How to help your pet through the loss of their sibling

In the same way we grieve for the loss of a beloved dog or cat, our pets can feel deeply saddened when they lose their canine or feline companion, too.

The close connection between pets who are part of the same family is based on a powerful bond that’s unique to them. Although we’re aware that humans suffer through the grieving process, it’s believed some of our pets can also experience grief. 

While there’s no guaranteed way to ease your pet’s pain after the loss of their four-legged sibling, here’s our advice for steps you could take to help them cope…

Monitor their behaviour

Perhaps the most significant aspect of helping your dog or cat deal with the loss of their sibling is to monitor their behaviour closely. 

Although each pet is an individual with their own coping mechanisms, you’ll need to know the signs your dog or cat may be suffering from distress due to grief:

• Decreased appetite.
• Crying or distressed barking. 
• Attention seeking.
• Sleeping more or less than usual.
• Searching for their lost sibling.

Sometimes, a pet’s grief can manifest as changes in their relationship with other members of your family. Whether your cat refuses to interact with you or your dog suddenly becomes short-tempered with another pet, keeping an eye out for behavioural changes could indicate how they’re coping.

Please reach out to your vet if you’re concerned that your pet isn’t coping with the loss of a loved one. 

Provide plenty of attention

Making sure you spend quality time with your dog or cat, while you’re both processing the loss of a beloved pet, is important. Interacting with your surviving pet doesn’t just offer a sense of comfort for you, it allows them to find solace as they’re dealing with a drastic life change.

Alongside cuddles on the sofa and keeping up with their grooming needs, other activities could help refocus your pet’s energy onto something positive – like training, for example.

Teaching your pet a new trick, or reinforcing skills they’ve already learned (e.g. recall or loose lead walking), might provide some respite from missing their lost sibling. While training your grieving pet, keep sessions short and offer lots of praise – not forgetting to use only positive reinforcement for your dog or cat.

Maintain their usual routine 

Consistency can be helpful for pets going through the loss of their sibling, because maintaining their usual routine offers comfort in the sense of familiarity. 

Additionally, activities like grooming your cat or walking your dog might relieve some of the stress your pet could be experiencing as they work through their grief.

Another aspect of your pet’s life that should stay the same, in the wake of grief, is their environment. After you’ve lost a beloved dog or cat, it can be tempting to remove their belongings to avoid upsetting your surviving pet or pets. 

However, your dog or cat might feel connected to their late sibling through those belongings, and removing such items may cause them to feel stressed or upset. 

Create new, positive memories

If maintaining your pet’s usual routine and environment isn’t improving their outlook, then it may be time to create new memories with them.  

While making happy memories seems overwhelming as you’re in the throes of grief, creating nice memories for your pet could have a positive impact on their wellbeing.

Whether it’s taking your dog to the beach or setting up an indoor obstacle course for your cat, there’s a chance making new memories could help you cope, too. 

Seek professional support

Should you have any concerns about your dog or cat after losing a cherished family pet, please contact your vet for advice. 

Depending on your pet’s situation, your vet might refer you to a qualified behaviourist who can support you and your dog or cat through their grief.

To access the support of vet experts from anywhere at any time, you could download the Joii Pet Care app. 

Are you finding it difficult to cope with losing your family dog or cat? If so, please visit our Pet Bereavement Hub to find out where to access support and discover a range of helpful resources.