Supporting Dogs Through the Loss of Their Caregiver

Loss affects every member of a family; including the dogs. When a dog’s beloved person dies or becomes too unwell to care for them, it can be deeply disorienting.

Dogs don’t understand death in the same way humans do, but they do feel absence, change, and grief. They notice routines stopping, scents fading, voices missing. And just like us, they need time, compassion, and support to process what has happened.

In my work, I often hear the question: “What should we do for the dog when their person has died?” There isn’t one right answer, but there are gentle steps we can take to help them through the transition.

Dogs are far more perceptive than we often give them credit for. They notice our emotions, shifts in the household energy, and the absence of someone they love. It can feel tempting to avoid the subject, but speaking directly to the dog can be incredibly grounding.

You don’t need complicated words. A simple, calm explanation like:

“John has died. He won’t be coming home, but you are safe and loved.”

It may feel strange at first, but dogs pick up on your tone, your intent, and the consistency of your message. Naming the truth helps them make sense of the change.

Smell is one of the strongest connections dogs have with their loved ones. If possible, allow the dog to have something that still carries their person’s scent; a worn jumper, a pillowcase, or a blanket. This can be a powerful source of comfort in the early days, especially when everything else feels unsettled.

Dogs thrive on routine, but in times of grief, flexibility matters. Try to keep the basics steady like mealtimes, walks, bedtime; but don’t worry if everything doesn’t run like clockwork.

The goal isn’t to replicate life exactly as it was, but to offer enough predictability that the dog feels safe. Pay attention to how the dog responds. Some will want more closeness, others may withdraw. Honour their pace.

Sometimes, heartbreakingly, there isn’t a family member or friend able to step in. The dog’s whole world shifts overnight. They lose their person, their home, and their routines, all at once and can find themselves in a rescue shelter.

If you’re helping a dog in this situation, there are small but meaningful ways to protect their emotional wellbeing:

• Speak to them before they leave the home. Tell them what’s happening. Let them hear their person’s name, and explain in simple terms that they are safe and will be cared for.

• Send them with comfort items. A blanket, bed, or unwashed clothing from their person can be a lifeline in a rescue kennel. The familiar scent carries love into a strange new place.

• Share their story. Give the rescue staff as much information as possible about the dog’s life; the words they know, their daily routines, their favourite places, and the bond they had with their person. These details help staff hold the dog’s grief with compassion rather than just seeing “a dog to rehome.”

For rescue staff and foster carers, it helps to remember that this dog isn’t just confused; they are bereaved. Patience, gentleness, and acknowledgment of their loss can make a huge difference to how they settle.

Yes, dogs grieve. It may look like searching the house, waiting by the door, loss of appetite, or even changes in sleep. They may be more vocal, restless, or unusually quiet. These are all normal signs of mourning.

The best thing we can do is allow space for it without rushing them to “move on.” Just as with people, grief takes its own path. Gentle reassurance, presence, and patience go a long way.

Supporting a grieving dog can stir up our own emotions. Their loss mirrors ours. If you find it painful to witness their sadness, that’s natural. Remember that you don’t have to “fix” their grief, you only need to walk alongside them in it.

When a dog loses their person, they lose part of their world. But with honesty, presence, and care, we can help them feel held through the change. Speak to them. Acknowledge what has happened. Let them keep a piece of their person close. And above all, offer the steady reassurance that they are not alone.

Because love, even in loss, is something they will always understand.