If you are reading this, then there is a good chance that you have lost a precious furry friend. This is never an easy time for any pet lover, and it’s important to remember that no matter what others may say, you have every right to grieve your loss.
I’m so sorry for your loss & I hope you get little comfort from the advice on this blog. I have received a lot of mails from people who are grieving over the death of a pet and in most emails, people were giving me console because I also lost my beloved parrot “Mitthu” which was famous on social media, specially on TikTok with the name of (TiktokParrot).
I will share my own personal feelings here, when my parrot died, how I felt and still going through this nonstop grief.
What to Do When Your PET Dies or How To Overcome Your Pet’s Death
When a pet dies, you feel like your heart will break. Your home feels empty and quiet. You can’t eat or sleep properly, this is happened to me when my parrot died, it’s been months, I still haven’t overcome the grief.
It hurts when you know your pet is no longer, your pet was the one who welcomed you home with a wagging tail or purring on your lap. It was the one who filled your home with love and joy. So, how do you say goodbye? And what do you do when your pet dies?
The loss of a beloved pet can be as devastating as losing a human family member. Everyone grieves differently and it’s important to find ways to cope with the loss of your special friend in healthy ways. The following information may help you through this difficult time:
I am sure the reason you came to this page, maybe you searched for “What to do when our pet dies”. I know that this could be a very emotional topic for some people. Some of you may have been blessed with one or more pets in your life and will gladly share your feelings in the comments section below. For others, this might be the first time to learn how to deal with the loss of an animal companion.
Nobody likes to talk about it. But we know that when our pet dies, it’s going to hurt like heck. With our hearts aching, it can seem impossible to move beyond the death of our animal companion. When we lose a pet, there are so many things we have questions and concerns about: grief and sympathy cards; burial or cremation; writing messages on social media; where to get another pet or even when to get another one; how to explain the loss of your beloved pet.
I speak frankly, because I respect your loyalty and love for pets share. Our pet deserves the same amount of love, gratitude, and admiration that we feel toward them. but when it comes to the death of a pet, many of us become helpless and unsure what to do next.
What’s one of the worst things that can happen to us?
It’s losing a beloved pet. Your bird, cat or dog dying is terribly sad, especially if you loved that pet. A pet dying can be devastating. But there are some things you can do to overcome your grief, and help your family or yourself recover from the loss of a beloved pet.
You will probably never see this question (“What to do when our pet dies?”) in any self-development blog or in any animal magazine.
It’s a sad question and nobody likes to talk about death. However, it happens. So, I decided to write this blog and tell you what to do when your pet dies.
Scenario: You love your pets. You trust your pets. And then, one day, they die. How do you cope?
While the death of a pet is always tough, it’s easy to know what to do. We can remember our pet and honor them by doing the things they liked to do. It’s harder when you haven’t had a pet that long and don’t have any experiences with them to look back on.
People who have lost a pet know how much this happens to you and your life around an animal. I know it, because recently I do. Maybe we can help each other in this difficult task.
If you’re dealing with the death of a pet, this blog is for you and it might help you in some ways.
Pet loss is a painful and traumatic experience. It feels as though your heart has been ripped out. You may feel numb and unable to do anything at all. You may cry constantly and feel overwhelmed by grief. So, what should you do when your pet dies?
Here are some simple things that can help you deal with your pet’s death:
Remember that there are no rules about how you should deal with your loss. Everyone grieves in their own way. This is especially true when it comes to pets because the bonds, we form with them are so strong.
Pet owners who have experienced the loss of a pet often initially feel overwhelmed at the thought of having to make decisions about the disposition of their pet’s remains. In addition to the grief and sadness of losing a beloved family member, there is an added anxiety over making the right decision and doing what is best for both you and your beloved pet.
The death of a pet is an emotional time. It can be difficult to know what to do and how to cope with your loss. Here’s a list of some things to consider:
1) Accept that you are mourning
Don’t be afraid to cry or express your grief. It’s normal.
Allow yourself to grieve. because there are no right or wrong ways to grieve. You may have intense feelings at first, but you don’t expect those feelings to last forever.
2) Don’t be afraid to cry. Tears often help ease the grief
Allow yourself to cry, be sad, and feel angry. These are all normal responses to losing someone you love. You can take the time would need to grieve. Give yourself permission to cry, be angry, and feel all of the other emotions you feel. Loss is a part of life and it is okay to let others know that you are grieving the death of your beloved pet. Just be patient with yourself and allow yourself time to heal.
3) Don’t rush your need to grieve
Take your time to grieve, give yourself the space to feel all the emotions that you are going through. Some people find it helpful to cry, others prefer to keep busy or stay with their friends. Do whatever feels right for you.
It’s important to give yourself permission to feel and express your emotions. It’s normal to feel a range of emotions when your pet dies, and it’s okay to take the time you need to mourn.
4) Options for the deceased pet
The good news is that caring for the body of a deceased pet isn’t complicated. The bad news, of course, is that it’s because all your options are terrible. You can do one of the following three things, have your pet cremated or buried, or perform a “backyard burial” as I explained above.
5) What to do with the deceased pet body
When a pet dies, the loss can be crushing. Not only do you have to deal with the emotional aspect of losing your beloved companion, you also have to figure out what to do with his remains.
The first thing to do is decide whether to bury or cremate your beloved pet.
Think about what you want to do with your pet’s body – some owners like to have their pets cremated or buried in a pet cemetery alongside other animals, while others prefer to bury their pets in their own garden. Your vet or local council will be able to advise you on regulations and costs involved with each option.
If you are planning to bury the pet’s body, and that’s something you’re considering. Then make sure it’s legal in your area and that you check local weather forecasts before deciding on a burial date so you don’t get stuck having to dig in frozen ground.
In case you choose cremation for your pet, there are several options available:
Private Cremation – This is a full-service cremation where your pet has an individual cremation chamber and no other pets are cremated at the same time. You receive all of your pet’s ashes after cremation.
Communal Cremation – This is an economy service where multiple pets are cremated together at the same time. No ashes are returned.
Partitioned Cremation – This is similar to a private cremation except that multiple pets are placed in the same chamber but separated by dividers so they aren’t commingled.
6) Don’t make quick decisions
You loved your pet dearly, and you will miss him or her tremendously after they die. But they would not want you to suffer unnecessarily because of their absence. So don’t make any hasty decisions like getting rid of all your pets’ things right away. Remember that you will need time to heal, so take things slowly.
Besides, don’t be in a hurry to get another pet either as this may lead you to regret later on when you are no longer able to cope with the situation.
7) Spend time with other pets in the household
If you have other pets in the house, spend time with them. They may also be grieving for their friend, so give them lots of reassurance and cuddles.
8) Create a memorial for your pet
You can create a memorial for your pet in many ways; it doesn’t have to be expensive. For example, you could plant a tree or a flower in honor of your pet or create a scrapbook filled with pictures and special memories.
Create a memory book or video. If your pet was the kind of companion who was always up for an adventure or even a simple snuggle on the couch, then they were probably pretty photogenic. Flip through your photo albums and put together some of your favorite pictures of your pet in an album or slide show. It’s a great way to keep those memories alive and share them with family and friends as well.
Creating a memorial for your pet, such as a plaque or a special place in your home, can help you honor your pet’s memory and provide a sense of closure.
9) What to do with the deceased pet’s toys?
Your pet has likely left behind many toys, beds, leashes and other items that may still smell like them. Consider keeping these items out where you will see them every day as reminders of the good times you shared together. If there is something that you can’t bear to keep around (such as their collar, their favorite toy or anything), consider donating it to a local shelter so that another animal can enjoy it.
10) Remember happy times together with your pet
Remember the good times – talk about your pet with friends and family, share your stories and memories and look at photographs together. Recalling happy moments with your pet will help ease the pain of losing him or her. It may also remind you that your pet had been. Remember all of the good times that you shared with your pet, and focus on these memories.
11) Do not change your routine
Try to keep a routine as normal as possible – a sudden change can add further stress for everyone in the household.
12) Take care of yourself
If you’re grieving, try to get enough sleep, eat well and avoid alcohol and drugs. These things won’t make you feel better in the long run and can actually increase your depression and anxiety.
It’s important to take care of your physical and emotional well-being during this difficult time. Make sure to eat well, get enough sleep, and take time to relax and do activities you enjoy.
13) Reach out for support
If you are grieving over the death of a pet, talk with someone who understands how you feel.
Talk to friends who have gone through the same experience. They will understand what you are going through and may be able to help you feel better.
If you do not have friends around you, the social media is one click away now a days. Make posts, join and discuss in groups, you will find so many people who went through the same pain as you are right now. Talking to those people, will give you some relief.
It has helped me, I would suggest talk to friends, family, or a therapist about your feelings. It can also be helpful to connect with others who have experienced the loss of a pet.
14) TALK
If you’re young, remember that you may be able to talk about your pet’s death with someone besides your parents. You may feel more comfortable talking to an older sibling, a trusted friend, a teacher or other adult. Talking about how you feel will help you get through this tough time.
15) Write
Writing about your feelings might help you cope better with the loss. Write a letter to your pet or keep a diary of your thoughts and feelings. In the diary, tell stories about your pet and draw pictures of him or her.
16) Find healthy ways to express your grief
Dealing with death is hard enough, and it’s made even harder when you’re not sure what to do.
Take care of yourself. Eat well, exercise and do things that relax you. Surround yourself with people who care about you and who won’t judge your grief. Do things you enjoy with them, even if they don’t exactly lift your spirits.
16) Get a new pet
When your pet dies, do not rush to buy another quickly. Give yourself some time to overcome the grief first. Wait for the right time to come, take your time making the decision to get another pet.
Take your mind off other matters by getting a new pet. A new pet will help to take your mind off your grief and give you something to care for again. This will help to ease the loss of your old pet and keep you from being overly sad about the situation.
17) Adopting a new pet instead of buying
If you’re ready, adopting another pet can be a great way to honor the memory of your previous pet and bring joy and companionship into your life.
You can save two lives when you adopt a pet. You’re making room for an animal shelter to take in another cat or dog.
You’ll save a life. Every year, millions of pets are euthanized in animal shelters across the country because no one wants them. People want puppies and purebred dogs, not adult mutts who may have been abused or neglected by their former owners.
Many people think they’re doing a favor by buying from a breeder or pet store, but the truth is that each purchase fuels demand for more puppies to be produced in puppy mills. You’ll never have to wonder where your adopted pet came from.
All animal shelters perform background checks on potential adopters to make sure their pets are going to good homes — so you’ll never wonder if you’re getting an animal from someone who neglected or abused them. After reading this blog, you can read Top 7 reasons to adopt a pet by clicking here
Above where some main points how to cope with the situation when your beloved pet dies. When the pet dies, it can have different impact on the children as well, which I am going mention below;
Impact of pet’s death on children
The death of a pet is often a child’s first experience with death. It’s important to help a child understand the stages of grief and that it’s OK to feel sad and cry.
Signs of grief in children include crying, screaming, or shouting. They may also become withdrawn or distant, as well as angry and resentful. A child may also regress and begin acting like a younger child, such as baby-talk or bedwetting.
A pet is more than just an animal; it’s part of the family and losing a pet can affect everyone in the household. Your child will look to you for guidance on how to deal with their feelings.
Here are some things you can do to help your child deal with the loss of a pet:
Allow your child to participate in the burial, if possible. If you’re burying your pet at home, let your child pick out a special spot, where they can put flowers or toys on top. If you’re taking your pet to be cremated or buried by someone else, ask if your child can pick out an urn or casket for them.
You can read books about pet loss together with your children, especially if this is your child’s first experience with loss and death.
How long it takes to cope with the pet’s death
Give yourself time to grieve. It will take longer than you ever imagined. When a pet dies, it is hard for owners to imagine life without their animal companions. At first we feel numb, but then come all the other emotions: sadness, depression, anger and guilt. We may feel guilty that we did not do enough to keep our pets healthy or alive. We may be angry at the veterinarian, at God, or even at our pets for leaving us. And we may feel that no one understands what we are going through.
There are no right or wrong feelings when a pet dies. It can take months to recover from the loss of a pet and it’s normal to feel like you never will.
Grieving is a process that is different for everyone. Some people are able to grieve and move on quickly while others take longer. It is not uncommon for people to go through some or all of the following stages of grief after losing a pet:
Denial – refusing to believe that the pet has died.
Anger – feeling like you are being punished or that someone else is responsible for your pet’s death.
Bargaining – thinking about what you could have done differently to save your pet’s life; wishing you had done something sooner or later to prevent the death from occurring.
Pet loss is a very sensitive subject for me, as I’m sure it is for you too.
I had to deal with this tragic situation recently ( September 2021), and I will never be able to fully express how much pain I felt in my heart when my parrot passed away.
The worst part about it I still blame myself, I fed him avocado without having a single thought that its harmful for him. I regret so much, I cry so much but sad I can not bring back the time.
While feeding him avocado, I wish if it occurs for a second in my mind that this avocado is poisonous for him, I will never ever forgive myself for that.
After my parrot died, I decided not to get another one. Many friends told me on social media to get another African Grey Parrot, but I know myself, the pain of losing my parrot is so painful. I love to have another African Grey Parrot, but I am so scared of losing the pet again, it just hurts so much….
If you have lost a pet, you probably don’t need to be told how painful the loss can be. Many people consider their pets part of the family and having them die can be as much of a shock and grief as when a human relative dies.
It’s also important to understand that grief is both personal and unique, and that there is no right or wrong way to grieve. Although it is normal to feel grief when you lose your pet, it is important to take care of yourself during this time and seek the support you need. There are many things you can do to help yourself heal from the pain of losing your pet.
Now that you know a bit about how to deal with the loss of your pet friend, let’s take a look at how you can overcome…
My Final Thoughts, Consider the following:
There is no right or wrong way to grieve when you lose a pet. You may experience a wide range of emotions as you deal with your loss — from sadness and shock to anger, guilt and denial. Your feelings are valid and it’s okay for you to grieve, even if it doesn’t feel like it sometimes. It’s never easy to lose your furry friend, but after my parrot died, I decided I would share the things that helped me the most in hopes that it might help you too.
So you’re about to lose your pet for the last time. They are so sick, or old and now, you need to decide when is the right time to say goodbye to them.
I believe not everybody understands the depth of love and attachment that pet owners have for their pets which makes grieving all the more difficult.
It’s true that pets are family, and the sadness you feel when you lose a pet is real.
There are no “rules” about how long you should grieve for your pet. As I said above everyone reacts differently to loss and experiences grief in their own way. But if your feelings of grief or sadness don’t get better after some time, or if they interfere with your day-to-day life, it may be time to seek outside support from a professional.
Get professional help if you need it. If you feel overwhelmed by sadness or can’t function because of your grief, contact a mental health provider for counseling to help you through this difficult time.
Losing a pet can be a difficult experience, but it’s important to remember that it’s okay to grieve and to take the time you need to heal.
Understand the reality of short lifespan;
At the end, I would say, before getting another pet, make sure you are mentally ready about the pet lifespan as well. Because specially dogs and cats have such a short lifespan. Losing a pet can be so upsetting that it’s hard to know what to do next. So this is main first thing to consider when your plan to get a pet.
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Stay safe and much love !
