Losing a furry family member is completely heartbreaking. The house suddenly feels empty, your daily routine is thrown off, and the grief can be overwhelming. But if you have a multi-dog household, you might look at your surviving pup and wonder: Do dogs actually know when another dog passes away?

While dogs might not grasp the complex, permanent nature of death the same way humans do, animal behaviorists, veterinarians, and pet owners all agree on one thing: dogs definitely experience grief. They notice when a close companion is gone, they pick up on their owner's sadness, and they show clear, visible signs of mourning.

In this guide, we’ll dive into the reality of dog grief, how they process the loss of a furry friend, and what you can do to best support your dog through this heartbreaking time.

Do Dogs Understand Death?

To answer the question of whether dogs know when another dog dies, we first need to understand the difference between "death" and "disappearance."

Anthropologists note that while dogs might not grasp the finality of death, they have a keen sense of loss. They notice when their playmate isn't sleeping next to them, eating with them, or greeting them at the door anymore. Furthermore, thanks to their incredibly sensitive sense of smell, dogs often pick up on a companion's illness long before we do.

If you'd like to dive deeper into this topic, you can check out another article focusing on whether dogs understand death.

8 Signs Your Dog Is Grieving

Just like us, no two dogs grieve the exact same way. How hard they take it usually depends on how close they were. Dogs who spent their whole lives together and shared a deep bond will grieve intensely, while those who were just "roommates" might not show much of a change at all.

If your dog is going through a grieving period, you might notice one or more of these behavioral changes:

• Loss of appetite: Skipping meals or losing interest in their favourite treats is one of the most common signs of canine depression.

• Lethargy and extra sleep: A grieving dog will often lose their usual spark. You might find them sleeping a lot more than normal or completely losing interest in playtime.

• Searching for their buddy: You might see your dog wandering around the house, checking the spots where their companion used to hang out, or staring expectantly at the front door.

• Unusual vocalization: Some dogs will whine, whimper, or even howl as they look for their missing friend.

• Clinginess: A lot of grieving dogs become extra clingy. They might follow you from room to room like a shadow, needing constant comfort and reassurance.

• Social withdrawal: On the flip side, some dogs prefer to be left alone, coping with their grief by hiding under furniture or retreating to a quiet bedroom.

• Destructive behavior: Anxiety and stress can cause dogs to act out of character. You might see them pacing, chewing up furniture, or even having potty accidents in the house.

The Human Factor

Dogs are incredibly in tune with their owners' emotions. When you lose a beloved pet, your own daily routine gets turned upside down, and your dog can literally smell your stress.

Science actually backs this up, showing that dogs mirror their owners' stress levels. When you’re crying or stressed out, your body releases cortisol—and your dog’s cortisol levels spike right along with yours. Because of this, what we interpret as a dog mourning their furry friend is partly them reacting to your grief. They know their human is hurting, and that makes them feel deeply unsettled.

How Long Do Dogs Grieve?

Every dog processes grief differently. Some seem to bounce back in just a few days, while others might show signs of depression for up to six months. Let your dog grieve at their own pace. You can't rush them through the stages of grief, but you can actively help them adjust to their new normal.

How to Help a Grieving Dog?

It is absolutely heartbreaking to watch your surviving dog search for their lost friend, but there are practical steps you can take to help them heal:

• Stick to their routine: Dogs thrive on routine. Keeping things predictable is crucial when emotions are all over the place. Try to keep their feeding, walking, and sleeping schedules as normal as possible during the chaotic days following the loss.

• Offer extra love and comfort: Now is the time for extra cuddles, longer walks, and physical reassurance. If they are seeking comfort, go ahead and let them sleep a little closer to you right now.

• Don't rush to "replace" the dog: You might be tempted to adopt a new puppy right away to cheer up your surviving dog, but this can actually stress them out more. It's best to wait until both you and your current dog have settled into your new normal before bringing a new pet into the mix.

• Encourage new experiences: Take them on a hike at a new park, set up a playdate with a familiar dog in the neighborhood, or give them puzzle toys to keep their minds stimulated.

• Consult your vet: If your dog's grief turns into refusing to eat, vomiting, or severe lethargy that lasts more than a couple of days, definitely take them to the vet. It is crucial to make sure these symptoms are actually from heartbreak and not an underlying medical issue.

The Importance of Saying Goodbye

One of the most common things pet owners mention after losing a dog is how crucial it is to let the surviving dog see their companion after they've passed.

Dogs just don't understand the concept of "disappearing." If a sick dog is taken to the vet and never comes back, the dog left behind is often left feeling incredibly confused.

Giving your surviving dog the chance to see and sniff their companion's body—whether through at-home euthanasia or by bringing them into the vet's office—really helps them process the loss. Smelling their friend gives them a sense of closure, helping them understand that their buddy didn't just run away and leave them behind.

Keep their scent around

Finding a way to honor your late dog not only helps you navigate your own grief, but it can also bring comfort to your surviving dog. Dogs easily pick up on and mirror their owners' stress and sadness. By processing your heartbreak in a healthy way, you'll ultimately help your remaining pup feel much more safe and secure.

Consider setting up a small memorial or holding on to a few special keepsakes:

Scent mementos: A dog's world revolves around their sense of smell. Before you wash or pack away your late pup's belongings, hold onto an unwashed blanket or their favorite stuffed animal. For a grieving dog, catching their buddy's lingering scent can be incredibly soothing.

Physical keepsakes: Making a clay paw print, or getting a personalized pillow or memorial picture frame, gives you a tangible, comforting way to hold onto their memory.

A dedicated memorial space: Setting up a small shelf or placing an engraved memorial stone in the garden—alongside your dog's photo and ashes—gives you a specific place to reflect and remember the happy times. This can help you work through the loss and bring a sense of peace back into your home.

Final Thoughts

So, do dogs know when another dog passes away? The short answer is yes. Even though they process the experience differently than we do, their capacity to love means they also deeply feel the pain of loss. By understanding their grief, helping them adjust, and simply being there for them, you can help your loyal friend find joy again—and they will undoubtedly do the same for you.