Nations like you Pet dogs mourn the death of one of their companions

Dogs are deeply affected by the loss of their partners, as if they are mourning, they may refrain from eating and playing, and sleeping for long hours. This is what came from a study recently published in the journal "Scientific Reports" issued by "Nature".

Previous studies had proven that some living creatures were affected by the loss of their companions, including: great apes, elephants, whales, dolphins and birds, and wild wolves of the dog family were seen burying two young cubs two weeks old after their death, and a dingo dog (Australian dog) carried a body They dragged her to another location a few days after he died.

But in the case of pet dogs, these facts were not previously based on compelling research evidence, as their owners are the ones who tell these tales, and there is no doubt that these stories may include some exaggeration and exaggeration.

Dogs mourn the loss of a companion

Investigative research on the manifestations of sadness

Researchers specializing in veterinary sciences and applied psychology from the University of Milan in Italy in cooperation with other universities in Italy, Canada, Portugal, Switzerland and the United Kingdom conducted a survey of 426 Italian adults (384 women and 42 men, with an average age between 18 to 70 years old) owned at least two pet dogs, one of whom died and the other is still alive. 52.10% of the owners reported that their dog's death was unexpected, while 57.2% said they expected to lose their dog as a result of its health conditions.

In a report published by Phys.org, researchers found that 86% of owners reported symptoms of sadness in their dogs, and 25% of them reported that this period extended to more than 6 months.

The reactions of dogs varied during that period, as 67% of dogs sought to attract the attention of their owners and requested more attention and care, while 57% of them refrained from playing, and 47% of them decreased the ability to carry out activities in general.

The strength of the relationship is more influential

The researchers found that the length of time the dogs stayed together did not affect the manifestations of sadness and mourning, but the factor that played a major role was the strength of the relationship between them.

Of the owners, 92.5% reported that their dogs had spent more than 12 months together, while 69% reported that their dogs had a good relationship.

As for the joint activities between the two dogs, 66% of the owners reported that the two dogs shared sleeping times, 49% reported that they shared play, 86% reported that the two dogs shared a place to sleep and rest, and 36% reported sharing food together. And only 9% reported not sharing anything.

On the other hand, the degree of grief of the owner of the two dogs over the loss of his dog may have a role in the grief of his other dog. The study concluded that it is necessary to consider the behavior of animals and pay attention to their affection and not neglect this important aspect in dealing with them.

Source : Phys.org