How to Help a Dog Cope With Another Dog’s Death

There's no doubt saying goodbye to our dog is an extremely hard, especially sensitive moment. But not just for us. If another dog lives at home, it can also suffer the absence, on top of picking up on our own pain.

Luckily, dogs manage to adapt to new situations relatively quickly, but it's worth helping them through their grief, especially if we notice days going by and the dog struggling to get back to its normal life.

Dogs and Death

Although the idea that dogs can predict death is widespread, the truth is their abilities aren't supernatural. Their amazing sense of smell, their most developed sense, explains why they perceive substances the body produces during illness processes. This is how they'll know their companion isn't healthy.

On top of that, dogs are especially empathetic with their caretakers. We're their point of reference, and they've evolved to communicate with us and interpret any of our gestures. That's why it won't be at all difficult for them to notice we're sad and worried, and that the reason is their companion's illness.

Also, dogs are social and sociable animals. They build a routine with every household member. We walk, play, eat, sleep together... meaning day-to-day life happens as a family. The bond formed is one of affection, which is why the dog, just like us, will also notice the absence of its loved one.

Before Death

First, it's positive to let the animals say goodbye. Sometimes death is quick or sudden, but otherwise, it's a good idea for the animals to keep their usual contact so they can gradually perceive what's happening. In other words, during the illness period, if that's the case, they shouldn't be separated.

It might seem absurd, but it's good to explain to the dog how we're feeling about the situation. It's clear it won't understand every word, but it'll pick up on our mood, and we'll share a moment with it. From there, the grieving process will begin.

A Dog Sad After Its Friend's Death

After the passing, but also when a dog is away — for example, if it's in a foster home and gets adopted — we might notice the remaining dog's behavior isn't what it usually is. So, the dog may show, above all:

• Apathy — it spends a lot of time lying down and sleeping, and interacts less with its surroundings.
• Less activity — it doesn't feel like playing, or not with its usual enthusiasm.
• Loss of appetite — some dogs stop eating, and others eat less.
• Disorientation — it'll wander with no fixed goal, as if looking for its friend.
• It's important to know that, although we associate these behaviors with the loss, if they don't go away, get worse, or we notice any other clinical sign, we should see a vet. We need to rule out an organic illness.

Steps to Help a Dog Get Over Its Friend's Death

If our dog is in this situation, we can help improve its mood. Also, for us, since we'll be going through our own grief too, this will be equally beneficial:

1. Spend time together: at least during the first few days, it's a good idea to dedicate more time to the dog so it feels less alone and gradually adjusts to the new routines.
2. Get exercise: taking the dog on calm, long walks to its favorite spots, ideally through a natural setting, will help it relax.
3. Offer tasty meals: this is the time to give it its favorite dishes or treats to lift its spirits, especially if it's refusing to eat.
4. Pampering: massages, pets, games, brushing, or even baths if it enjoys them, are small, pleasurable comforts for it that strengthen our bond.
5. Bach flower remedies: we know scientific evidence shows nothing more than a placebo effect, but we also know of good results using these drops to improve sad dogs' mood. Ideally, contact a specialist. Otherwise, you can go with the popular Rescue Remedy. Seven drops can be added to the water.

Is It a Good Idea to Adopt Another Dog?

Sometimes, having another dog at home is exactly what the dog needs to get over the absence of its previous companion. But we also need to weigh each case's circumstances, so there's no single answer to this question. For example, if our dog is already quite old, not very sociable, and so on, it might be a bad idea.

On the other hand, a more playful dog will likely appreciate having company again all day. In conclusion, the most important thing is knowing our dog and weighing the pros and cons. We also need to think about how we feel, and we always have the option of trying fostering a dog first to see how they get along.

When to See a Vet

If days go by and our dog is still sad, it's best to see a vet for a general checkup. It's true its low mood could be due to the companion's absence, but it could also be an illness that needs a professional diagnosis. If it's healthy but still sad, we can consult a canine behavior expert.

When the problem is suspected to be psychological in origin, ethologists are the ones who should give us the necessary guidelines to improve the dog's state. In some cases, medication prescribed by the vet may be needed.