Grief after the death of a pet

The grief you feel after the death of a pet is a natural and valid emotional response. Pets often become beloved members of the family, providing companionship, love, and comfort. Coping with the loss of a pet can be a challenging and emotional process. Grief can become entwined with guilt if you make the difficult decision to euthanise your pet. This is another common and understandable emotion. In this article, I will share some suggestions on how to navigate this difficult time.

How to navigate grief after the death of a pet

Understand your motivation

Remind yourself why you made the decision. Euthanasia is chosen to prevent further suffering when a pet is in pain, seriously ill, or facing a poor quality of life. Your decision came from a place of love and compassion for your pet.

Consider your pet’s quality of life

Reflect on your pet’s quality of life leading up to the decision. Talk to your vet about your decision. Vets are experienced in these situations and can often provide reassurance that you made the right choice for your pet’s well-being.

Forgive yourself

Understand that you are human, and it’s natural to second-guess such a significant decision. Acknowledge your feelings of guilt, but also work on forgiving yourself. Remember that you made the choice with the best intentions for your pet’s well-being.

Allow yourself to grieve

Understand that it is entirely normal to grieve the loss of a pet. Give yourself permission to experience and express your emotions, whether it’s sadness, anger, guilt, or even relief – or even an unpredictable mish-mash of these that pop up at the least expected moments. Everyone grieves differently, there is no right or wrong way.

Talk about your feelings

Share your feelings of guilt with someone you trust, whether it's a friend, family member, or therapist. Expressing your emotions can help you process and cope with these feelings.  

Remember the good times

Reflect on the happy and joyful moments you shared with your pet. It's natural to focus on the end, but try to balance these thoughts by recalling the love and care you provided throughout your pet's life, and the joy your pet gave you.

Create a memorial

Consider creating a memorial or tribute for your pet. This could be a photo collage, a scrapbook, or planting a tree or flowers in their memory. Having a tangible reminder of your pet can provide comfort.

Rituals and ceremonies

Holding a small memorial service or ritual can help you and others who loved the pet to say goodbye. This can provide a sense of closure and allow you to express your feelings openly.

Take care of yourself

Grieving can be physically and emotionally draining. Make sure to eat well, hydrate, exercise, get enough sleep, and engage in activities that bring you comfort and relaxation. Taking care of your physical health can support your emotional well-being.

Be patient with yourself

Grief doesn't follow a set pattern or timeline. It's different for everyone, and it's okay if it takes time for you to heal. Be patient with yourself and allow the process to unfold naturally, in the way that works best for you.

Remember the positives

While it's natural to focus on the loss, also try to remember the positive moments and the joy your pet brought into your life. Celebrate the bond you shared and the happiness they brought you.  Don't hesitate to share your memories of your pet; it can be a cathartic and healing experience.

Seek professional help if needed

If your grief becomes overwhelming and starts to interfere significantly with your daily life, consider talking to a therapist or counsellor. They can provide guidance and support tailored to your specific situation.

Losing a pet can be a deeply emotional experience, as hard as losing a human you may be close to. It's important to be kind and gentle with yourself during this time. Reach out for support when needed, and remember that it's OK to mourn the loss of a cherished animal companion. If you’d like to talk more about your grief if you’ve lost a loved pet, get in touch.