When Dogs Grieve.

Do dogs grieve? What does dog grief actually look like? And how can you support a dog after the loss of another dog, a person, or an animal companion?

In this episode of Rewriting the Rules, we explore canine grief in depth. When a dog loses a companion, whether that is another dog in the home or a beloved human, their world changes in ways that are often misunderstood. Grief in dogs can show up as anxiety, clinginess, withdrawal, separation distress, appetite changes, reactivity, confidence loss, or even trauma-like behaviours.

We discuss:

Do dogs really experience grief?

How attachment and co-regulation shape canine behaviour

Why behaviour changes after loss are often nervous system responses

What happens when two dogs become one

Why alone time can suddenly feel frightening

How grief can sometimes resemble PTSD or trauma

Practical, compassionate ways to support a grieving dog

How long dog grief may last

How to rebuild safety, confidence, and emotional stability