How to cope with the death of a family dog

How to cope with the death of a family dog. The first thing to acknowledge is that everyone grieves differently. What might be right for you may not be right for everyone. Some people need to talk about the dog to everyone who will listen; others refer to keep it to themselves. There is no right way to grieve and certainly no wrong way.

5 stages of bereavement

The death of a dog will frequently trigger 5 stages of bereavement. Yours may follow a different path, but it may be helpful to understand this pathway.

Stage 1 – Denial and isolation

At first you may not believe that your much loved dog is gone. You still hope that your dog will still walk through the door and that everything will be all right. Perhaps no one else shares this feeling and your may feel all alone. But it's OK to feel this way. It is a natural grieving process. Just make sure you are surrounded by your friends and family who can help you through this difficult time.

Stage 2 - Anger

I’m sure you’ll be forgiven for getting angry and perhaps even blaming someone else for the death of your dog. Hopefully this stage will pass quickly, as it is unhealthy for you to maintain negative feelings and blame. These feelings are normal, after all you have just lost a member of the family.

Stage 3 – Bargaining

Many people will go through a bereavement stage where they seek to bargain for a different outcome.

Stage 4 – Depression

As reality hits home and you find yourself living without your beloved dog, you may find yourself feeling very low and perhaps even a little depressed. This is a very difficult period for many people and you are encouraged to take things steady during this period. Take some time out if possible and allow yourself chance to heal.

Stage 5 – Acceptance

If you have recently suffered the loss of a dog you may wonder if you will ever reach this stage. You may be still angry or depressed and the thought of accepting the loss of a loved dog may feel a million miles away. However, please be reassured, you will eventually get used to the idea that your dog is no longer around.

What may help when you loose a dog

Have a good cry

Yes, I know that seems obvious, but so many people bottle up their feelings and that causes problems in other areas of their life – in particular their health may be damaged.

Have a dog funeral

Take some time out of your busy schedule and have a memorial service.  Remember your dog how he/she was when they were most happy - perhaps when they first moved in with you.  Perhaps lay a headstone, plaque or gravestone.

Create a legacy

Plant a tree, or produce a photobook of photographs of you with your dog. Perhaps write a poem or song and get it framed to hang on the wall.

Maintain your normal routine

This is important if you have other pets or children in the house.

Look after yourself

Eat well, take plenty of exercise and keep the alcohol consumption to a minimum. You don’t want to make yourself ill.