Pets provide us with companionship and unconditional love, and they become a constant presence in our lives. When a pet passes away, feelings of sorrow and grief are natural, but painful. Coping with the sorrow from the loss of a pet can seem like a monumental task—and it is.
The death of a pet can trigger episodes of depression, sadness and anger, which all affect a person's mental health and well-being. Although coping with sorrow from the loss of a companion animal isn't easy, it is possible to work through these feelings with proper help, support and constructive outlets for your feelings.
Step 1
Allow yourself to grieve. Many people consider pets a member of the family, notes the Humane Society of the United States. The University of Illinois' College of Veterinary Medicine mentions that the stages of grief for pet loss vary from person to person, as does the time it takes to cycle through them.
Step 2
Find a sympathetic ear. Not everyone will understand your loss. Pay no attention to those who don't "get it". Speak to family or friends about your sorrow. If they are unable to relate, speak to your veterinarian or humane society. The University of Illinois and Washington State University both offer toll-free telephone support lines to counsel those experiencing grief over the loss of a pet
Step 3
Create healthy coping mechanisms to channel your grief, suggests the Humane Society of the United States. Death of a beloved pet can bring about extreme depression in some people. The Humane Society of the United States suggests journaling or writing about your feelings as just one of the constructive outlets you can use to cope with your sorrow.
Step 4
Prepare a memorial for your pet. Much like human memorials, those held for pets allow the surviving family members to share memories and experience a sense of community and closure. Pet memorials also serve as a reminder that the grieving pet owner is not alone in their sorrow.
Step 5
Avoid adopting a new pet right away. Despite the desire to regain a steadfast companion in your life, author and counselor Moira Anderson Allen cautions against the idea in "Coping With Sorrow on the Loss of your Pet". Avoid naming new pets after old ones in an attempt to recapture the memories you had with the deceased—you will find a new pet and make new memories when the time is right, says Allen.
Tips and Warnings
- If you live with multiple pets, remember to shower love and attention on the ones who are still alive. The Humane Society of the United States claims that surviving pets may also grieve, particularly if they were close to the pet that passed away. They may act out emotionally or physically at the loss of their friend. Speak to a veterinarian if problems persist or worsen, as they may be signs of a medical problem.
References
- The Humane Society of the United States: Coping With the Loss of a Pet
- University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine: C.A.R.E Pet Loss Helpline
- Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine: The Normal Grieving Process
- "Coping With Sorrow On The Loss Of Your Pet"; Moira Anderson Allen; 2007
- American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals: Commonly Asked Questions When Dealing with the Loss of a Pet
