My dog won't eat after companion died. Is it grief or illness?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Male | unneutered | 4 years and 6 months old
My dog won't eat since my other dog died. It's been a month and for the past 4 days he won't eat his food. I even tried changing it and hand feeding him.
5 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on June 23rd, 2016
First off, I am sorry that you lost your other dog. It's always so hard to lose a beloved pet. Dogs do feel the loss of a companion, and will often seem down or depressed afterwards, and may go off their food. That being said, a month is a very long time for a dog to mourn, and him not eating for 4 days suggests there is something medically wrong with him. I would recommend taking him into your vet for a health check to see if there is something medically that is causing the anorexia. There are many potential causes which can be attributed to a dog not eating. For example, most diseases (including infectious, autoimmune, respiratory, gastrointestinal, bone, endocrine and neurological diseases) will cause a dog to avoid eating because of pain, obstruction, or other factors. Anorexia can also be due to a psychological problem, such as stress or changes in routine, environment or diet. I'd take Sammy into your vet as soon as possible for an exam. Again, I'm sorry for your loss.
15Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
-
Published on
Depression can cause a dog to stop eating food but illness can as well. I would recommend having him seen by a veterinarian to ensure that he is healthy before we look toward behavioral reasons.
8Pet Parents found this answer helpful
-
Published on October 26th, 2018
Dogs can definitely experience grief when a housemate dies, and this is even more likely with littermates or parents/offspring. You could try offering canned food instead of dry, or putting warm water in the dry food and letting it sit for a few minutes. Both of those options are smellier and therefore more interesting for most dogs. If she's still not really eating, I'd recommend talking to your vet to see if a short term anti-anxiety medication or supplement would be appropriate.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
-
Published on July 15th, 2018
Dogs, just like people, can mourn the loss of a friend, so it is possible they are feeling a bit depressed. If they are less interested in their food, you can try some minor additives such as a little bit of wet food or low-sodium chicken broth to make it more enticing until they return to normal. If they continue to not be interested in eating at all to the point of weight loss, or you see other symptoms of illness beyond this, scheduling a vet check to rule out any more serious underlying problems, especially if all dogs are affected, is best.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
-
Published on April 18th, 2017
I'm so sorry you recently lost one of your dogs! Please accept my condolences. It is concerning that Lucky won't eat at all and is sleeping all day. While dogs can mourn the loss of a companion, this is an excessive reaction and I would be concerned that he is suffering from a medical illness causing his symptoms. I would take him into a vet today for a physical exam, blood tests, and urinalysis. Using these tests, the vet can diagnose if he is suffering from a medical illness, and if he is, discuss treatment options with you. Please take him into a vet now.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
How do I help my dog cope with the grief/loss of losing my other dog a few days ago... she's not eating, barely likes to be alone and she's not acting her normal self
I had one of my 4 dogs after trying with medicine from the vet for arthritis pain and not being able to finally not walk had to be euthanized. Now, another one who is also about 12 = 13 years old having the same problem and on pain meds. My other t
My other dog (the white dog) died a few days ago. His older brother seems like lonely. He was eating until yesterday , but now he is not eating he is only drinking water and after a few hours he vomits it. his brother died due to intestinal blockage
One of my dogs recently passed away, and my other dog seems to be depressed. He won't eat and doesn't like being pet anymore. He loved food and affection. Now he won't accept the food I offer him, even chicken and sweets which he's a big fan of. He s
My dog has just passed away. I have another dog who was brought up with him. He has gone of his food and very quiet it's been 9 days since he passwd. Will it still be affecting him ??
My dog is eight years old. We had a dog that this dog was really close to but he passed away. Before he passed away, my dog started losing weight. After he passed, my dog lost a lot of weight much faster. He also has only been eating half of his port
My dog will not eat at all if I bring a bowl to him he runs away. He never use to be this way he use to be the first one to eat all the time. However, just recently his brother (my other dog) passed away just recently. But he is extremely skinny and
recently my one dog passed away about a month ago my other dog was okay for first week but now showing signs of depression. he barely will touch his food for the last week and throws up here n there. vet says nothings wrong but i disagree. dont kno i
I m having to dogs 1 male and 1 female bt unfortunately I lost her after pyometra operations, Now the other dog is not eating food,felling bad what can I do for him.?is there any medicine or anything elso.
I had two dogs but I had to put one to sleep. The other has been acting strangely ever since. Her sleeping and eating patters have changed. She seems to want to eat constantly. What can I do to to get her back to her old habits
Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.
