Dogs may mourn the loss of other household pets

Nearly 90 percent of dogs that experienced the death of another canine companion living in the same house showed signs of grief, according to a new study published in Scientific Reports. Researchers surveyed 426 adults who had at least two dogs and experienced the loss of one of their dogs. They found that in the months following their canine companion’s death, the surviving dogs were less playful and more fearful. They also ate less and sought more time and attention from their owners. Daniel Mills is a Professor of Veterinary Behavioural Medicine at Lincoln University and a specialist in clinical animal behaviour. He was one of the study authors.