Are you currently grieving the loss of your pet? Or, are you preparing for the inevitable as your pet gets older?
Either way, it’s necessary to get familiar with the concept of grief and how to cope with it. The effects of pet loss are serious and often long term.
Recent studies suggest the symptoms of grief after pet loss last a year on average. That doesn’t mean you’ll forget about your baby after that time, but it does mean you’ll be able to cope better.
Read on to learn more about the grieving process for pet owners and how you can navigate it.
Preparing for the Inevitable
Sometimes, we can expect the loss of our beloved pets. This is especially true when our pets are approaching senior age. It can also be true when our pets get a terminal or bleak medical diagnosis.
While no one wants to think about loss, consider it a blessing that you can prepare in advance for the loss.
First, you’ll get hit with grief — we’ll go over some tips for handling that below. As you digest the news about your pet, you can really appreciate the time you have left with them.
Keep doing what you can to help your pet thrive. Senilife Cognitive Disease Supplements and other products can help your pet in old age.
Consider planning fun days devoted especially to your pet. Take plenty of photos! Make memories together. You can also consider creating memorial gifts for keepsakes after your pet’s passing.
The Stages of Grief
Once that sad day comes, you’ll immediately get hit with grief. This holds true even if your pet’s end of life was planned through the use of euthanasia. Grieving pets after euthanasia isn’t any easier than other types of loss.
First, you’ll likely experience shock. This can happen before your pet passes if you’re alerted to a medical problem.
Then, you’ll likely face denial. This can manifest as thoughts that your pet is alive and fine.
Next, you’ll likely feel angry at the news. From there, you could start attempting to bargain in an attempt to gain control of the situation.
Since there’s likely nothing you can do, you may feel depressed next.
After going through these feelings, you’ll eventually come to accept what happened. Grief isn’t always straightforward, though. You may bounce between these feelings for months or even years.
Loss, Grief, and Healing After a Pet Death
The grief you experience after losing a pet can leave you feeling distraught. It’s normal to feel a loss of control and experience sadness.
Acknowledge and accept your feelings as they arise. Know that it’s okay to feel the things you do.
Over time, you will heal. Remember — it’s far better to have loved and lost than to have never loved at all.
Talk out your feelings with a friend if you need to. Distract yourself when you need to. Always remember you were a great pet parent.
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