The loss of a pet is a truly heartbreaking experience for any owner. But what many people don’t realize is that our animal companions may grieve too, and just like us, they grieve in their own unique ways. In some instances, they may hardly notice or even be pleased with the change in the household dynamic.

Here’s what I recently witnessed in my home when my sweet dog Ellie passed away 4 days ago.  While Voodoo, my Briard, displayed some classic signs of grief (mild depression, sniffing Ellie’s favorite spots and where she passed, and increased attentiveness), Pandora, my caucasian shepherd, seemed relatively unfazed aside from visiting where she passed for a sniff and enjoying some new freedoms.

Here’s a closer look at how my two dogs reacted to Ellie’s passing:

Voodoo’s grief was unmistakable. He became a bit withdrawn at times. He spent a significant amount of time sniffing the places where Ellie often was as well as where she was euthanized (a vet came out to the property).  He also became more attentive to me, as Ive been a complete wreck. As the days have gone on, he’s returned mostly back to normal aside from dealing with my meltdowns

Pandora’s response to Ellie’s death was far more subtle. She had a different kind of coping, to say the least.  She occasionally checked the spot where Ellie was euthanized, but otherwise, she seemed relatively unbothered after seeing the body (she did show concern then).  In fact, I noticed her enjoying the newfound freedom in the house.  Ellie and Pandora sometimes needed to have a referee to keep the peace, and with Ellie being the old sick one, this often meant Pandora had to accommodate her. Now Pandora is HBIC (head b*tch in charge) in the pack, and she likes being queen bee!

It’s important to remember that there’s no right or wrong way for dogs to grieve.  Just like humans, some dogs may outwardly express their emotions through vocalizations or changes in appetite, while others may internalize their emotions and have more subtle reactions, or simply not mind at all.

If you’re going through the loss of a pet, here are some tips for helping your dog cope:

Maintain a Routine:  Dogs thrive on routine, so try to stick to your regular training and feeding schedules as much as possible.

Extra Love and Attention:  Spend extra time cuddling and playing with your grieving dog(s). Give them things to do

Be Patient:  Grief takes time. Be patient with your dog and allow them to grieve in their own way as long as it’s not destructive or excessive.

The loss of a pet is a difficult experience for both humans and other household animals. By understanding how dogs grieve and providing them with love and support, we can help them through this challenging time.

If your pet displays excessive or destructive signs of grief, please consult your veterinarian.