How To Handle The Loss Of A Pet

Grieving from loss of a dog, or any pet is never easy.

As part of the family, our furry friends can mean the world to us. We form such special bonds that losing them can be a very difficult experience for the owner.

For those supporting a bereaved owner, it can also be hard to know what to do to help.

We’ve pulled together some resources and ideas to help with moving through this grief, and how to help your fellow owners through it too.

The Grieving Process Takes Patience

Grief is an individual and personal process. One that can’t be hurried along or have a clear “cut off” point.

Whether it takes weeks, months or years to start feeling better, there is no “normal” timeframe. It’s important to be patient with yourself and allow the process to naturally unfold.

If supporting someone else through this process, be aware that it might take a while for your friend or loved one to feel themselves again. Leave plenty of time and space for them to grieve.

The Grieving Process Takes Patience

Grief is an individual and personal process. One that can’t be hurried along or have a clear “cut off” point.

Whether it takes weeks, months or years to start feeling better, there is no “normal” timeframe. It’s important to be patient with yourself and allow the process to naturally unfold.

If supporting someone else through this process, be aware that it might take a while for your friend or loved one to feel themselves again. Leave plenty of time and space for them to grieve.

Don’t Hold It In

Feeling sad, shocked, lonely or depressed is a normal reaction to loss. So is feeling initially numb or empty. Exhibiting any of these feelings doesn’t mean you are overreacting or are being weak.

Trying to ignore your pain or hide it will only prolong the process of healing, so be sure to allow yourself freedom to express these feelings. Either in writing with loved ones, or through verbalizing how you’re coping with a friend.

Just being available to listen is a great way to support a bereaved friend. Either over the phone or in person, your presence can really help them process.

Don’t Hold It In

Feeling sad, shocked, lonely or depressed is a normal reaction to loss. So is feeling initially numb or empty. Exhibiting any of these feelings doesn’t mean you are overreacting or are being weak.

Just being available to listen is a great way to support a bereaved friend. Either over the phone or in person, your presence can really help them process.

Engage In Rituals

The power of ritual can be a helpful tool for processing the death of a pet. Memorializing your beloved pet can be a good way of finding closure, as well as appreciating all the great memories you shared.

Encourage your friend to write a letter, help them organise a funeral, or take them to a familiar place that means a lot to them and their pet. This way they can process the loss, immortalize and remember their pet. Supporting their wishes will help you to both stay connected and show you care.

Engage In Rituals

The power of ritual can be a helpful tool for processing the death of a pet. Memorializing your beloved pet can be a good way of finding closure, as well as appreciating all the great memories you shared.

Encourage your friend to write a letter, help them organise a funeral, or take them to a familiar place that means a lot to them and their pet. This way they can process the loss, immortalize and remember their pet. Supporting their wishes will help you to both stay connected and show you care.

Be Kind To Yourself

The stress of losing a pet can be hard on us all. Looking after your physical and emotional needs is imperative. Whether that means taking time off work, allowing someone to help around the house, or staying with family and friends for a while.

Ensure you drink water, eat regularly, get plenty of sleep, and exercise a little to release endorphins that will ease your mood.

Self-care packages can be another great way to show your support for a bereaved owner. You could offer to walk their other pets, cook them a nutritious meal or send some natural sleep aids through the mail.

Be Kind To Yourself

The stress of losing a pet can be hard on us all. Looking after your physical and emotional needs is imperative. Whether that means taking time off work, allowing someone to help around the house, or staying with family and friends for a while.

Ensure you drink water, eat regularly, get plenty of sleep, and exercise a little to release endorphins that will ease your mood.

Self-care packages can be another great way to show your support for a bereaved owner. You could offer to walk their other pets, cook them a nutritious meal or send some natural sleep aids through the mail.

Use The Moments

Bereaved owners often find that they have a gap in their time which their pet used to inhabit.

Initially, it may be best to acknowledge this loss, but as time moves on some owners find that an effective way to recover is to use this time to volunteer. Perhaps with a cause that is close to their heart or is meaningful in some way.

If a bereaved friend or loved one shows interest, you could support them by joining their volunteering sessions, or meeting them afterwards to discuss their experience.

Use The Moments

Bereaved owners often find that they have a gap in their time which their pet used to inhabit.

Initially, it may be best to acknowledge this loss, but as time moves on some owners find that an effective way to recover is to use this time to volunteer. Perhaps with a cause that is close to their heart or is meaningful in some way.

If a bereaved friend or loved one shows interest, you could support them by joining their volunteering sessions, or meeting them afterwards to discuss their experience.

Pet Grief Counselling

There is no better way to deal with overwhelming emotions than with professional help, so do not be afraid to seek it. If your grief is persistent and interferes with your ability to function, you can absolutely seek further assistance.

If you think your friend or loved one could benefit from extra help, gently encourage them to explore their options. Offer to join them for the first session if they are nervous or unsure.

Pet Grief Counselling

There is no better way to deal with overwhelming emotions than with professional help, so do not be afraid to seek it. If your grief is persistent and interferes with your ability to function, you can absolutely seek further assistance.

If you think your friend or loved one could benefit from extra help, gently encourage them to explore their options. Offer to join them for the first session if they are nervous or unsure.

Welcoming Other Pets

Time is the only way to know if welcoming another pet into your life is the right choice for you.

It can be tempting to rush in a new pet to fill the hole, but it’s best to feel ready and prepared before taking on the responsibility of another pet.

Some seniors may find this harder than others, so if you know a bereaved senior consider loaning them your pet for a few hours. This can help them feel a sense of companionship and purpose again, without the responsibility of another pet of their own.

Welcoming Other Pets

Time is the only way to know if welcoming another pet into your life is the right choice for you.

It can be tempting to rush in a new pet to fill the hole, but it’s best to feel ready and prepared before taking on the responsibility of another pet.

Some seniors may find this harder than others, so if you know a bereaved senior consider loaning them your pet for a few hours. This can help them feel a sense of companionship and purpose again, without the responsibility of another pet of their own.

While experiencing loss is an inevitable part of owning a pet, these tips can help you or a loved one work through it and come out the other side.

When the time is right, perhaps you could even open your heart to another animal companion, making even more special memories to treasure.