Grief over pet death could be be as strong as that for family member, survey shows

People mourning animals can suffer prolonged grief disorder, a condition brought about by death of loved one, study says

Grief over the death of a pet could be as chronic as that for a human family member, research has shown, confirming what many people already know about their bond with their furry friends.

People grieving the loss of a pet can suffer prolonged grief disorder (PGD), a mental health condition brought about by the death of a loved one, a survey published in the academic journal PLOS One has found.

PGD lasts many months, or even years, and often involves an intense longing and despair, problems socialising and going about daily tasks, and feeling like a part of oneself has died.

Currently only those grieving the loss of a person can be diagnosed, but the professor who authored the study recommended guidelines be expanded to include pets too.