When One Pet Passes Away, Don’t Forget the One Who’s Still Here: 3 Important Tips for Multi-Pet Households
In multi-pet families, pets often form unique bonds with one another.
When we assist pet parents in saying goodbye to one of their beloved companions, we are often asked:
“Will my other pet know what happened?”
The truth is—while animals may not understand the concept of death the way we do, they can feel the absence. The disappearance of a constant companion can cause stress, sadness, or even changes in behavior and health.
If you’re caring for more than one pet and have just experienced the loss of one, here are three important things we always advise pet parents to do:
- Monitor the Health of Your Other Pets
If the pet who passed away had an infectious condition (bacterial or viral), there’s a chance the other pets in the household were exposed.
For the next 7 to 14 days, watch closely for signs of illness in your other pets, such as:
Loss of appetite
Abnormal stools or urination
Vomiting, lethargy, or unusual behaviors
🩺 If you notice anything out of the ordinary, please bring your pet to the vet for a check-up right away.
Many diseases have incubation periods, and early detection greatly improves recovery outcomes.
- Disinfect Your Home Properly
Many people think alcohol wipes or regular cleaners are enough—but some viruses, such as parvovirus or panleukopenia, are highly resilient.
🧼 The correct approach:
Use a diluted bleach solution (1 part bleach to 30 parts water) to disinfect feeding areas, litter boxes, bedding, and surfaces your pet comes into contact with.
💡 Be sure to rinse thoroughly and air out the area before allowing your pet back into the space.
- Remember—Pets Grieve Too
The pet left behind may be confused, anxious, or withdrawn.
They may:
Refuse food
Wander around looking for their companion
Sleep more or hide in unusual places
It’s easy to overlook this, especially while you’re grieving, too.
But your surviving pet needs you now more than ever.
💞 What can help:
Speak to them often, even if they don’t understand your words
Offer extra playtime, walks, or cuddles
Keep their routine as stable as possible
Over time, your presence becomes the comfort they need to adjust to life without their friend.
And Finally… Take Care of Yourself, Too
If you’re reading this, chances are you’re still mourning.
Please be kind to yourself. Allow the sadness to come—because it’s a sign of how deeply you loved.
Grief is not something to rush through or suppress.
It’s part of the journey, and it deserves to be met with compassion.