Can pets die of a broken heart?

The 'World’s Cutest Dog' Boo died in 2019 of what his owners think was a broken heart. The news of his passing came around a year after his pet companion Buddy passed away. Boo’s owner wrote in a Facebook post: “I brought Boo home in the spring of 2006 and so started the greatest, most heart-warming friendship of all time. Shortly after Buddy died, Boo showed signs of heart issues . We think his heart literally broke when Buddy left us.” Boo’s story doesn't seem to be an isolated case. In November 2017, another dog made the news when, after days of wandering around an airport appearing to be looking for someone, she died of what was believed to be a broken heart. Wandering Cloud, as the staff at Palonegro airport, Colombia named her, had spent a month roaming the terminal, sniffing passers-by, before she curled in a corner, motionless and refusing to eat. The pooch was later picked up by vets, but despite their best efforts, she died shortly after. It's believed that the dog was abandoned at the airport and when her search failed to reunite her with her owner, she died. But was it sadness that killed her and Boo, or was their death a coincidence that allows animal lovers to indulge in the belief that pets experience human emotions? Here, we discuss if broken heart syndrome in dogs and cats is real, if animals can die of sadness, the key signs of grief and how to help a grieving pet. Can pets die of a broken heart? A heart condition in humans, often caused by severe stress such as the loss of a loved one, known by the popular name of 'broken heart syndrome', causes a weakening of the heart muscle that can result in heart failure and even death. So, if a human can die of a broken heart then perhaps a pet can too? The team of the South Pacific County animal shelter in Washington released a heart-breaking report, saying that they’d looked in veterinary medicine for the mention of broken heart syndrome, and despite not being able to find it, have witnessed it first-hand. Cory McKeown, the author of the report, says that cats and dogs brought in to the shelter often stop eating and curl in a corner of their cages hiding their heads in their paws. However, as McKeown says, there is no mention of broken heart syndrome in veterinary literature and there is no medical evidence that indicates that pets suffer the physical symptoms of broken heart syndrome. Furthermore, for every story of a pet dying following the loss of an owner, there is one of a pet spending years stoically waiting for the return of the deceased and eventually dying of old age. We spoke to veterinary surgeon Dr Neerja Muncaster who said: "Animals certainly can exhibit significant behavioural and character changes when an animal or person that they are attached to dies. These changes can trigger physiological changes that can lead to the deterioration of that animal's health." "Conversely, I have also witnessed positive changes in behaviour, for example, increased confidence and interaction, in animals who have been dominated or bullied by another animal in their household. This can occur in some multi-cat households. When the aggressor dies, the more timid cat will often exhibit altered behaviour." Veterinary medicine provides no proof that pets die of heart failure due to stress, but observations show that pets do go through behavioural changes and even death when they lose an owner or a companion, suggesting that perhaps there is something happening to them. Can cats and dogs die of a broken heart? When Dr Stanley Coren PhD, canine psychologist, visited an old friend, he was surprised to find their pet companion group had gone down from two Boston terriers and a cat to only one Boston Terrier. He told Psychology Today that his friend explained that her dog Lily had died and shortly after her cat Rosie followed, leaving one surviving pet. Another example was found in a 2011 article for the Daily Mail reporting on the death of a dog in Afghanistan that had lost its owner. Animal psychologist Roger Mugford said that he’s witnessed "a number of cases" in which cats and dogs have died of grief. These stories bring to mind a phenomenon among people known as the widowhood effect where one partner of a couple dies and the other becomes severely depressed and follows within the next three months. And even though the widowhood effect has not been documented in veterinary medicine, according to a study conducted by the journal Animals, there is plenty of evidence that pets experience grief in a similar way to humans. The study, a survey of 279 people, showed both cats and dogs can experience severe behavioural changes following the passing of a fellow animal. The animals often kept searching for the deceased and whined and whimpered when they couldn’t find them. Pet grief is real, and they do need help through this process. In addition, the cats and dogs in the study, a lot like Wandering Cloud and the animals in Cory McKeown’s animal shelter (and just like humans when they are depressed), exhibited moderate to severe loss of appetite, lack of energy and loss of vivaciousness. Unfortunately, when cats stop eating, they are quick to develop a condition called fatty liver disease, which causes liver failure and eventually death. Cats normally develop the disease as the result of stress-related appetite loss; so, when cats grieve, it is not their heart that takes the hit but their liver. Something similar happens to dogs when they stop eating. A number of biochemical reactions kick in and in order to make up for the lack of energy, the body begins digesting internal fats and the metabolism becomes sluggish. Lethally low level of blood sugar levels set in. So, it could be argued that, in cases of severe loss of appetite, pets' grief leads to a form of indirect self-destruction by refusal to feed. The warning signs of grief in animals are many, so learning to recognise them could help owners take action before the symptoms of grief have taken an irreversible toll. Signs of grief in pets Signs may include: Some dogs will start crying and whimpering as soon as they sense their owner is about to set off to work – this is separation anxiety and can be extremely severe for some pets, especially after bereavement. Pets who are extremely attached to their owners (or fellow companion pets) tend to be hit the worst by separation anxiety and grief. The bigger the attachment bond, the more severe their mourning. Can pets pick up on our grief? A broken hearted cat or dog might not feel that way because of someone they've lost; they may be picking it up from you. Pets, particularly dogs, may express anxiety or stress when they notice a change in your behaviour. They're sensitive to changes, so if you're in grief, they'll notice that. To help your pet deal with your grief, try to accept their love and reassurance, and keep to your regular routine as much as you can. But make sure you prioritise yourself too. How to help a dog or cat through grief Vet Dr Karen Becker recommends keeping the pet's routine as stable as possible, including feeding, walks and other daily interactions and encouraging and providing plenty of distractions to take the pet’s mind off the loss, such as long walks, exercising together and playing fetch. In addition, she advises giving your pet enough time to cope with the loss before you introduce a new pet into the family. Pets have a natural ability to pick up on the moods of their owners, so avoiding emotional outbursts around your pet might also speed up his or her recovery. Evolutionary biologists believe that grief has the purpose of motivating emotional bonding and attachment. And where there is attachment, there is separation anxiety . Domesticated animals are very social and easily become deeply attached to their owners and companion pets and can suffer when they lose them. Long-term solutions for grief Grief is a long-term process for pets, just as it is for humans. As time passes, you'll need to consider some long-term strategies to help your pet. Introducing new companions It may be tempting to make sweeping changes to distract your pet or fill their emotional needs, but gradual adjustments are often more beneficial. If you're thinking about adopting another pet to replace one who just passed away, give it some time, even if your pet seems lonely. A sudden change could cause more stress than it alleviates. At the same time, introducing a new pet can be a positive step, when the time is right. The process just needs to be handled with care. Remember, a new pet is not a replacement for the old one and may not meet the same exact emotional needs. When introducing pets, take it slow. Allow them to get accustomed to each other's scent before they meet face-to-face. Don’t rush the bonding process! Start new activities Sometimes a change in activities can help your pet move forward. If a family member who's no longer around used to take your pet on long hikes—and your pet seems averse to accepting you as their new hiking companion—perhaps you can start a new tradition of beach outings. The key is to introduce new, positive experiences that can help your pet form fresh associations and memories. Help with separation anxiety If your dog or cat was used to spending lots of time with a person or animal who’s no longer around, the sudden absence can lead to separation anxiety. While canine separation anxiety is especially common, cats can experience separation anxiety as well. Separation anxiety can lead to destructive behaviour, excessive vocalisation, or even attempts to escape the home. You can help by offering your pet comforting items, like a toy or a blanket that smells like you. But this might not be enough, especially if your pet is suddenly spending much more time alone. You might have to consider taking them to a pet daycare or enlisting a pet-sitting service. Monitor their emotional health Grief doesn't have a set timeline. Give your pet the time it needs to heal. You might find that they slowly return to their old selves, or you may notice a permanent change in their behaviour or preferences. Either way, be patient and continue offering them emotional support. Meanwhile, keep an eye on your pet's behaviour as time passes. If you notice any persistent signs of depression or anxiety, it might be worth consulting a veterinarian or a pet behaviourist. Can a pet's broken heart be cured? Yes, it can. As long as you follow the steps above like giving your pet space to cope and following their routine as closely as possible, things should be fine. Like us, pets sometimes just need time. When to seek professional help for your pet's grief Grief can wreak more than just emotional havoc. Prolonged anxiety or depression can lead to a weakened immune system, digestive issues, and even chronic conditions like heart disease, especially if your pet’s exercise or eating habits undergo major changes. If you've tried the steps outlined in this article and haven't seen any improvement, or if your pet's condition declines, it’s time to consult a professional. Look out for persistent loss of appetite, extreme lethargy , or symptoms of pain. A veterinarian will conduct tests to diagnose or rule out health issues, while a pet behaviourist will closely observe your pet's behaviour to provide targeted recommendations. In the end, your pet's well-being is the top priority here, and getting them insured can help. How pet insurance helps If you're concerned about your dog or cat's behaviour after the loss of a two-legged or four legged companion, make an appointment with your vet. Behaviour treatment might even be covered by your pet insurance . All our plans also include unlimited access to a UK qualified vet for help and advice, day or night. They might be able to give you some useful advice for your grieving pet as well.

Can pets die of a broken heart?

Content

Pet food trends 2026: how your pet's diet could change this year

How to prevent pet damage in your rental with these pet-friendly interior design ideas

Prove you're your pet's favourite family member

Irina Wells

Best (and worst) dog breeds for seniors

How much do X-rays for pets cost?

Heart murmurs in dogs and cats

Top 16 low energy dog breeds

12 best low-maintenance dog breeds for easy-going pet owners

Our plans

Resources

Company

Follow us

Country