Do Dogs Get Sad If Their Owner Dies? Understanding Canine Grief

Changes in appetite, sleep, or play may signal deeper emotional turmoil in your pet.

By Medha deb

Created on Sep 19, 2025

Changes in appetite, sleep, or play may signal deeper emotional turmoil in your pet.

Do Dogs Get Sad If Their Owner Dies?

Dogs have been our devoted companions for thousands of years, forming close emotional bonds with humans. Thanks to a growing body of scientific research and countless personal accounts, it is now widely accepted that dogs are capable of experiencing grief when a beloved owner passes away. But what does canine mourning actually look like, how does it differ from human grief, and what can be done to help a pet cope with such a profound loss? This article explores the emotional lives of dogs, offering insights from science, expert opinion, and real-life stories.

Can Dogs Really Grieve?

The notion that dogs grieve the loss of their owners is not just a matter of anecdotal talesâitâs backed by scientific research. Behavioral experts and animal psychologists report that many dogs do mourn their human companions, even though they may not fully comprehend the concept of death in the same way humans do. While they might not understand that their person is gone forever, dogs can sense the absence and disruption of their routine, leading to a state that closely resembles grief.

Numerous documented cases support this, such as Hachiko, the loyal Akita in Japan who waited at a train station for his deceased owner for years, and modern examples of dogs lingering near the graves of their owners or displaying listless, withdrawn behavior for long after a loss. Such stories have prompted scientists to explore whether these behaviors reflect true mourning or something else entirely.

What Does Science Say About Dog Grief?

Brain imaging studies have shown that similar areas in human and dog brains light up during emotional experiences, suggesting dogs feel emotions parallel to ours.
In a 2021 study by the University of Milan, researchers surveyed dog owners who had lost one of their pets and found that 66% of surviving dogs showed behaviors associated with grief, such as seeking comfort, decreased appetite, increased vocalization, and altered sleep patterns.
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) concludes that two-thirds of dogs display symptoms of separation anxiety and grief following the loss of an owner.

Experts define grief in animals as a period of emotional and behavioral disturbance following the loss of a significant presence in their lives. The distress may not be precisely the same as human mourning, but it is marked by observable changes and withdrawal from usual behavior.

Observable Signs a Dog is Grieving

Loss of appetite or refusal to eat
Hiding or withdrawal from family and activities
Lethargy or increased sleep
Whining, howling, or changes in vocalization
Searching for the deceased owner or pet
Clinginess or seeking extra attention
Altered sleep patterns
Decreased interest in playing, walking, or normal routines
Sudden house soiling or anxiety behaviors

Not every grieving dog will show all these signs, and the severity may depend on the depth of the bond with the lost owner or former pet companion.

How Much Do Dogs Understand About Death?

One of the most intriguing questions is whether dogs comprehend the permanence of death. Most experts agree that dogs likely do not possess an abstract understanding of death as humans do. Instead, they perceive loss through disrupted routine, missing sensory cues (such as their ownerâs voice, smell, or footsteps), and changes in household atmosphere. Studies and anecdotes suggest dogs respond to the unexplained absence with confusion and distress, seeking the lost individual and reacting to their absence but not necessarily understanding why they are gone.

Behavioral scientist John Bradshaw states, âDogs arenât dwelling on deathâtheyâre coping with a void in their social group.â The result, however, is an emotional state very similar to grief.

Stories of Canine Loyalty and Mourning

The enduring bond between dogs and humans has inspired countless tales of loyalty, but some accounts particularly highlight canine grief:

Hachiko: Perhaps the most famous story, Hachiko continued to wait for his deceased owner every day for nine years at a train station in Tokyo.
Spot: In the 1930s, this dog stayed by his ownerâs gravesite for months after he died, drawing national attention in the United States.
Siberian roadside dog: In a more recent case, a dog in Siberia waited by the road for his owner, who had perished over a year before, refusing to leave the spot where he last saw his companion.
Dogs mourning other animals: Reports exist of dogs displaying burial behaviors, such as covering deceased animal friends with blankets or laying near their graves.

The Difference Between Grieving for Humans and Other Pets

Dogs develop relationships not just with humans but also with other animals in their household. The depth of grief a dog experiences may depend on the strength of the bond. Dogs that are closely bonded may show overt symptomsâlethargy, howling, or seeking out their lost companionâwhile those with looser ties might exhibit little noticeable change. The important takeaway is to monitor changes and not assume all dogs will mourn identically.

How Dogs Sense Illness and Loss

Some studies and anecdotal evidence suggest that dogs can pick up on subtle cues long before an owner passes away. Dogs are known for their acute senses of smell and observation. They often notice when an owner is ill, responding with extra attention or gentle behaviors. It is believed that dogs may detect changes in a sick personâs scent, movement, or mood, sometimes offering comfort in their final days. This ability explains why therapy and hospice programs often incorporate dogs to provide solace to those in their care.

Do Dogs Know Why Their Owner Is Gone?

This is a common question with no definitive scientific answer. Dogs recognize absence and may feel confusion and anxiety when a primary caregiver vanishes. The lack of familiar routines and scents can be disorienting. They may search the home, linger at doors or places where the owner spent time, and display restlessness or sadness. However, as compelling as some stories are, there is no evidence that dogs have a philosophical understanding of death. Their grief is driven by the immediate reality of loss, not by any conscious knowledge of what has happened.

How Long Does Canine Grief Last?

Just as the depth and expression of grief vary, so does its duration. Some dogs adjust within a few weeks, while others may grieve for months or, in rare cases, show prolonged behavioral problems that require intervention. Key influences include the strength of the bond, the dog’s underlying temperament, age, overall health, and any other changes happening in the home (such as moving, rehoming, or additional losses).

How to Help a Grieving Dog

Supporting a dog through the loss of an owner or companion requires patience and understanding. Here are some expert-backed steps to help your pet through their mourning period:

Maintain routine: Dogs thrive on predictability. Try to keep walks, meals, and bedtime schedules consistent.
Provide extra affection: Be responsive to your dogâs need for comfort. Some dogs may want more closeness, petting, or reassurance.
Offer opportunities for stimulation: Engage your dog with their favorite activities, new toys, short trips, or easy training exercises. Stimulating the mind can help distract from sorrow.
Monitor eating and drinking: Encourage normal meals, but see a veterinarian if appetite loss lasts more than a few days.
Allow time to adjust: Do not rush your dogâs recovery. Grief manifests differently, so be patient if it takes weeks or even months for them to return to their usual selves.
Seek professional support if needed: If you notice persistent depression, health issues, destructive behavior, or self-isolation far beyond normal mourning, consult a veterinarian or a canine behavioral specialist.
Limit big changes: Avoid unnecessary disruptions (like moving or introducing new pets) until the dog settles into their new reality.

Dogs Grieving with Their Owners

After the loss of a loved one, everyone in the householdâhuman and animal alikeâmay experience grief. Research indicates that dogs not only feel their own loss but can also pick up on the sadness of their human family members. Because dogs are so attuned to human emotions, your dog may become even more distressed if youâre heartbroken yourself. Some studies even show that stress levels, as measured by cortisol, rise in both pets and owners during times of emotional upheaval.

Itâs important to support each other: be aware that your emotional state can impact your petâs, and mutual comfort can aid recovery for all involved.

Myths and Misconceptions About Canine Grief

âGetting a new pet immediately will fix a dogâs grief.â
Introducing a new animal too soon can be confusing or even distressing. Allow your dog to mourn before adding to their social group.
âIf a dog doesnât show sadness, it didnât care.â
Like humans, dogs express sorrow differently; some may become quiet, others restless or even appear unaffected.
âDogs only grieve for people, not other animals.â
Evidence shows that dogs can mourn the loss of fellow pets, especially if the relationship was close.

What to Watch Out For: When Dog Grief Becomes a Problem

Mild changes in appetite, activity, or sociability following a loss are normal and often self-resolving. However, persistent or severe symptoms may signal that your dog needs professional intervention. Seek veterinary or behaviorist support if you see:

Weight loss from prolonged refusal to eat
Continued lethargy or lack of interest months after a loss
Uncontrolled house soiling or unusual destructive behavior
Self-harm or obsessive licking/gnawing

Medical conditions can sometimes mimic or be exacerbated by grief, so check with your veterinarian if youâre unsure.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How do I know if my dog is grieving?

A: Common signs include loss of appetite, lethargy, changes in sleep, increased vocalization, withdrawal, or seeking extra comfort. If these persist or are severe, consult your vet or a behaviorist.

Q: Can dogs understand when someone is dying?

A: While dogs likely do not comprehend death as humans do, they often pick up on illness through changes in scent, routine, or the ownerâs behavior, and may react by becoming more affectionate or attentive.

Q: Should I get another pet right away if my dog loses an owner?

A: Most experts recommend waiting until your surviving dog shows signs of adjustment and acceptance before introducing another animal. Rushing can cause stress for all involved.

Q: What if my dog never seems to recover?

A: Some dogs take longer than others, but if signs of depression, hunger strikes, or antisocial behavior persist, contact your veterinarian or an animal behaviorist for help. Medication or targeted behavioral therapy may be needed in rare cases.

Q: Do dogs grieve only for owners, or also for other animals?

A: Dogs canâand doâgrieve the loss of animal companions, especially if the bond was close. Each dogâs response to loss is unique.

Summary Table: Canine Grief – Key Points

Aspect	Description
Grief Triggers	Loss of a close human or pet companion
Common Signs	Withdrawal, loss of appetite, altered sleep, seeking comfort
Duration	Few weeks to several months, varies by individual
Management	Maintain routine, show affection, provide stimulation, seek professional help if needed
Additional Support	Monitor emotional and physical health, avoid major changes in early stages

Final Thoughts

Dogs do grieve after the loss of an owner or beloved companion. While their understanding of the event is different from our own, their loyalty and capacity for deep emotional connection cannot be questioned. By recognizing the signs of grief and offering patient, loving support, we can help our dogs through one of lifeâs hardest moments, just as they comfort us through ours.

References

Author

medha deb

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

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