of science, called comparative thanatology (the study of how animals respond to death), has documented grief-like behaviors across many social species.
Barbara J. King, Ph.D., emerita professor of anthropology at the College of William & Mary, author of How Animals Grieve, and author of the award-winning article “Humans Are Not the Only Creatures Who Mourn” in Scientific American, asserts that the following patterns make it clear that many animals respond to death.
- Wolves and Coyotes: Wild canids have been observed lingering near deceased packmates, vocalizing softly, or showing subdued behavior. These parallels to domestic dogs suggest that mourning may be rooted in evolutionary pack bonds.
- Elephants: One of the most well-documented examples, elephants often touch and guard the bodies of fallen herd members, sometimes revisiting the bones months or years later.
- Primates: Chimpanzees and gorillas have been seen carrying deceased infants for days, a behavior researchers believe reflects both attachment and difficulty processing the loss.
- Birds: Corvids like crows and magpies gather quietly around dead flockmates in what some scientists call “funeral gatherings.” These events may help the group process danger or simply express loss.
Together, these examples reinforce the idea that grief is not uniquely human — it’s a response to deep social bonds. And just like elephants or primates, our dogs feel the absence of those they love.
Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve covered the most common questions about canine grief below. If you don’t see your question here, drop it in our comments. We love hearing from readers and will do our best to get you answers.
Should You Let Your Dog See The Deceased Pet?
Some experts believe that allowing a dog to sniff and see the body may help them process the change. Without this, they may continue searching, unsure where their companion went. However, this isn’t right for every dog — some may become stressed or agitated. If you’re unsure, ask your vet for guidance.
Do Dogs Remember Deceased Dogs Years Later?
Some do, especially if they were deeply bonded. Familiar scents or places can trigger memories.
How Long Do Dogs Grieve?
There’s no set timeline. Some dogs bounce back within weeks; others may take months or more to fully adjust. Age, personality, and the depth of the bond all play a role. Just like humans, dogs may have “good days” and “bad days” during the grieving process.
Can A Dog Die Of Grief?
While grief itself doesn’t directly cause death, extreme stress can worsen health issues in senior or fragile dogs.
Is My Dog’s Change In Behavior Normal After Losing A Friend?
Yes, as long as it gradually improves over time. If it worsens, consult a vet.
When Should I Get Another Dog?
It’s tempting to fill the void quickly, but timing matters. Your surviving dog needs time to adjust to the loss — and you do, too. Introducing a new pet too soon can cause stress or resentment.
Signs your dog might be ready for a new companion:
- Their appetite and sleep return to normal
- They’re showing signs of playfulness
- They seem curious about other dogs again
Do Dogs Grieve When An Owner Dies?
Yes, physiological stress and behavioral changes are common. Keeping routines consistent, maintaining familiar scents, and offering extra companionship can help.
Should A Dog See Their Deceased Owner?
Some experts believe it may help provide closure, allowing the dog to process the absence through scent and sight. However, others caution that the experience can be confusing or stressful for certain dogs. If this situation arises, consult a veterinarian or behaviorist to decide what’s best for your dog.
How To Deal With Your Own Grief Over A Pet Loss
Facing the end of a dog’s life is one of the most difficult moments any pet parent will experience. Saying goodbye to a beloved companion means not only coping with your own grief but also helping surviving pets adjust to the absence.
Allow space for both yourself and your surviving pets to mourn, and lean on support when you need it. If you’d like more guidance, you can read our companion article on coping with the death of your dog for ideas on navigating the healing process.
If you’ve ever walked alongside your dog as they grieved the loss of a companion, our hearts go out to you. We’d love for you to share your story in the comments — how did you help your pup heal, and what brought comfort during that difficult time?
