“[type of grief] will depend on the nature of the emotional bond between [pet and owner], and also the availability of compensatory figures that might help buffer against the loss,” he says. “of course, in most cases, humans know that death is the reason for the loss, but companion animals have no such knowledge; there is simply an abrupt and unexplained absence of an attachment figure.”
observed signs of mourning in companion animals can include decreased appetite, decreased energy level, increases or decreases in sleep, and/or increased affection or attachment for remaining owner, which is often interpreted as clinginess.
according to dr. erin katribe, medical director of the utah-based animal sanctuary
best friends animal society, pet owners report signs of mourning most commonly when either a human or other companion animal is lost through death or other means.
“certainly, some of the alteration in behaviour may be their response to their owner’s grieving and any changes in routine,” she says. “but this response, in itself, could also be considered a form of grieving for the loss.”
katribe also notes that since these behaviours in response to loss so closely resemble the those we observe in ourselves, it stands to reason that pets do indeed mourn the loss of their companions, “even if they don’t fully comprehend the reason or the permanence behind the loss.”