Why Does My Chest Hurt? The Physical Side of Pet Grief

People expect grief to be emotional. Then the body shows up with symptoms: tight chest, nausea, headaches, shaky hands, a hollow stomach you can't fill.

Your bond with a pet isn't "just emotional." It's chemical and routine-based. Your days were full of tiny doses of comfort—touch, companionship, a reason to get up, a living being who looked for you.

When that disappears overnight, the body can react like it's in withdrawal.

Common grief-body symptoms include:

What helps

Gentle basics help more than you'd think: water, something simple to eat, sleep when you can, warm showers, and contact with something soft.

Movement—even just a short walk—can help your nervous system regulate. But don't force yourself into a workout if your body says no.

When to seek medical advice

If you have severe chest pain, shortness of breath, fainting, or symptoms that worry you, it's worth getting medical advice. Grief can feel physical, but you still deserve to be safe. Don't dismiss concerning symptoms just because you're grieving.