As dogs have a shorter lifespan than humans, chances are, as someone with a dog, they’ll pass before you.
Losing a friend can be heartbreaking, but listening to music can help deal with the grief. In this article, we’ve the best funeral songs for dogs.
“It’s Just a Dog” by Mo Pitney
Song Year: 2016
“It’s Just a Dog” was featured on Pitney’s “Behind This Guitar” album and is one of the best songs about losing a dog due to its deep lyrics.
In this song, Mo Pitney talks about saving a stray dog and how he raised it as his own. He talks about all the good and bad memories he shared with his pet and his pain after losing her.
“I Wish Dogs Could Live Forever” by Tyler Farr
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=87VQbYFQiZQ
Song Year: 2020
I Wish Dogs Could Live Forever” is a country song written and sung by Tyler Farr. The song describes the intense love that pet owners share with their furry buddies.
It features simple yet poignant lyrics conveying the anguish and grief caused by losing your pet and the wish that dogs could stay alive forever. The slow melody and Farr’s powerful vocal delivery also help convey the song’s message.
“I Want a Dog” by Hobo Johnson
Song Year: 2019
“I Want a Dog” is a unique and amusing song by Hobo Johnson released as part of his famous album “The Fall of Hobo Johnson.” This song is about the desire to keep a dog as a pet and the joy that comes with it.
The lyrics and unique vocals depict a lonely individual seeking love and how a pet might fill that vacuum. Listening to this song will lift your mood if you’ve lost a dog.
“Everything Reminds Me of My Dog” by Jane Siberry
Song Year: 1989
“Everything Reminds Me of My Dog” is a sad yet lovely song about losing a pet featured on Jane Siberry’s “Bound by the Beauty” album. It explains how losing a pet causes pain and how everything can always make you think of your dog.
The song’s lyrics and Siberry’s emotional delivery resonate with anyone who has ever felt the pain of losing a pet, offering you the consolation you need.
“Old Grey Dog” by Jimmy Scott
Song Year: 2010
Opening our list of best funeral songs for dogs is “Old Grey Dog” by Jimmy Scott, released as part of his Rhymes and Times album. The song is a tribute to his dog, who passed away.
This song talks of the good memories he shared with his dog and their bond. It also talks about the emptiness he is feeling after losing his buddy. The lyrics will encourage you to remain strong despite your loss.
“Little Boys Grow Up, and Dogs Get Old” by Luke Bryan
Song Year: 2015
“Little Boys Grow Up and Dogs Get Old” by Luke Bryan is a poignant country song released in 2015. Bryan’s heartfelt delivery and the song’s soft melody made it a hit, making him one of the best country song artists.
This song mainly talks about growing up and how time passes quickly. It expresses the unconditional love between a dog and the owner despite getting separated, offering consolation to the bereaved.
“Good Dog” by Oliver Houston
Song Year: 2017
“Good Dog” is a country-pop song by Oliver Houston featuring an upbeat energy and catchy melody. This song reached the top of the chart, making Houston famous in the modern country music industry.
Its lyrics talk about the joy that dogs bring into our lives but also acknowledge that they have a short lifespan, which is unfortunate. However, you may feel better each time you remember the good times you shared.
“Your Dog Loves You” by Colde (feat. Crush)
Song Year: 2018
Your Dog Loves You” by Colde featuring Crush is another perfect funeral song for a dog. It mainly talks about how dogs love us unconditionally and are always there for us whenever we need comfort. However, we normally take them for granted and only realize when they’re gone.
Its smooth melody makes it a timeless classic that can be listened to by people of all ages.
“Goodbye My Friend” by Linda Ronstadt
Song Year:1989
Linda Ronstadt released the song “Goodbye My Friend” in 1989 in her album “Prisoner in Disguise.” It mainly talks about bidding farewell to a friend, and its lyrics clearly express the pain of losing a friend. Nevertheless, you can still use it during your dog’s funeral.
Many artists have recorded this song in different versions, and it’s normally used in farewell services to console bereaved people. It says our loved ones will always be there with us in spirit, even if they’re gone.
“My Dear Helen” by Andy Shauf
Song Year: 2015
Next on our list of the best funeral songs for dogs is “My Dear Helen” by Andy Shauf, released as part of his album “The Bearer of Bad News.”
This song features sad lyrics from the beginning to the end and reminds us of dogs’ significant role in our lives. When you listen to the lyrics keenly, you’ll realize the strong bond between the owner and his pet and the pain of losing a dog.
“Martha, My Dear” by The Beatles
Song Year: 1968
“Martha, My Dear” is a cheerful ballad that depicts a strong connection between a man and his dog.
Paul McCartney originally wrote this song to dedicate to his sheepdog, Martha. He then gave it to his music group, popularly known as The Beatles, and they included it in their self-edited album “The White Album.” Its arrangement features McCartney’s iconic piano playing and the lush harmonies of the Beatles.
“The Day You Went Away” by Wendy Matthews
Song Year: 1992
“The Day You Went Away” is a tune originally written by Johnny Male and recorded by an Australian singer Wendy Matthews.
This song explains the difficulties people who’ve lost their loved ones normally go through. You may feel like the world is empty and you’re alone. Dog owners who have recently lost their pets can relate to this song.
“Ghost of Buddy” by Wisdom in Chains
Song Year: 2012
“Ghost of Buddy” is an energetic punk rock track by Wisdom in Chains. This song is unique compared to other dog funeral songs. Instead of sitting and wallowing in pain, you can scream along and release your emotions. It features powerful guitar riffs and fast drum beats, setting the mood for a powerful no-holds-barred performance.
The song mainly talks about a dog that was put down. It expresses the pet owner’s emotion before making the tough decision and how difficult it was to deal with the loss.
“I Will Remember You” by Sarah McLachlan
Song Year: 1993
“I Will Remember You” is an emotional tune released by Canadian singer Sarah McLachlan. Once the song was released, it topped the Canadian charts and became one of McLachlan’s most loved songs.
This song is about loss and grief. The singer recollects the memories she shared with her departed loved one and vows always to remember them. You can use this song to express your wish to keep your dog’s memories in your heart.
“I Will Always Be With You” by Sheena Easton and Jesse Corti
Song Year: 1996
“I Will Always Be With You” is a heartfelt duet ballad recorded by two great singers, Sheena Easton, and Jesse Corti. This song was featured in a movie known as “All Dogs Go To Heaven 2”. Its lyrics talk about a pet whose affection and memories will always be treasured after they’ve gone.
If you’ve lost a pet, this song hits close to home.
“A Dog’s Heart” by CRD Creative
Song Year: 2017
“A Dog’s Heart” is one of the best country songs about dogs, written and recorded by a Nashville-based songwriting group popularly known as Cumberland River Dogs (CRD).
The song explains how dogs often bring us valuable gifts and stresses the benefits of keeping a dog as a pet, even if they’ll leave us after a short time. It also encourages us to emulate the good behaviors of a dog and improve human relations.
“I’ll See You Again” by Westlife
Song Year: 2018
“I’ll See You Again” by Westlife was originally written by Shelly Poole. It mainly talks about losing a loved one and how you hope to be reunited with them one day.
After losing your dog, you may experience a roller coaster of emotions. The song will help you calm down and reassure you that you will spiritually reunite at some point.
“You’re Missing” by Bruce Springsteen
Song Year: 2002
“You’re Missing” is one of Bruce Springsteen’s greatest hits featured on his album “The Missing.” This song talks about losing a loved one and how life continues no matter who you lose, which is quite sad.
Dogs are a huge part of our lives, but few people understand the pain of losing one. This song’s lyrics clearly describe the feelings, enabling you to heal quickly and move on.
“This Is Not Goodbye” by Sidewalk Prophets
Song Year: 2012
“This Is Not Goodbye” by Sidewalk Prophets is another suitable song for people mourning the loss of their dog, even though that was not the singer’s intention.
Many people find solace in the idea that death is not the last goodbye after losing a loved one. Listening to this song after your dog dies will lift your mood and help you cope with loss.
“Maggie’s Song” by Chris Stapleton
Song Year: 2020
“Maggie’s Song” is a true-life story. This song is about how Stapleton found a dog abandoned in a shopping cart. He later adopted her, and they developed a strong connection. Unfortunately, she passed away in 2019 at 14, affecting him.
This song vividly explains a dog’s life and how it passed away, making it an ideal dog funeral song.
“Tears in Heaven” by Eric Clapton
Song Year: 1992
“Tears in Heaven” was originally written by Eric Clapton and Will Jennings and featured on his MTV Unplugged album. This song was about Eric’s son, who passed away when he was four years old after falling from a story building. It explains the pain he went through and how he coped with grief.
This song resonates with anyone who has lost a dog that was more than a pet to them.
“Dogs in Heaven” by David Gregg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eTEGSSq6guI
Song Year: 2020
Our best funeral songs for dogs list can’t be complete without mentioning “Dogs in Heaven.” This song was originally written by David Gregg, who later recorded and released in 2020 as a tribute to his dog.
Nobody knows what usually happens when a loved one dies or where they go, which is disturbing. This song enables you to imagine everything good they’re experiencing in the other world, giving you peace of mind.
“Better With You There “by Dan Reising
Song Year: 2009
“Better With You There” is a single written and recorded by Dan Reising, explaining the story of a man who lost his pet.
Dogs bring purpose into our lives and make us happier. You may feel sudden emptiness when you lose your dog, and nothing can fill the void. However, this song will encourage you and give you the strength to deal with pain.
“I Will Follow You Into the Dark” by Death Cab for Cutie
Song Year: 2006
“I Will Follow You into the Dark” was originally written by Ben Gibbard, the band’s guitarist and lead singer. This song peaked at #28 on the Modern Rock Tracks upon release.
The song’s main theme is about loss. According to its lyrics, death is inevitable, and everyone must die at some point. The lyrics also explain how your loved ones who died before you will guide you in the spirit world, and you should allow them.
“My Dog & Me” by John Hiatt
Song Year: 2003
My Dog & Me is a unique song written and recorded by John Hiatt as part of his popular album This Gruff Exterior.
This song explains how close Hiatt was with his dog, making their bond special. He also talks about how his dog would do anything to protect him. Instead of grieving, this song encourages you to celebrate your dog’s life and cherish the good memories you shared.
“Chasing Butterflies” by Frankly Speaking
Song Year: 2017
“Chasing Butterflies” was written by Frankly, narrating how he adopted a rescued dog which later succumbed to lymphoma in 2016. He also talks about the happiness that comes with watching your dog grow.
Despite sounding like a happy song, its lyrics are about losing a dog. The singer expresses his sadness and hopes that his pet is still chasing butterflies in heaven as it used to when it was alive.
“Can’t Be Replaced” by Dierks Bentley
Song Year: 2016
“Can’t Be Replaced” is a sentimental tune featured as the final song on Bentley’s latest Black album. In this song, he talks about the things that can’t be replaced once lost, causing pain.
Towards the end, he talks about a long-term companionship with his dog. Unfortunately, the dog died at 15, leaving a huge gap in his life.
“Sometimes I Don’t Mind” by The Suicide Machines
Song Year: 2000
“Sometimes I Don’t Mind” is a modern rock tune about how messy dogs can be. The song was well-received and peaked at #22 on the Modern Rock Chart.
Ideally, this song is not meant to mourn the death of a dog. Nevertheless, you can use it to pay tribute to your dog when it dies.
“Beyond the Rainbow Bridge” by Trina Belamide
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v3_PFzr_Eig
Song Year: 2020
“Beyond the Rainbow Bridge” is a song about pet loss featured in Trina’s “Beyond the Rainbow Bridge” album.
Losing a dog is a painful experience for every owner, but different people deal with their pain differently. One of the things that most people usually ask themselves is how their dogs are doing in the other world. This song reassures you that your dog is happy wherever it is, uplifting your mood.
“Wake Me Up” by Boyce Avenue and Jennel Garcia
Song Year: 2014
“Wake Me Up” was originally sung by Avicii, but Boyce Avenue and Jennel Garcia produced a cover and released it in 2014. This version of the song resonates with anyone who has dealt with pain, including losing a dog.
It features piano and mellow voices, which stir sad feelings, making it ideal for a dog’s funeral.
“Cracker Jack” by Dolly Parton
Song Year: 1974
“Cracker Jack” is a sentimental ballad explaining how dogs make children happy. This song was featured on her Jolene album as song number 11.
The lyrics explain a story about how she adopted a puppy and named it Cracker Jack. The puppy became a big part of her childhood life, and they shared a unique bond. Cracker Jack later died, but she still cherishes their memories.
Top Dog Funeral Songs, Final Thoughts
Losing a dog can devastate the owner and those who have developed a strong connection with it. There are many ways to deal with your grief, including listening to dog funeral songs. Try listening to any of the songs in our article whether you want a good cry or to remember your pet.