Dealing with the Loss of Your Pet
The following information is from the Oregon Veterinary Medical Association and is provided as a public service of
the OVMA.
TO SAY THE DEATH OF A BELOVED PET is painful
is a great understatement. Our pets are our friends;
often our closest, kindest, and truest friends. We rely on them, take their
unconditional love for granted, and when they die, we miss them terribly and grieve for them as beloved family members.
Understanding the grieving process and knowing that grieving for your pet is natural and necessary will help you to process
your feelings of loss and to adapt to life without your pet.
Grieving for Your Pet
It is important to give yourself permission to grieve the loss of your pet. Grief is experienced differently by each
person and proceeds at an individual pace. If you feel as though you are "stuck" in one phase, it may help to seek counseling or support
from others who have also lost pets. Usually the grief process includes:
- Shock and Denial: A phase where your pet's death doesn't seem real.
- Anger and Guilt: The bereaved may lash out at others - family members, the veterinarian, or God - blaming
others, or themselves, for the pet's death.
- Bargaining: The bereaved may try to make a deal with God or with the veterinarian in hope of bringing
their pet back.
- Depression: The bereaved may feel sad, hopeless, confused, guilty, drained, and helpless. All of these
feelings are normal, but if depression persists over time, you may want to see your physician for an evaluation.
- Acceptance and Resolution: This phase is reached when the loss is integrated into the bereaved's life.
It does not mean forgetting about the pet.
The Healing Process
Honoring and memorializing your pet is an important part of the grieving and healing process.
You might consider making a donation to an animal-related organization in memory of your pet, carrying out a ritual
such as lighting a candle for your pet, having a memorial service with family and friends, making a scrapbook of your pet's
life, writing about your special memories of your pet, or talking to others, such as a support group, who have experienced
similar loss. You should only get another pet when you feel that you are ready. Some bereaved are ready soon after the loss of
their pet; others may need to wait until they have completed the grieving process.
Deciding to Euthanize Your Pet
The decision to euthanize your pet is often difficult and overwhelming. Talk to your veterinarian about your pet's health
and treatment options. You will want to consider your pet's quality of life as well as your family's, your pet's level of pain, and his
ability to do the things he once enjoyed. Feelings of guilt are common, but it is important to remember that as caregiver
the decision to euthanize is often the kindest and most unselfish decision you can make for your terminally ill or severely injured
pet.
We Want to Help
All of us at Hollywood Pet Hospital, veterinarians and staff, share your sadness at the loss of your pet.
We can give you the medical information if you need to make difficult decisions for your pet. We can also assist you in dealing with
your pet's remains.
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