By – James M. Katz, BA
As a pet owner, losing a beloved furry friend can be one of the most heart-wrenching experiences. The emotional toll of pet loss grief is often underestimated, leaving many pet owners feeling alone and overwhelmed. In this article, I will discuss the emotional toll of pet loss grief, the symptoms, coping mechanisms, dealing with guilt and regrets, navigating through the pain, support groups and resources, helping children cope, memorializing your pet, and finding closure to move forward.
Introduction to Pet Loss Grief
When a pet dies, it can feel like losing a family member. The emotional bond between a pet and its owner is strong, and the loss can be devastating. Pet loss grief is a normal and natural response to losing a pet. It is important to recognize and acknowledge the intense feelings that come with pet loss grief.
The article below goes in depth into how long people normally grieve as well as techniques you can use for yourself and others. It was especially impressive how to singled out a key point. Dealing with the loss of a pet is no different than grieving over the loss of a family member.
In one 2019 study, researchers found that 25% of owners ‘took between 3 and 12 months to accept the loss of their pet, 50% between 12 and 19 months, and 25% took between 2 and 6 years, to recover’.
Clearly, more of us are struggling than we might care to recognise. So, we spoke to grief and bereavement expert, Lianna Champ, about the best ways to remove the stigma and tackle this strangely taboo issue.
With over 40 years’ experience and a practical guide, How to Grieve like a Champ, under her belt, Lianna is an expert in how to deal with loss of any kind, including your pets. This is what she told us.
Commentary:
Understanding Pet Loss Grief: The Emotional Toll
Pet loss grief can be a complicated and intense emotional process. It is a unique experience for each pet owner, as every relationship with a pet is different. The loss of a pet can trigger a range of emotions, including sadness, anger, guilt, and loneliness. It is common to feel like a part of yourself is missing, and you may find yourself constantly thinking about your pet.
Pet loss grief can also impact physical health. It is not uncommon for pet owners to experience physical symptoms such as loss of appetite, insomnia, and fatigue. The emotional toll of pet loss grief can make it difficult to function in daily life, and it is important to take care of yourself during this time.
Symptoms of Pet Loss Grief
Pet loss grief can manifest in a variety of ways. Some common symptoms include:
• Intense sadness and crying
• Feelings of guilt and regret
• Anger and frustration
• Anxiety and depression
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• Loss of appetite or overeating
• Insomnia or oversleeping
It is important to recognize that these symptoms are a normal part of the grieving process. It is okay to feel a wide range of emotions, and it is important to give yourself permission to grieve.
Coping Mechanisms for Pet Loss Grief
Coping with pet loss grief can be challenging, but there are many ways to navigate through the pain. One of the most important things you can do is to allow yourself to feel the emotions that come with grief. It is okay to cry, be angry, and feel sad.
Talking to others about your grief can also be helpful. Friends and family members may be able to offer comfort and support during this difficult time. Writing in a journal or participating in creative activities such as drawing or painting can also provide an outlet for expressing emotions.
Self-care is also important during the grieving process. Taking care of your physical health by getting enough sleep, eating well, and exercising can help improve your mental health. It is also important to be patient with yourself and to allow yourself time to grieve.
Dealing with Guilt and Regrets After Pet Loss
Many pet owners experience guilt and regrets after the loss of a pet. You may find yourself questioning whether you did enough for your pet or if you made the right decisions regarding their care. It is important to remember that you did the best you could with the information and resources available to you at the time.
It can be helpful to write down your feelings of guilt and regrets and to discuss them with a trusted friend or family member. Talking through these feelings can help you gain perspective and find peace with your decisions.
Navigating Through the Pain of Pet Loss Grief
Navigating through the pain of pet loss grief is a process that takes time. It is important to be patient with yourself and to allow yourself to grieve. It is okay to seek professional help if you are struggling to cope with the loss of your pet. Therapy can provide a safe and supportive environment to process your emotions and work through the grieving process.
Support Groups and Resources for Pet Loss Grief
There are many support groups and resources available for pet owners who are grieving the loss of a pet. These resources can provide comfort and support during a difficult time. Some resources include:
• Pet loss hotlines
• Online support groups
• Grief counseling
• Pet loss books and literature
• Pet loss memorial services
Helping Children Cope with Pet Loss Grief
Losing a pet can be especially difficult for children. It is important to talk to children about the loss of their pet in an age-appropriate way. Encouraging children to express their emotions and providing a safe space for them to grieve can be helpful.
It can also be helpful to involve children in memorializing their pet. Creating a memorial or planting a tree in memory of their pet can provide a sense of closure and comfort.
Memorializing Your Pet
Memorializing your pet can be a meaningful way to honor their memory. There are many ways to memorialize your pet, including:
• Creating a photo album or scrapbook
• Planting a tree or garden in memory of your pet
• Donating to an animal charity in memory of your pet
• Creating a memorial plaque or stone for your pet’s grave
Moving Forward After Pet Loss: Finding Closure
Finding closure after the loss of a pet can be a long and difficult process. It is important to take the time to grieve and to allow yourself to feel the emotions that come with pet loss grief.
Creating a memorial for your pet can provide a sense of closure and comfort. It is also important to remember the happy times you shared with your pet and to celebrate their life.
Conclusion
Losing a pet can be one of the most difficult experiences a pet owner can face. The emotional toll of pet loss grief can be intense and overwhelming. It is important to recognize and acknowledge the feelings that come with pet loss grief and to allow yourself to grieve.
Coping mechanisms such as talking to others, self-care, and seeking professional help can be helpful during the grieving process. Memorializing your pet can also provide a sense of closure and comfort. Remembering the happy times you shared with your pet can help you find peace and move forward after pet loss grief.
If you are a good listener and have excellent people skills then you might be interested in training to become a pet loss grief counselor. We offer a full program designed to teach you techniques designed to help others deal with the loss of their pets. For details please follow this link.
References:
Helpguide.org: Guide to Pet Loss
Cleveland Clinic: Loss of a Pet
Additional Resources:
Online Survey as Empathic Bridging for the Disenfranchised Grief of Pet Loss. OMEGA – Journal of Death and Dying, Packman, W., Carmack, B. J., Katz, R., Carlos, F., Field, N. P., & Landers, C. (2014). 69(4), 333–356. https://doi.org/10.2190/OM.69.4.a
Access link here
Veterinary social work: Practice within veterinary settings, Journal of Human Behavior in the Social Environment, T. Melissa Holcombe, Elizabeth B. Strand, William R. Nugent & Zenithson Y. Ng (2016) 26:1, 69-80, DOI: 10.1080/10911359.2015.1059170
Access link here
Older women’s experiences of companion animal death: impacts on well-being and aging-in-place. Wilson, D.M., Underwood, L., Carr, E. et al. BMC Geriatr 21, 470 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12877-021-02410-8
Access link here
Pet Loss: Understanding Disenfranchised Grief, Memorial Use, and Posttraumatic Growth, Breeanna Spain, Lisel O’Dwyer & Stephen Moston (2019) Anthrozoös, 32:4, 555-568, DOI: 10.1080/08927936.2019.1621545
Access link here