Tips for Seniors Grieving the Loss of a Pet
As we age, we experience many life changes, including the loss of friends, family members, and pets. When a pet dies it can be devastating for seniors. A pet may be a lifeline for seniors, they help give structure, purpose and meaning and of course are part of their family. To help seniors grieving the death of a pet here are a few tip that may help.
Stay Connected with Friends
Pets, dogs especially, can help seniors meet new people or regularly connect with friends and neighbors while out on a walk or in the dog park. Having lost your pet, it’s important that you don’t now spend day after day alone. Try to spend time with at least one person every day.
 Regular face-to-face contact can help you ward off depression and stay positive. Call up an old friend or neighbor for a lunch date or join a club.
Exercise to Boost Your Immune System
Pets help many older adults stay active and playful. This can boost your immune system and increase your energy. It’s important to keep up your activity level when grieving the loss of a pet.
Check with your doctor before starting an exercise program and then find an activity that you enjoy. Exercising in a group—by playing a sport such as pickleball or golf, or taking an exercise or swimming class—can also help you connect with others.
Self Care
When you suffer any life change now more than ever is it important to take care of yourself. This means in addition to eating well, getting some exercise and staying social. These are self care habits you can create to take care of your overall wellness.
Try to Find New Meaning in Life
Caring for a pet previously occupied your time and boosted your morale and optimism. Try to fill that time by volunteering, picking up a long-neglected hobby, taking a class, helping friends, rescue groups, or homeless shelters care for their animals, or even by getting another pet when the time feels right.
Making a Choice About Pet Euthanasia
Making the decision to put a pet to sleep is one of the most difficult decisions you will ever have to make for your pet. As a loving pet owner, the time may come when you need to help your pet make the transition from life to death. With the help of a veterinarian, euthanasia is painless and peaceful a way to help a pet who is suffering. But how do you know when it is the right time to let your pet pass.
Euthanasia for a beloved pet is highly personal decision and usually comes after a diagnosis of a terminal illness and with the knowledge that the animal is suffering badly. Your choices for your pet should be informed by the care and love you feel for the animal. Important things to consider include:
Activity Level
Does your pet still enjoy previously loved activities or are they able to be active at all?
Response to Care and Affection
Does your pet still interact and respond to love and care in the usual ways?
Level of Pain and Suffering
Is your pet experiencing pain and suffering which outweigh any pleasure and enjoyment in life?
Is Your Pet Terminally Sick or Has a Critical injury
Have illness or injury prohibited your pet from enjoying life? Is your pet facing certain death from the injury or illness?
If you do decide that ending the suffering is in your pet’s best interest, take your time to create a process that is as peaceful as possible for you, your pet, and your family.
You may want to have a last day at home with the pet in order to say goodbye, or to visit the pet at the animal hospital. You can also choose to be present during your pet’s euthanasia, or to say goodbye beforehand and remain in the veterinary waiting room or at home. This is an individual decision for each member of the family.
What to Expect When Putting Your Pet to Sleep
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, euthanasia for a pet is most often achieved by injection of a death-inducing drug.
The veterinarian may administer a tranquilizer first to relax your pet. Following the injection of the euthanasia drug, your pet will immediately become unconscious. Death is quick and painless. Your pet may move its legs or breathe deeply several times after the drug is given, but these are reflexes and don’t mean that your pet is in pain or is suffering.
Should You Get Another Pet After Loss
There are many wonderful reasons to once again share your life with a companion animal, but the decision of when to do so is a very personal one. It may be tempting to rush out and fill the void left by your pet’s death by immediately getting another pet.
In most cases, it’s best to mourn the old pet first, and wait until you’re emotionally ready to open your heart and your home to a new animal. You may want to start by volunteering at a shelter or rescue group. Spending time caring for pets in need is not only great for the animals, but can help you decide if you’re ready to own a new pet.
Some retired seniors living alone may find it hardest to adjust to life without a pet. If taking care of an animal provided you with a sense of purpose and self-worth as well as companionship, you may want to consider getting another pet at an earlier stage.
Of course, seniors also need to consider their own health and life expectancy when deciding on a new pet. Again, volunteering to help pets in need can be a good way to decide if you’re ready to become a pet owner again.
Concluding Seniors Grieving the Loss of a Pet
You shared the love of a pet. The name ‘pet’ is a term that sum up what they meant to you; companion, best friend and someone who provided you with a sense of purpose and self-worth. When you are grieving the loss of a pet, it is okay to give yourself time and consider if getting another pet is right for you. If you are not sure then consider volunteering at a shelter to walk and feed local cats and dogs.
Search your local volunteer organizations and you will find many ways to help, bird sanctuaries, or helping other seniors.
When and if the time is right there is Online-Therapy a way to help you find meaning through grief and loss. Read about it here!
