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How to Help a Pet Cope When Another Pet Dies 

Sophie
by Sophie
Published:  September 16th, 2026

When one pet dies, the loss can affect every member of the household, including other pets. 


Although experts are unsure whether dogs and cats understand the permanence of death, pets can form strong bonds and experience distress when a companion seemingly disappears.


Allowing a surviving pet to see and smell their deceased friend may help them recognize that something has changed. 


Afterward, patience, consistency and careful observation can make the adjustment easier.

Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article but at no cost to you. 

Table of contents

1. Consider Giving Your Pet a Chance to Say Goodbye

When possible, a surviving pet can be allowed to remain nearby during an at-home euthanasia.


Some pets settle quietly beside their companion, while others prefer to keep their distance.


If being present during the procedure feels inappropriate, the pet can be brought into the room afterward.


Give them time and space to investigate without pressure or distractions.


The interaction may be surprisingly brief. A pet might take one look, sniff their companion and then walk away.


They don’t need to respond in a noticeably emotional way for the experience to be meaningful.

Keep in Mind:

Not every pet should be present throughout euthanasia. A dog or cat who is typically anxious, reactive or disruptive might be better off visiting afterward.

2. Understand How Grief May Affect a Pet

After losing a companion, a surviving pet may become more withdrawn, clingier or sensitive.


They may wander through the house searching, linger near the door or watch through windows as if expecting their friend to return. 


Other Possible Changes Include:

  • Eating less or refusing food
  • Losing interest in play
  • Sleeping more or less than usual
  • Pacing, panting or whining
  • Barking or howling when alone
  • Appearing anxious or unsettled


These behaviors may result from missing their companion or even picking up on their owner’s sadness. 

3. Keep Life as Familiar as Possible

Keep your pet’s meals, walks, playtime and sleep schedule as consistent as possible. 


Avoid immediately removing the deceased pet’s belongings, since familiar scents may provide comfort. Watch your pet’s reaction and clear items away gradually. 


Regular walks can ease stress, especially when you combine familiar routes with opportunities to explore new places. 


At first, try not to leave a distressed pet alone for long. When you must go out, consider using a camera to watch for signs of separation anxiety.

Image via Canva

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4. Don’t Rush to Bring Home Another Pet

A new animal will not necessarily relieve a surviving pet’s sadness, or your own. 


In fact, introducing an unfamiliar pet during an already stressful time could make them more uncomfortable. Wait until the timing feels right for the whole family.

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Final Thoughts

Allowing a pet to see a deceased companion may make the loss feel less like an unexplained disappearance, but it won’t necessarily prevent their grief.


Every animal responds differently. Offer your pet time, stability, gentle attention and opportunities for exercise.


If they stop eating, show severe separation distress or experience significant behavioral changes, contact your vet or qualified animal behaviorist for guidance.


If you have a senior pet, like me, and this topic is on your mind, check out how to comfort your senior pet in their final days.


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This guide will help you understand the most important aspects of axolotl care, so you can decide whether your lifestyle and home are the right fit for this new aquatic family member.Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article, but at no cost to you.Understanding the AxolotlBefore we can provide the ideal environment for an axolotl, we have to understand exactly what they are. Unlike the goldfish or bettas many of us grew up with, the axolotl is a species of salamander. However, they possess a rare trait known as neoteny. While most amphibians evolve to leave the water and breathe air as adults, axolotls keep the features that allow them to live in the water their entire lives, like those iconic feathery external gills. Their biology stems from the place their ancestors called home: the ancient lakes of Xochimilco near Mexico City. These are not tropical waters. Located at high altitudes, the water stays cool and dark. When we bring an axolotl home, we aren’t just keeping a pet; we're recreating a very specific ecosystem. Some important details you need to know: Lifespan: With proper care, these animals are a long-term commitment, often living 10 to 15 years. Size: An adult can reach lengths of 23 to 30 cm, meaning they require significantly more space than a standard desktop aquarium. Permeable Skin: Like all amphibians, they breathe through their skin and gills. Their skin is incredibly delicate and lacks the protective scales of a fish, making them hypersensitive to water pollutants and physical handling. Setting Up the Ideal Axolotl Environment Successfully keeping an axolotl comes down to three non-negotiable factors: water chemistry, temperature control, and habitat safety. If any of these pillars crumble, your pet’s health will rapidly decline. Water Quality and the Nitrogen Cycle For an axolotl, the water is their atmosphere. Because they produce a lot of waste, the water can become toxic very quickly without a proper biological filter in place. To get this set up properly, you will need to cycle your tank (a process that can take 4 to 8 weeks) before you ever bring your pet home. Ammonia and Nitrates: These must always be at 0 ppm. Even trace amounts can cause chemical burns on their skin and gills. Nitrates: Keep them below 20 ppm with regular weekly water changes. Testing: A liquid master test kit is an essential tool for every axolotl parent. Paper strips are often too inaccurate for their sensitive needs. The Challenge of Temperature This is often the biggest challenge for those who are new to these little creatures. Axolotls are cold-water animals. If their water gets too warm, their metabolism spikes, their immune system suppresses, and they become prone to fungal infections. You must maintain a consistent temperature between 15 °C and 18 °C. Temperatures consistently above 20 °C are stressful, and anything above 24 °C can be fatal. Depending on your climate, you may need aquarium cooling fans or a dedicated refrigerated chiller, which can be a significant financial investment. Substrate and SafetyAxolotls are “vacuum feeders.” They open their mouths wide and suck in whatever is in front of them. In a tank with traditional aquarium gravel or small pebbles, whey will inevitably swallow the stones, leading to a life-threatening intestinal blockage known as impaction. Very fine aquarium sand (which can pass through the digestive tract) or a bare-bottom tank are the only recommended choices. Additionally, axolotls do not have eyelids. Bright aquarium lights are stressful for them, so low-light plants (like Java Fern) and plenty of physical caves or hides are necessary to keep them comfortable. Daily and Weekly Care RoutinesOwning an axolotl is often compared to keeping a very delicate, high-maintenance aquatic garden. Because they don’t engage in interactive play like a dog or cat, the joy of being an axolotl parent comes from the challenge of mastering their environment and daily care. Their care is less about training and more about maintaining a stable, silent ecosystem where they can thrive. The Axolotl Diet In the wild, axolotls are opportunistic carnivores. In a home setting, their diet should focus on high-quality proteins that support their natural healing abilities and maintain their energy levels. To create a balanced diet, you should consider the following factors:The Staple (Nightcrawlers): Earthworms or nightcrawlers are the gold standard. They provide the full spectrum of vitamins and minerals an axolotl needs. For younger or smaller axolotls, these can be cut into manageable pieces. Sinking Pellets: High-protein, soft-moist pellets designed specifically for axolotls are an excellent supplement and can help ensure they are getting a properly balanced diet. The Treat Category: Bloodworms and brine shrimp are popular but should be treated like a dessert. They are high in fat and lack the calcium and protein density required for their main diet. Feeding Frequency: Adult axolotls typically only need to eat two to three times per week. Overfeeding can lead to obesity and poor water quality, as uneaten food quickly decays in their tank, releasing toxic ammonia. The Maintenance ScheduleUnlike some pets, you can’t use a “set it and forget it” approach with an axolotl. Their high waste production means you are constantly balancing the chemistry of their environment to keep your new family member safe and healthy. You should conduct daily spot checks of the aquarium and use a turkey baster to remove any solid waste or uneaten food. This simple two-minute task helps to prevent ammonia spikes in the water and keeps the tank looking pristine. Depending on your tank size and filtration, a 20% to 30% weekly water change is standard to remove nitrates that the filter can’t process. Never scrub your filter media with tap water. The chlorine in tap water will kill the beneficial bacteria that keep your axolotl alive. Always rinse sponges in a bucket of old tank water.

Halloween Is Coming: Get Your Pet Party-Ready

Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article but at no cost to you.From full costumes to simple seasonal accessories, PetSmart makes it easy to find a Halloween look for every pet.Halloween is all about dressing up, but finding a costume your pet will actually tolerate can be a different story. Some pets love the extra attention, while others would much rather keep things simple.Luckily, PetSmart has a range of Halloween costumes and seasonal apparel designed to fit pets of all shapes and sizes, so it’s easy to find something that suits their personality and comfort level.

7 Bargains Pet Owners Won’t Want to Miss This Amazon Spring Sale

Spring is here, and so are deals that make being a pet owner easier and more enjoyable.From beds that keep your dog off the couch to cleaners that actually get rid of accidents and tasty meals even picky eaters won’t turn down, these bargains are well worth checking out. Let’s dive in.Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article but at no cost to you.

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