Anyone who has ever experienced the loss of a beloved pet knows just how profoundly heartbreaking it can be. Research suggests that saying goodbye to a cherished dog can be just as emotionally painful—if not more so—than losing a human loved one.
Science Says Losing a Dog Is Comparable to Losing a Person
For those who have never had a pet, it can be hard to comprehend the deep bond people share with their furry companions. Dogs are not “just pets”—they are family members. This unique connection between humans and dogs explains why their loss is often so devastating.
Why Losing a Dog Feels Different
One reason the loss of a dog can feel even harder than losing a person is how society treats the grieving process. When a human dies, there are rituals to honor their memory—funerals, obituaries, and a structured grieving period. In contrast, when a dog passes away, you’re often expected to quickly move on. You might get a single afternoon off to say goodbye, but the next day, you’re back to work as though nothing significant has happened. Friends and family may not fully understand the gravity of your loss and expect you to continue life as usual.
However, for you, everything has changed. Your daily routine—feeding, walking, and playing with your dog—is suddenly gone. There’s no wagging tail to greet you in the morning or happy face waiting when you come home from work. The comforting presence of your dog is absent, leaving an irreplaceable void.
The Science Behind the Human-Dog Bond
Though some people debate whether dogs truly love their owners, one fact is undeniable: owners deeply love their dogs. Research shows that the bond between humans and dogs is powerful, releasing the same hormones in our brains as those triggered by close human relationships.
This connection with dogs offers a kind of love and satisfaction that is often difficult to replicate with people. Dogs provide unconditional love. Their lives revolve around us, and they are always excited to see us. Unlike humans, dogs never disappoint or hurt us emotionally. They don’t care about our job titles, social media following, or appearance—they simply love us for who we are.
Coping with the Loss of a Dog
Grieving the loss of a beloved dog requires patience and self-compassion. If feelings of guilt arise—perhaps because you had to make the difficult decision to euthanize your pet—remind yourself that you acted with love and care. No matter how long or short your dog’s life was, you filled it with joy and affection.
One of the hardest aspects of losing a dog is the absence of societal rituals to honor their life. To help with the grieving process, consider creating your own way to memorialize your pet. You might write down cherished memories in a journal, create a social media tribute, or print and display photos of your dog. Some people even hold a small ceremony at their pet’s favorite park or in their home. The method doesn’t matter as long as it feels meaningful to you.
Finally, seek someone with whom you can share your grief. This might be a family member who also loved your dog or a close friend who understands your loss. What’s important is that they offer support and never make you feel that your pain is unwarranted.
While our pets are only with us for a fraction of our lives, the joy and love they bring are immeasurable. It’s entirely normal to grieve their loss deeply, and it’s okay to take as much time as you need to heal.