The loss of a pet is heartbreaking—for many, it can feel like the loss of a family member or close friend. Dog, cat, guinea pig, budgie, mouse, or reptile, the bond with domestic pets is undeniably strong, and saying goodbye is a difficult process. But grief doesn’t have to be debilitating and overwhelming. Here are some tips on how to cope with the loss of a beloved dog, from taking time for yourself to developing rituals that honor your pet’s memory.

Support and Understanding from Family and Friends

During this difficult time in your life, it is important to acknowledge the feelings you are experiencing. People often underestimate the depth of emotion a person can feel when a pet passes away. It’s important to ask for support from those closest to you who understand what you’re going through. Let your family and friends know that you need some extra support during this difficult time, so you have people to talk to who are there for you no matter what. 

Depression and anxiety can sometimes manifest after a pet dies. This makes sense as we know that owning a pet can have numerous health benefits. Studies have shown that pet ownership can reduce stress, improve mental health, lower blood pressure, and even boost immunity. Pets can also provide companionship and support, which can help reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation. Additionally, pets can encourage physical activity, such as taking walks or playing games.

When Should I seek pet bereavement counselling?

Research shows that when we experience grief, our brains undergo physical changes. These changes can affect our thought processes and emotions. If you are struggling to cope with the loss of your pet, seeking professional help may be beneficial. Pet bereavement counselling can provide a safe space to process your emotions and receive support. A counsellor can also provide guidance and advice to help you move forward.

Furthermore, always reach out if you need help, there are special pet grief counsellors available (try searching under pet bereavement counselling) that you can see as well as reaching out to organisations such as:

How do I help my children through loosing a pet?

Helping your children cope with the loss of a pet can be difficult. It is important to talk to them openly and honestly about the pet’s death, and encourage them to express their feelings. There are some handy resources depending on the age of your family that can help, story books from your local library, drawing and expressing their feelings through art. You can also help them create a memorial or tribute to the pet, such as planting a tree or writing a letter. Additionally, it may be beneficial to seek professional help from a counsellor or therapist. Supporting children through the loss of a pet can be challenging, but it is important to provide them with the love and understanding they need during this difficult time.

Can other household pets grieve the loss of a pet?

Yes, other household pets can grieve the loss of a pet, especially if they have been life-long companions.  Scientific evidence suggests that animals display similar traits to humans when going through the grief process. Pets are sensitive to changes in their environment and can pick up on the emotions of those around them. When a pet dies, other animals in the home may be aware of the change and may express signs of grief, such as lethargy, decreased appetite, or changes in behavior. Maintaining a routine for these pets is important as well as monitoring for any of the above. If you are concerned about their health, contact your vet.

How can I help my other pets that are grieving?

If you have other pets that are grieving the loss of another household pet, there are several things you can do to help them cope. First, try to maintain their routine as much as possible. Offer them comfort and extra attention, and provide them with new activities or toys that may help to distract them. There are also plug-in diffusers that can assist with settling. The Feliway diffuser is a safe and effective treatment for the anxiety cats may experience after loosing a mate. The diffuser releases a facial pheromone that works to settle cats experiencing grief and changes to the cat's environment. Feliway Refills are always available in store and online.  Additionally, you can also look into joining a group at your local dog park for additional companionship. If you were to consider welcoming a new pet to provide companionship, take the time to talk to your vet or our knowledgeable staff in store for further advise. 

How long should I expect to feel sad after losing a pet?

The loss of a beloved pet can be a difficult and painful experience. It is important to allow yourself to process your thoughts and emotions. Acknowledge your grief and don’t be afraid to express it healthily. The grieving process is different for everyone and there is no set timeline for how long it should take to process your emotions. It is normal to feel sadness and grief for a long period of time, sometimes months or even years. The important thing is to allow yourself to feel your emotions and to seek support when needed.

 Create a memorial for your pet

Creating a memorial or tribute to your pet is a great way to honor their memory. Consider writing a poem or letter, planting a tree or flower, or creating a photo album or scrapbook. Some pet owners use their pet's collar with ID tag as a tribute to their pet by fastening it around a pot of flowers or a favourite plant.

You can also have the ashes of your pet prepared in an urn as a keepsake. This becomes a meaningful way to commemorate your pet's life.

Take care of yourself 

During this difficult time, it is important to take care of yourself. Exercise, eat healthily, and get plenty of rest. Spend time doing activities that make you feel better, such as yoga, meditation, catching up with friends or listening to music. Some counties offer pet bereavement leave for their staff. At present in Australia, there is no official pet bereavement leave available.

Celebrate your pet’s life

Remember the joy and love your pet brought to your life. Celebrate the special moments and memories you shared with them. Remember how fortunate you were to experience their journey with them. This can be helpful when feeling the depths of grief over the loss of your pet.

 When should I get another pet?

There is no right or wrong time to do this. Some pet owners need more time than others before welcoming another pet into their lives. For some, the need to nurture and love another pet is strong and finding the right pet at the right time suits them. For these people, welcoming a new pet helps them through the grief process and can help reduce feelings of loneliness. When you feel ready to welcome a new pet into your life, you should do it. There is no “right” time to get another pet and it is important to trust your instincts. If you are not ready, don’t feel pressured to adopt a new pet. Spend time honouring the memory of your lost pet and take care of yourself until you are ready.