Do animals mourn?

The death of your loved ones is a painful experience. We then go through a period of mourning during which we mourn our loss. But have you ever wondered what it looks like in the animal world? Do animals also mourn? How do they deal with the loss? We decided to explore this topic further.

Mourning in the world of animals

The scientists’ observations show that many animal species, like humans, experience the loss of members of the herd very strongly. They are affected by the same sadness and depression that people feel. Often, animals also fall into severe depression.

The most common example is chimpanzees who watch over the body of their deceased companion and then avoid the place where they died. After losing their child, chimpanzees are able to stay on their body for several days or weeks and carry it with them. Loud and chaotic on a daily basis, the chimpanzees become sad and silent when they say goodbye.

Elephants are no different. They also experience the death of their companions very much. Wild animal researchers confirm that elephants can be apathetic or, on the contrary, very aggressive at this time. They look after the body of a deceased elephant, bury it and cover it with leaves, and watch over it.

Mourning the dog

Are you wondering what the process looks like in dogs? Do dogs also mourn? Undoubtedly, the dog feels great sorrow after losing its four-legged companion or human guardian. Becomes depressed and apathetic. Often our four-legged friend develops depression. This is just a kind of dog mourning. Dogs, as social animals, become very attached to people and other domestic animals. Their departure therefore causes a deep sadness that affects our four-legged friends.

How do you recognize a dog in mourning? Check if you notice symptoms in the behavior of your pet:

– apathy,

– no appetite,

– insomnia,

– no interest in games and favorite toys.

It is very common for dogs to walk from corner to corner in this situation as they cannot find their place. They also often look for the scents of their owner and sleep in this place where they feel a trace of his presence.

One of the best-known examples of dog’s longing is the story of a dog named Dżok, who waited for his deceased owner for a year at the Grunwaldzki roundabout in Krakow. As an example of incredible fidelity, Dżok was awarded with a monument located on Czerwieński Boulevard in Krakow.

How to help a mourning dog?

First of all, don’t ignore the first symptoms. If we see that the dog is behaving differently than before, is lethargic and slow to play, let’s go to the veterinarian. The specialist will examine your pet and decide if pharmacological treatment is required. It may also turn out that in such a situation it will be necessary to consult a behaviorist who will suggest how to work with the dog.
As it turns out, not only people mourn the loss of a loved one. Such behavior is also visible in animals – both larger and smaller – who suffer just as much after the departure of their companions and caretakers. It’s amazing how much we are in this respect! So let us remember that our four-legged friends also need time to come to terms with their loss and experience their mourning. Let us be understanding for them and let us take care of them.