About this episode

This episode explores the concept of grief in dogs and how to support them after the loss of a companion.

Do dogs grieve? What does dog grief actually look like? And how can you support a dog after the loss of another dog, a person, or an animal companion? In this episode of Rewriting the Rules, we explore canine grief in depth. When a dog loses a companion, whether that is another dog in the home or a beloved human, their world changes in ways that are often misunderstood. Grief in dogs can show up as anxiety, clinginess, withdrawal, separation distress, appetite changes, reactivity, confidence loss, or even trauma-like behaviours. We discuss: Do dogs really experience grief? How attachment and co-regulation shape canine behaviour Why behaviour changes after loss are often nervous system responses What happens when two dogs become one Why alone time can suddenly feel frightening How grief can sometimes resemble PTSD or trauma Practical, compassionate ways to support a grieving dog How long dog grief may last How to rebuild safety, confidence, and emotional stability This episode also gently acknowledges your own grief as a guardian, and how your emotional state interacts with your dog’s adjustment without placing pressure on you to suppress your feelings. If your dog is showing…

People in this episode

Host: Bethany Bell

Topics covered

• dog grief
• canine behavior
• supporting grieving dogs
• attachment
• emotional stability
• nervous system responses

Keywords

• dog grief
• canine behavior
• support grieving dogs
• attachment response
• emotional intelligence

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• Diet and Nutrition: Feeding Dogs for Emotional and Behavioural Health · January 8, 2026 · 21 min
• When the Years Catch Up: Navigating Ageing, Presence, and Love · November 20, 2025 · 25 min
• The Myth of the Neutral Dog · November 13, 2025 · 42 min

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