When a dog dies, owners will often notice some changes in the pets that are left behind. They may become aloof or lethargic. Some may stop eating or become clingy. Based on these outward signs, it appears that dogs grieve when their canine companion dies.

Because our pets cannot speak, we don’t really know what is going through their minds. We must base our interpretations of their emotional state on their behavior—what they do in certain situations and under specific circumstances.

When a person experiences the death of a human loved one, we may know how he feels grief based on what he says. Very often, however, it is how he reacts or what he does that tells us he is suffering. He loses focus, becomes listless and disoriented, doesn’t eat and becomes disinterested in what is happening around him. The person may cry, go without sleep or sleep more than usual.

An animal that is experiencing the loss of another animal companion may react similarly. Some animals can actually become depressed when they lose a loved one. They show symptoms similar to humans, such as loss of interest in their favorite activities and sleeping more than usual. However, dogs may sometimes distance themselves from the family and sleep more than usual when they are ill, so you should consult with your veterinarian before seeing a behaviorist if your dog exhibits such symptoms.

Your dog may lose her appetite, become disoriented or become more clingy. If the deceased dog was taken to a veterinarian to be euthanized, the grieving dog may sit at the window for days, watching for her return. Animal behaviorists commonly call this emotional state "separation anxiety". On the surface, the pet’s behavior is similar to that of a person experiencing grief over the loss of a loved one.

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals conducted a "Companion Animal Mourning Project" in 1996. The study found that 36 percent of dogs ate less than usual after the death of another canine companion, while about 11 percent stopped eating completely. About 63 percent of dogs vocalized more than normal or became quieter. Study respondents also indicated that surviving dogs changed the quantity and location of sleep. More than half the surviving pets became more affectionate and clingy with their caregivers. Overall, the study revealed that 66 percent of dogs exhibited four or more behavioral changes after losing a pet companion.

If your dog shows signs that she is grieving the loss of an animal or human family member, provide her with more attention and affection. Take her mind off the loss by engaging in a favorite activity. If she enjoys human company, invite friends she likes over to spend time with her. Use environmental enrichment techniques like toys to help keep her busy. Hide toys or treats at her favorite spots for her to find during the day.

If your dog is very depressed over the loss, she may not respond to extra activity right away. The old saying "time heals all wounds" has meaning for your dog, too. Time is one thing that may help. Based on the results of the ASPCA study, most dogs returned to normal after about two weeks, but some dogs took up to six months to fully recover.

If your dog is vocalizing more or howling, don’t give her treats to distract her This might unintentionally reinforce the howling. Giving attention during any behavior will reinforce it, so be sure you are not reinforcing a behavior you don’t like. Give attention at a time when your dog is engaging in behaviors that you do like, such as when she is resting quietly or watching the squirrels. As the pain of the loss begins to subside, so should the vocalizing, if it is related to the grieving process.

You may also want to consult with your veterinarian about drug therapy to help decrease your dog’s anxiety.

If you are thinking about adding another dog to your home, wait until you and your surviving dog have adjusted to the loss. Forcing your dog to get to know a newcomer will only add stress to her already anxiety-ridden emotional state. And be patient. Your dog may miss her canine companion as much as you do.