“What to do if a pet has died?” is the painful question that pet owners ask themselves when their beloved companion has crossed over the rainbow bridge. The grief is deep, and the pain from the loss is intense. When a pet dies, many pet owners fall into a deep black hole. How to best deal with the death of a pet? Consoling words, heartfelt condolences, and other things help you cope better. Learn more about how to manage the grief over your pet!

Pet Owners After the Death of the Pet – What to Do When a Pet Has Died?

Dealing with death is difficult. Many pet owners try not to talk about the pet or think about it. This is a natural defense mechanism to avoid facing reality. The thought of being responsible for the death of the pet, as euthanasia was given the go-ahead, is one of the key emotions associated with euthanasia. However, it was also found that guilt was often not felt since euthanasia was understood as a release for the pet.

The right way to deal with death is to allow the grieving process and acknowledge death.

Going through the grieving process means:

Not allowing feelings or not adapting indicates that the grief has not been overcome. Delayed grief can occur, for example, when trying to stay strong for other family members.

Guilt feelings after deciding on the pet’s death are common!

Deciding whether to say yes or no to the pet’s death is a nerve-wracking process. In an American dissertation, the course of euthanasia, from the pet owner’s decision-making to the euthanasia process to dealing with the pet’s death, was closely examined (Turner 1998). In 7 out of 8 cases, the poor health of the pet was the reason for euthanasia.

Reasons for Pet Euthanasia – Guilt Feelings!

In the decision-making process of pet owners, the thought of the pet’s poor quality of life was in the foreground, and it needed to be relieved of its suffering. On the other hand, if the owner’s quality of life is severely limited, for example, due to extremely aggressive, insolvable behavior or tremendous caregiving effort, pet owners often struggle with guilt: Was it the wrong decision? Could I have done this and that?

However, the aforementioned study also showed that pet owners would like to have the option of euthanasia for incurably ill humans. This shows how closely pets are integrated into today’s family system. With fully valued animal family members, pet owners seem to wish for the same rights for humans and animals. Witnessing suffering and being unable to do anything gives people a feeling of helplessness. The end of suffering ultimately brought relief to pet owners.

In a new study by MacKay and colleagues (2016), the valuable contribution to coping with grief after the death of a pet was examined. Describing the deceased pet as part of the family, attributing childlike qualities, and appreciating the cheerful nature of the pet show the intense connection between humans and pets. Deep sympathy and feelings of gratitude for the pet were also described. Guilt feelings for the pet’s death were mentioned more frequently, but so were being in a better place through crossing the rainbow bridge and life after death.

If you are still considering whether euthanasia is necessary for your pet, the article “Euthanasia – the Right Time in Your Decision” can help you. Once it is decided that the pet will be euthanized, the phase of saying goodbye and grieving after the death begins –> What to do when a pet has died?

After the Death of the Pet: Burial and Farewell!?

Social support from friends and family is essential to better cope with the grieving process and process the death of the pet. A ritual burial can also help accept the death. Eulogies and flowers provide a dignified farewell to the pet.

Virtual Pet Cemetery – What to Do When a Pet Has Died!

Another way to bid farewell is through a virtual pet cemetery on the World Wide Web, where an online obituary for the deceased pet can be posted. A picture, a few kind words, and/or a poem can be directed to the departed pet there. The encouragement from fellow pet owners who are or have been in the same situation can also help. Heartfelt condolences or comforting words are often balm for the soul.

Other Pets in the Household

Other pets in the household can also undergo a grieving process and fall into a kind of depression, being disengaged, refusing to eat and drink, or repeatedly searching for the lost pet. It is important not to change the daily routine during this time. Daily activity should be encouraged, but the pet should not be overly protected. Involving the remaining pet in the grieving process can help it understand what has happened, much like children.

Just as with children, the other pets need to be vividly taught about the death of the deceased family member. Showing the deceased pet’s body to the remaining pet, for example, during the pet’s funeral, can help the pet understand that it is no longer there. There are numerous touching accounts from many pet owners about this.

New Pet – What to Do When a Pet Has Died!

Another topic shortly after the death of the pet is often the acquisition of a new pet and the feeling of heartless replacement. The emptiness without a pet is initially hard to bear. The pet was part of daily life and is missed. Although most pet owners in the study did not want to acquire a new pet immediately, the thought of eventually getting a new one was not ruled out.

The companionship of a new pet can help people overcome the loss and grief more quickly. However, people may hesitate to acquire a new pet due to the fear of being disloyal to the deceased pet or the fear of another loss. Ultimately, it is up to each individual to decide if and when a new animal family member should join.

Conclusion – Consoling Words and Allowing Grief Help!

The death of a beloved living being is never an easy matter but is a part of life. When a pet dies, a person can be just as stirred up and in a grieving phase, depending on the bond with the animal, as when a close human passes away. Ritual burials have evolved over the years for humans to bid farewell to loved ones appropriately and with honor. As animals increasingly take on similar roles as human friends, there is no need to be ashamed if the death of a beloved pet affects someone deeply.

Those who openly deal with this situation will find it easiest to recover. A proper burial and remembrance of the deceased pet can help. Even if some people dismiss this as ridiculous, other pet owners may understand this approach and perhaps be more open about their grief. What to do when a pet has died takes months to years after the death of the pet.