Having a dog, cat or any animal and keeping them healthy throughout their life makes us truly realize how much love we have for animals. Those who have, or have had, a pet as a member of their family are very familiar with this.
Pain, sadness and grief are also part of this process which reminds us how fragile living beings are. We know that accompanying a dog, cat or even a guinea pig in their later years is a difficult and selfless process. But we want to give our pet back all the joy they have given to us. This Animal Wised article will cover the sad topic on how to get over the death of your pet. Don't worry, time heals all wounds. Even emotional wounds.
Understand that every process is different
The process of overcoming the death of your pet can vary greatly depending on the individual circumstances of each pet and family. A natural death is not the same as an induced death, and families and their animals are also different.
Fortunately it is possible to get over the death of a pet, but it will be very different for each case. A young animal dying is not the same as an old animal. The death of a young cat can be painful because you could not be with them throughout their life leading to a natural passing. But the death of a very old dog is also painful too because you have lost a best friend who has been with you for many years.
Being present when your pet dies can also change how your grief develops. In any case, below we will give you some tips which will help you overcome this difficult moment.
Overcoming the death of your pet
When your pet dies, the environment (and people without pets) often makes you feel like you shouldn't cry as if they were human, but it doesn't have to be this way. The bond you have with an animal can be very deep and in the same way, must go through the grieving process:
- The best way to grieve is to allow yourself to express everything you feel, cry if you want to or don't express anything if you don't feel like it. Show exactly how you feel. It is very important to manage your emotions in a healthy way.
- Show people the trust you had with your pet, what your pet taught you, the moments they were with you, how much you miss them now.... The aim of this is to allow you to express your emotions.
- When you are ready, you should understand that you don't need items for your dog or cat in your home anymore. You can donate them to other dogs in need, such as those in a shelter. Even though you don't want to, it is important that you do. You must understand and adapt to the new situation and this is a good way to do it.
- You can refer to pictures you have of your pet as many times as you like, as this will help you express how you feel. It will also help you adapt to the situation, mourn and understand that your animal has gone.
- Children are particularly sensitive when their pet dies, so you should try to make them express themselves freely as well. They should feel entitled to show everything they feel. If the child's attitude does not return to normal over time, they may need child psychology therapy.
- The time of mourning the death of an animal should not exceed one month, as this would be pathological grief. But you don't have to stick to this time period, as every situation is different and you may be that you need more time.
- If, when your pet dies, you are suffer from anxiety, insomnia or apathy... You may also need specialist care to help you.
- Try to be positive and remember the happiest moments you had. Keep the best memory you had in mind and try to smile whenever you think of it.
- You can ease the pain of your deceased pet by providing a home for an animal that does not have one. When you do this, your heart will be filled with love and affection again.
Time heals all wounds. Even emotional wounds.
If you found this article useful, you may be interested in can dogs predict death? and letter from an adopte dog to her owner.
If you want to read similar articles to How to Get Over Death of Your Pet, we recommend you visit our Facts about the animal kingdom category.