How to get over the death of a dog

A dog’s age is much shorter than a human’s, and sooner or later our pets leave us. How to deal with loss? What to do if the pain of loss is too strong? Recommendations are in the article.

Don’t try not to remember

If the dog has lived in the family for a very long time, do not immediately erase the memories of her from memory. Tears and sadness are perfectly normal reactions to loss, so don’t delete your pet’s photos and try to get rid of any reminders of your pet. 

To come to the stage of acceptance of what happened and come to terms with the death of a dog, some time must pass. You can be distracted by routine activities, work or friends. Traveling to another city or walking around new places will also help you get a little distracted, relax and recover. 

Share your experiences

Some cannot cope with emotions on their own and sink into deep depression. In this case, conversations with friends or with a psychologist will help. It is important not to be silent and not to experience everything in yourself. It is clear that if a beloved dog has died, then this is not the most comfortable topic for dialogue, but it is necessary to talk. 

Acknowledging loss and grief can help you manage your emotions and make you feel better. Don’t be ashamed of how you feel – if your dog was your best friend, it’s perfectly normal to feel pain. 

Don’t blame yourself

Under no circumstances should you take responsibility for the death of a pet. Most often, owners remember that they once offended their dog, scolded it undeservedly, did not share a treat, or did not take it to the veterinarian. It is important to remember that every owner does everything he can for a four-legged friend. 

When a dog dies, the owners do everything to alleviate its condition, but these actions will not help avoid the inevitable. 

Don’t ignore other pets

If there are other pets in the house, they should also be given attention. They understand everything and worry no less. Do not ignore them – it is important to continue to play with them, love them and protect them. 

Even if you can’t cope with the loss of a dog right away, this is not a reason to stop walking with other pets. Animals experience stress in the same way, and there is no need to doom them to additional suffering. 

Don’t get a new dog right away

Even if the owner is sure that he has already coped and accepted his grief, it is worth waiting at least a few months. There is a risk that the new pet will not look like a beloved dead dog at all. 

You need to give yourself time to finally come to terms with the loss and return to your old life. Perhaps in a few months it will become easier, and then you can consciously approach the choice of breed. Do not pay attention to those who say “well, it’s just a dog, get another one.” No, it’s not easy, the other will be completely different. But time heals.

Any pet takes a very important place in our lives. It is extremely difficult to come to terms with his loss, but such is life – all pets leave sooner or later. The memory of him will remain forever.

See also:

• What to do if a dog dies?
• What to tell a child if a cat or dog has died?
• Guide dog: the story of an amazing rescue
• From homeless dog to hero: the story of a rescue dog