Heartbreaking sign your dog is in mourning after losing another pet in household

30 August 2023 , 14:53

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Dogs mourn too, according to scientists (stock photo) (Image: Getty Images/Westend61)

Losing a loved one or a pet is an indescribable feeling that can affect our sleep patterns, appetite and disrupt our daily routines. But humans are not the only ones to feel this emotion as pets mourn the death of a canine companion just as much as we do.

Expressions of grief can come in various forms and it isn't particularly unique to humans. Most commonly, grief is widely reported in social species such as great apes, whales, dolphins, elephants, and birds, according to one study. People often grieve in different ways from initial shock or anger to disbelief, guilt, and profound sadness.

Experts have revealed there are subtle and heartbreaking signs to know when your dog is mourning after losing another pet in a household. According to research conducted by Federica Pirrone at the University of Milan and co-authors, "dogs were reported to play and eat less, sleep more and seek more for owners' attention" after losing a furry companion.

The expert added: "Dogs do form emotional bonds, and hence the loss of a companion animal in their household can be expected to cause behavioural changes." The survey was completed by 426 adults who had owned at least two dogs, one of whom died while the other was still alive.

It revealed that the behavioural changes were stronger for pooches if they had a friendly relationship with the animal that had died, or if they had been their parent or child. "Most likely this means that the surviving dog has lost an attachment figure, who provided safety and security," said Pirrone.

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The author suggests human emotions can also play a factor in the way their pet grieves as they adapt to new circumstances. He said: "There might have been some form of emotional contagion or of social transmission of fear, that is common in social species as part of an adaptive coping strategy with potentially dangerous circumstances."

According to Blue Cross, there are ways you can support your grieving dog, from taking the time to focus on the bond you have with your pet or thinking of ways to make them happy such as taking them on longer walks.

Ayaan Ali