What To Do When One Of Your Pets Die
It's hard to deal with the loss of a pet. Most people view their pets as a part of their family, and the pain you feel can match that of losing a loved one. You may feel lost and experience sadness, anxiety, and guilt.
Most people aren't sure how to deal with the immediate aftermath. One could get caught up with emotional trauma. Furthermore, there’s the need to address your pet’s funeral, his or her belongings, among other matters concerning deceased pet care.
There must be lingering questions in your heart. How do you manage all these? How do you let go of the pain? Will it get better? These are the questions that we will try to answer. Read on to know what you should do after one of your pets passes away.
There’s a vast difference between merely existing and living. Your pet would want you to take care of yourself during this time.
Allow Yourself Time To Grieve
The first thing you need to do is allow yourself time to grieve. If you need to take a day away from work, do so. Coping with the loss of a pet isn't easy. Grieve in your way, and don't let anyone tell you what you should feel or try to diminish your pain.
While there is no perfect playbook on coping with a pet’s loss, the magic of allowing time to heal wounds is often sought after.
As you take your time off, try to savor the memories you shared with your pet and remind yourself that you gave them the best life possible. Know that you had a positive impact on your pet's life and that you gave them love and support when they needed it.
Furthermore, do not overlook the mundane days you spent together. Take pleasure in all of it; the wake-up barks, the hungry purrs, or just the physical closeness you once shared. Those ordinary moments are filled with love and affection that could help you move forward.
Talk to Someone
Look for a pet loss support group in your area to connect with others going through a similar experience. If you find that you're having extreme negative thoughts, feelings of hopelessness, or sadness that refuses to go away after a reasonable time.
It may be an indication that you need to talk to a medical professional. Do not feel discouraged to seek medical help from a psychologist just because it’s “just a pet” that you lost. You should never feel bad about seeking out help when grieving over departed pets.
Stay Active
One of the most effective ways to fight depression is to stay active. If you have an active gym membership, continue to workout. Take the time to take part in physical activities that you enjoy. While it may seem hard at first, it's important to continue striving in life. There’s a vast difference between merely existing and living. Your pet would want you to take care of yourself during this time.
Take your time to build yourself up, even if it means taking baby steps in the process. Spend a fair amount of leisure time doing your hobbies. Keep going to class if you're in school or go back to work as soon as you can. It will be hard at first, but focusing on something else will help you deal with your grief.
Memorialize Your Pet's Life
Death is only a small moment in the life of a pet. Instead of focusing on that one moment, try to focus on the entire picture of your pet's life. One of the best ways to do so is to pay tribute to your pet's life.
One of the first decisions you'll have to face when your dog dies or another pet passes is whether to bury or cremate your pet. If you bury your pet, it's essential to look at local laws about whether you can bury your pet in your yard or if you have to find a local pet cemetery. You should also remember that there can be health hazards to consider.
You'll want to remove the body of your deceased pet from your home as soon as possible as it poses some health hazards for you, your family, and your other pets. One popular option is to find a local vet that can cremate your pet.
Many pet owners will use cremation jewelry and doggie urns to keep a reminder of their pets with them. This is a great option, as you can hold onto the memories that your furry friend brought you over the years.
Also Read:
- Coping with Pet Loss: How To Cope When You Lose Your Pet
- What to Do with Pet Ashes: Is It Okay to Keep Them or Should They be Buried?
- Cremation Jewelry Pieces for Your Beloved Pet
- How to Help Your Child Grieve the Loss of a Pet
We're Here To Help With Deceased Pet Care
If you've recently had a pet pass away, we're sorry for your loss, and we're here to help. We have pet urns and cremation jewelry that you can use to memorialize your pet.
Get in touch with us or check out our inventory to find out how we can help with deceased pet care. Above all else, remember to reach out to loved ones and cherish the time you have with them and any other pets you may have.