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Dogs grieve when a friend dies, study finds

But their owners can ease the grieving process by maintaining any routines dogs are used to and staying close to their surviving pets, said Dr. Federica Pirrone, a veterinary physiologist at the University of Milan and the lead author of the study published Thursday in the journal Scientific Reports.

Man's best friend grieves for months when other dogs die

Dr Federica Pirrone, an author of the study, said: "Dog owners reported several statistically significant changes in the surviving dog after the death of the companion dog, both in terms of activities and emotions.

Dogs experience a form of mourning when another dog in the household dies

The results also revealed behavioural changes were stronger for dogs that were reported to have had a friendly relationship with the animal that had died, or who had been their parent or offspring.“Most likely this means that the surviving dog has lost an attachment figure, who provided safety and security,” said Pirrone.

Dogs feel heartbreak: Study finds pooches get sad when they lose a friend

Research shows dogs refuse food, become less active and are more needy when grieving (Image: Getty)Dr Federica Pirrone, one of the study's authors, said: "Dog owners reported several statistically significant changes in the surviving dog after the death of the companion dog, both in terms of activities and emotions.