For many, pets are more than just animals that they keep in their homes. These adorable, loving creatures become part of the family. They are treated with the utmost care and become an essential part of your life. Thus, when they die, you will feel the loss deeply.
When it comes to how to deal with the loss of a pet, there are many steps that you can take to feel better. The most important is realizing that you are grieving and allowing the process to run its course. If you happen to have other pets in the home, then they might also experience the loss of their companion along with you.
You won’t be able to explain to your surviving pet what’s going on, but there are some things you might consider doing to help them cope and understand why their companion is no longer around. Here are some ways to help a surviving pet deal with the loss of their friend.
Take Your Pet to the Vet With You
It can be confusing for your surviving pet to watch you take their companion out of the house and then not return with them. They may frantically search the premises looking for their companion and whine or meow at night when they can’t be found. Thus, to ease their confusion and give them a sense of closure, you might consider taking them with you to the vet when you get your other pet euthanized.
Not only can this help the surviving pet through the grieving process, but it can also be beneficial for the pet that has reached the end of its life. Having every member of the family present can bring them comfort as they pass from this world to the next.
Grieve With Your Surviving Pet
Your pet can’t tell you exactly how they are feeling, but you may notice some changes in their behavior that will let you know they are just as sad as you are. It might include not eating, changes in sleep patterns, sudden and/or new separation anxiety or a lack of enthusiasm when it comes to participating in activities they used to love.
You know your pet better than anyone, so if you notice any changes in their behavior, this could be a sign that they are grieving. When it comes to how to deal with the loss of a pet, you might consider leaning on your other furry friend to help you through the process. This could include hugging them and crying softly, taking them for a walk, or visiting the grave of their companion. Not only are these activities healing for you, but they can also benefit your surviving pet.
Maintain the Routine
It can be devastating to lose a beloved pet, and your life and any surviving pet’s lives will be thrown into turmoil. The best thing you can do for your surviving pet (and yourself) is to maintain your regular routine as much as possible. This means you should continue to take your pet on walks, feed them at the same time, play with them, and bathe them as you did in the past.
Owning a pet can be an incredibly rewarding experience, but it’s not one that lasts forever. Losing a furry member of your family can be hard to deal with, for both the humans and the other pets in your life. When this difficult time comes to pass, it’s recommended that you and your surviving pet rely on one another for comfort.
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