Coping with Losing a Pet How to Grief Pets

Coping with Losing a Pet

Our pets are part of our family. Our cats, dogs and other creatures fill our live with joy and meaning. So it is natural to feel devastated. Feelings of grief and sadness is real when a beloved dog, cat, or other pet dies.

In this article we talk about grief, and the loss of a pets. And we share some ways that may help when coping with the loss of a pet.

Why Does the Loss of a Pet Hurt So Much?

Many of us share an intense love and bond with our animal companions. For us, a pet is not “just a dog” or “just a cat,” but they are a beloved member of our family.Pets bring companionship, joy and meaning  to our lives. Pets can add structure to your day.

Cats, dogs and other animals can keep you active and social. And they can help you to overcome setbacks and challenges in life. There are so many reasons the loss of a pet hurts. So, when a cherished pet dies, it’s normal to feel grief and loss. In fact the impact can be exactly the same as if it were a human.

Grief and Loss When a Pet Dies

The pain of loss can often feel overwhelming and trigger all sorts of painful and difficult emotions. While some people may not understand the depth of feeling you had for your pet, you should never feel guilty or shame. This is your loss and you don’t have to hide your feelings about the death of a pet.

Grief and Loss is Unique

Each one of us will experience a loss at some time and we all have a unique response to loss. The level of grief you experience will often depend on factors such as your age and personality, the age of your pet, and the circumstances around their death.

Since grief and loss is truly unique there is little to compare it to or with another person. Yes we can empathize and share stories that are familiar, but no two people will experience grief and loss the same.

The role the pet played in your life can also have an impact. For example, if your pet was a working dog, service animal, or therapy animal, you’ll not only be grieving the loss of a companion but also the loss of a coworker, the loss of your independence, or the loss of emotional support.

Your Grief is Real

If you lived alone and the pet was your only companion, coming to terms with their loss can be even harder. You pet has left a hole in your life and it hurts. Acknowledge this pain and allow yourself to grieve your pets loss.

Guilt About Losing a Pet

There are times and circumstances when coping with the loss of a pet is made even more difficult due to circumstances. For example if you were unable to afford expensive veterinary treatment to prolong your pet’s life, you may feel a profound sense of guilt if you had to make difficult choices such as euthanasia. Or, maybe you feel so helpless. These again anr natural reactions, and you did the best you could do.

With this said it may not make the guilt less, nor does it make your grief less valid. It is real, so talk about it, write about it and allow yourself to feel what you feel.

While experiencing loss is an inevitable part of owning a pet, there are healthy ways to cope with the pain, come to terms with your grief, and when the time is right, perhaps even open your heart to another animal companion.

How Long Does It Take to Grieve a Pet?

There is no answer to how long does it take to grieve a pet since grief is unique to each person. However, there may be ways to help you through the grieving process as you are coping with the loss of a pet.

Some people find  that grief following the loss of a pet comes in stages. Often these stages are referred to the 5 stages of grief, and are described as feeling of: denial, anger, guilt, depression, and eventually acceptance and resolution.

Others find that their grief is more like a roller coaster of waves or up and downs. And it’s important to know that you can be hit by grief at any time. This may be especially true if you try and ‘put off’ or avoid grief. These cycles can be there, however may be a little less intense. But even years after a loss, a sight, a sound, smell, or a special anniversary can trigger memories that evoke a strong sense of grief.

The Grieving Process and Coping With Losing a Pet

Grief can not be forced or hurried. Contrary to some general advice there is no “normal” time for grieving. It’s not uncommon for some people’s grief to improve in weeks or months. For others, the grieving process is measured in years. Whatever your grief experience, it’s important to be patient with yourself and allow the process to naturally unfold.

Sadness, Shocked, or Loneliness are Normal Reaction to the Loss of a Pet

Exhibiting these feelings doesn’t mean you are weak or your feelings are somehow misplaced. It just means that you’re mourning the loss of an animal you loved, so you shouldn’t feel ashamed.

Avoiding or Ignore your pain May Only Make Grief Worse or Prolonged

For the healing process to begin it is necessary to face your grief. This may be the last thing you want to do, but by expressing your grief, the healing time may be less than keeping you grief inside.

Express Your Feeling of Grief and Loss

Talk about feeling with other who’ve experienced the loss of a pet. Or with someone who is sympathetic to how you feel. Write about your feelings in a grief journal where you can express your deepest and most inner thoughts.

Coping With Grief and Pet Loss

Sorrow and grief are normal and natural responses to death. Like grief for friends and loved ones, grief for our pets brings the same response (even stronger for some people. Loss and grieving is a process for pets we love and can only be dealt with over time. While you are moving through grieving a pet here are a few ways that may help in coping with a pet loss in your time of grief and sorrow.

Ways to Help You Cope With the Loss of  a Pet

Own Your Feelings About Your Pets Death, They are Real

Your grief is your own, and no one else can tell you when it’s time to “move on” or “get over it.” Let yourself feel whatever you feel without embarrassment or judgment. If you feel angry, sad, or in different, these are all coping methods and they are okay.  Let yourself cry or not to cry. And if you feel a time to laugh at something funny or cute about you pet or anything then let it be. And most of all, when you are coping with the loss of a pet don’t let anyone tell you that it’s not ok. This is your grief and its best to own all of your feelings.

Reach Out to Others Who’ve Lost Pets

Millions of people loss pets. There is no need to tell you that grieving the loss of a pet is very real. In times of grief and loss reach out to online message boards, pet loss hotlines, and pet loss support groups and connect with others who can relate to your grief.

One of the best ways to cope with the loss of a pet is to talk, vent and let it all out. When family or friends are not understanding, talking to someone who care and without judgement is just what you need.

Visit Online Therapy and Talk About the Loss of Your Pet Today!

—see the Resources section below for details. If your own friends and family members are not sympathetic about pet loss, find someone who is. Often, another person who has also experienced the loss of a beloved pet may better understand what you’re going through.

Rituals Can Help With Healing

Can I have a funeral  or service for my pet. Yes, and it can be a healthy way to say goodbye to you pet. A service  can help you and your family members openly express your feelings. Ignore people who think it’s inappropriate to hold a service for a pet, and do what feels right for you.

Light candles, have pictures and say a few words about what your pet meant to you and how you will cherish them through time no matter what.

Create a Pet Loss Legacy

Planting a tree, a rose bush or creating a web page in memory of your pet, are always you can create a legacy for the loss of your pet. Remembering what they meant to you, the love you shared with your pet and how to keep their memories alive can all help you to eventually move on.

Self Care for Coping With Losing a Pet

Grief, loss is exhausting. The stress of losing a pet can take all of your energy as you deplete your physical and emotional reserves. Looking after your physical and emotional needs will help you get through this difficult time. Spend time face to face with family and friends who care about you. Eat a healthy diet, get plenty of rest, and getting regular exercise will help to release endorphins that will help boost your strength and mood.

Routine Helps Grieving the Loss of a Pet

Maintaining a routine is helpful when you are grieving your pet’s loss. If you have children, other pets then they will need a routine. Others pets such as cats and dogs will also experience the loss of their pet family. So make sure to help other pets and family grief. Animals are sensitive and they will more than likely  pick up on your feelings.

So play calming music, feed them regular and maintain a exercise routine. All of which can help them get back to a new normal and start coping with losing of a pet. Pets also experience loss when a pet dies, or they may become distressed by your sorrow. This will not only benefit the surviving pets but can also help to elevate your mood and outlook, too.

Professional Help for Coping With Losing a Pet

Grief can be painful, and life changing. If your grief is persistent and interferes with your ability to function, your doctor or a mental health professional can evaluate you and get you the help you need at this time.

Visit Online Therapy and Talk to Someone Today!